American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR) 2021

American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR)

e-ISSN : 2378-703X
Volume-5, Issue-1, pp-197-203
www.ajhssr.com
Research Paper Open Access

LANGUAGE STYLE IN ANIME CHIBI MARUKO CHAN

EPISODE: ITALIA KARA KITA SHOUNEN 2015
Putu Zalsa Swandari Putri , Ida Bagus Putra Yadnya ,
1 2

Ketut Widya Purnawati 3

1(Postgraduate Student of Linguistics, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia)

2,3(Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia)
Corresponding author: Putu Zalsa Swandari Putri

ABSTRACT:The Japanese language has certain characteristics that are used in daily conversation. There are
vocabulary, pronunciation, grammatical structure, language style, and many more. This study aims to describe
the use of Japanese language style, variants of male gender language (danseigo), and variants of female gender
language (joseigo) in anime Chibi Maruko-chan episode Italia Kara Kita Shounen 2015. The theory used in this
study is the forms of a language style according to Joos (1972:278) and joseigo & danseigo according to
Sudjianto, 2004. The method used in this study is the descriptive qualitative method, using observation and
note-taking techniques by collecting a conversation between characters that indicates language style, joseigo,
and danseigo. The data were collected by literature review method then analyzed and assessed based on theory.
The result of this study indicates that the variety of languages used in the anime Chibi Maruko Chan consists of
formal language, casual language, and intimate language. This study also found that joseigo uses nee, yo, dayo,
and ne as shuujoshii (final particle). The Shuujoshii (final particle) of danseigo uses da, and yo. However, the
various neutral languages are composed of the words desu. Personal pronouns were divided into three types
namely, female particle, male particle, and neutral particle. The male's particle consists of boku and ore, the
female particle consists of atashi and kimi, and the neutral particle consists of watashi. Then on the use of the
interjection consists of the words mae and araa. Meanwhile, greeting used kun, chan, and san.
KEYWORDS:language style, chibi maruko chan, joseigo, danseigo

I. INTRODUCTION
In each communication, language is certainly the most important tool for starting an interaction between the
speaker and the other person. In addition to communicating, language is used to convey information, idea, and
opinion to others. Language has its characteristics to suit its usage in every country. For example the Japanese
has such characteristics as grammar, letters, pronunciation, and language systems that suit its usage in their
country. Additionally, the use of a different Japanese language comes under the influence of its social strata,
age, gender factors between male and female. Variety of women language is called joseigo and variety of men
language is called danseigo. Although Japan belongs to a developed country, Japan still used a gender system in
daily life. Sudjianto (1999:18) states that Japanese has an outstanding feature of the wide variety of languages of
men and women spoken by few countries of the word.
The basic differences in language style are viewed in terms: intonation, language structure, and expression.
Female speakers generally use intonation, language structure, and expressions that tend to be more subtle and
polite than male speakers. This aims to give impression of feminism, meeting the level of intimacy, avoiding the
dominant impression, and getting prestigious. Whereas men speakers uses intonation, the structure of language,
and expressions more strongly to convey a dominant and unequivocal impression. The shuujoshi user (final
marker) is more obvious because the men and women have their particles to demonstrate the femininity and
masculinity. Furthermore, the use of various language style based on the level of formality, greatly differentiates
the way a person interacts with the other person. Based on its level of formality, Joos (1967:153-155) in his
book “The Five Clocks” divides the variety of languages into five different styles, including frozen styles,
formal styles, consultative style, casual style, and intimate style. These five sections are used to adapt to who
speaks by age, social strata, area, gender, and so on. This level of formality was used in writing but was also
used orally in everyday life. Apart from a face-to-face conversation between the speaker and the person to talk
to, this level of formality can also be seen in the movie. Among the examples of such films using a figure of

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speech as well as a variety of male language (danseigo) and female language (joseigo) in anime Chibi Maruko
Chan. Anime Chibi Maruko Chan tells about the everyday life of an elementary school girl named Maruko at
school and home.
This study will use anime Chibi Maruko Chan episode: Itaria Kara Kita Shounen published in 2015. This
anime is about Maruko an elementary school kids who has friends from abroad at her school. There are six
students from abroad: from China, India, Brazil, America, Spain, and Italy. One of the six students, Andrea an
Italian student stayed at Sakura’s house for a few days to learn about Japanese life and family. In the story of
Chibi Maruko Chan, the characters consist of all ages ranging from children, adults, to older ones. This causes
interactions between ages, giving rise to a variety of language formalities. The study use data-collection
methods and techniques of the listener-and-note methods used to collect through the data which is a typical
conversation in anime. It is then followed by substituting methods and techniques by substituting elements of
the lingual unit and by classifying data by various language groups. The purpose of this study is to know the
various languages found in anime Chibi Maruko Chan and can be a reference for further research.

II. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Languages style is the variety of languages according to the subject under discussion, according to the
relationship of the speaker, the friend, and the person has spoken, and according to the center talk (Kridalaksana,
1993:184). Additionally, Nababan (1984:14) also defines language diversity as language differences based on
distinct areas, different groups or social circumstances, redundant language situations, and degrees of formality,
and different years or times. In language, it is important to use a figure of speech to express something without
offending others. The following explains the language style, male language (danseigo), and female language
(joseigo).

