Gauging the Japanese Language Learners’ Understanding of the Concept of Uchisoto Via a Web-Based System

Abstract

This article aims to measure the understanding of Japanese foreign language (JFL) students in Indonesia in applying the concepts of uchi (inside) and soto (outside). The uchisoto concept is an asymmetrical concept regarding the honorific theory where a staff member may demean a superior or person in a position above him because of the presence of a third party. This concept differs from the culture in Indonesia, where staff or subordinates still use honorifics towards superiors, even in the presence of a third party. The research respondents were JFL students at Jenderal Soedirman University. Respondents were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the uchisoto.id website. The web-based measurement of Japanese language learners' understanding of the concept of uchisoto was conducted using an Entity Relational Diagram (ERD) design. ERD design is very representative of relational database design. The researcher used a sociolinguistic approach to teach the material using uchisoto. The test results show that the participants still had difficulty implementing uchisoto due to different cultural backgrounds. It is proved by their low scores on the use of honorifics/keigo words that change lexically. Low scores were also found in students' ability to identify humble language directed at their superiors when communicating with third parties who were positioned as Soto (outside) parties. The results of the uchisoto.id web survey show that the cultural background of the uchisoto concept, which is different from Indonesian culture, was the main factor hindering JFL in understanding and implementing the concept of uchisoto. The sociolinguistic approach helps them adapt to the use of the uchisoto concept based on social factors in the communication process.