Japanesespeaking

Japanesespeaking refers to the use and study of the Japanese language by native speakers and learners. It covers spoken communication, formal speech, and the writing systems used in education, media, and government. The term can describe both native speakers in Japan and learners or communities abroad.

Japanese is part of the Japonic language family. It is written with kanji, hiragana, and katakana, and can be romanized as romaji. The standard form is largely based on the Tokyo dialect and is taught in schools and used in national media, while regional dialects such as Kansai or Kyushu vary in pronunciation and vocabulary. The Ryukyuan languages are distinct and not mutually intelligible with Japanese.

Phonology features a relatively small consonant inventory, mora timing, and pitch accent. Grammar is agglutinative, with particles marking grammatical relations and conjugated verbs expressing tense, mood, and politeness. The typical word order is subject–object–verb, and polite language (keigo) reflects social hierarchy and formality.

Japanesespeaking in Japan is supported by education and government policy, with Japanese as the national language. Globally, interest in Japanese has grown through media, tourism, and business, fostering communities of learners and heritage speakers in many countries.

Japanese-speaking communities exist worldwide, notably in Brazil, the United States, Peru, Canada, and parts of Asia. The total number of speakers is estimated at over 130 million, most of them native in Japan. Regional dialects persist, and some related languages of the Ryukyus are endangered.