1. Language Style Based on its Formality

The variety of language by the level of formality or function is called language or style. (Joos, 1967:153-
155) explained that the language style can be divided into five according to its level of formality:
1. Frozen Style
It is called the frozen style because its establishment never changes from time to time by whoever it says.
Example: scripture-reading style or prayer.
2. Formal Style
Style is commonly called raw style. Its pattern and pattern were firmly established as a standard and its use
was designed in an official setting. This style is commonly used in official or state speeches, service meetings,
and building reports.
3. Consultative Style
Style which is also called half official or business style. This is so-called because it lies between formal
style and informal style, and its use is used mainly by business or business people.
4. Casual Style
It is also called informal or casual. This figure of speech is commonly used by speakers in coffee shops,
places of recreation, on the roadside, and other informal discussions.
5. Intimate Style
It is also called a familiar style because of its familiarity with speakers and its relationship is all too
familiar. This intimate style is also customary for intimate partners, a mother with her small child, a husband
and wife in special circumstances, and so forth.

2. Male Language (Danseigo) and Female Language (Joseigo)

Danseigo is a strongly inclined language spoken by stern, direct, harsh, and often like a superior to a
subordinate. (Sudjianto, 2007:204). Danseigo is used in informal situations, while informal situations there is
virtually no difference between men and women in language use (Takamizawa in Sudjianto, 2007:204). As for
women language (feminine language), it is a variation of Japanese, which can be called joseigo or onna no
kotoba, which women use especially as a reflection of their femininity (Sudjianto, 2007:204).
Sudjianto (2007) differentiates joseigo and danseigo by an aspect of shuujoshi use, with a lexicon such
as first pronoun persons and interjection usage, and also with grammatic of cursory language (keigo). It is fully
explained in the following chart: As for women language (feminine language), it is a variation of Japanese,
which can be called joseigo and onna no kotoba, which women use especially as a reflection of their femininity
(Sudjianto, 2007:204).
Sudjianto (2007) differentiates joseigo and danseigo by an aspect of shuujoshi use, with a lexicon such
as first personal pronouns and interjection usage, and also with grammatic of cursory language (keigo). It is fully
explained in the following chart:

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Table 1. Comparisons of characteristics joseigo and danseigo according to Sudjianto (2007)
No Aspect Joseigo Danseigo
1 Shuujoshi kashira, wa, wayo, wane, no, noyo, kai, dai, kane, kana, darooka, zo, ze
(Final Particle) none, koto, kotoyo
2 Ninsou Daimeshi atashi, atakushi boku, ore, ware, washi, jibun, kimi,
(Pronoun Persons) omae, kisama
Kandoushi maa, araa yaa
(Interjection)
3 Keigo Formal Language Style is used more Formal language style less used
(Honorary Language widely
variant)

III. RESEARCH METHODS

The object in this study is a conversation between characters in the anime Chibi Maruko Chan episode:
Itaria Kara Kita Shounen 2015. The object of research used is several conversations between people who are
grouped according to their level of formality, gender, age, and social strata. The type of research used in this
study is qualitative. The methods and techniques of data collection that used in this study were listen and joint-
writing methods. These methods and techniques were helpful for listening, recording, and grouping data. Then it
follows a method for direct elements and a substitution technique for dividing the data that has been selected for
analysis so that it can produce appropriate data.

IV. DISCUSSION
This section considers the diversity of languages in the anime Chibi Maruko Chan based on their level of
formality. Joos (19671:53-155) divides it into three, which are: formal style, casual style, and intimate style.
Apart from its level of formalness in everyday conversation, it was also necessary to know the gender-based
language that was divided into the male language (danseigo) and the female language (joseigo).

1. A Variety of Languages by Its Level of Formality

4.1.1 Formal Style
The use of the official language variant in anime can be seen from the age limit and social stratification of
the language itself. In anime Chibi Maruko Chan official language is more common in older people (elderly),
and foreigners just visiting. Here’s the sample analysis:
Data (1)
This conversation between leaders Hideji, Tomozou, and Maruko, when Hideji asked the Sakura family for
permission to receive homestay (09.49 minutes up 10.35 minutes).
Hideji : Oh, Maruko san, Tomozou-san.
Tomouzou : Hide san, nanika goyou desuka?
Hideji : Hai. Jitsu wa gaikoku no okyaku sama no homusutei wo gosoudan nano
desuga, Indo jin no Shigh kun wa Hamazaki kun no otaku e, Honkon no Xin
Ni san wa Honami san no otaku e, Hawai no Nepu kun wa Kosugi ku no otaku,
Burajiru no Julia san wa noguchi san no otaku ni homusutei sasete itadaku koto ni
kimata no desuga, Itaria no Andrea kun wa doushite mo Sakura san mo otaku ni
homusutei osasete hoshii to tsuyoku gokibou sareteiru no desu.
Maruko : Hee, aitsu magata sonna koto iteru no. Yada nee….
Hideji : Maruo kun zehi Andrea ku ni kite hoshii to kibou kudasateiru no desuga,
Andrea kun wa kikanai no desu.
Translation
Hideji : Oh.. Maruko! Mr. Tomozou!
Tomozou : Mr. Hide, what brings you here?
Hideji : Well, then…
I’ve come to discuss the homestays of our visitor.
Singh from India has gone to stay with the Hamazaki’s house, Xin Ni from
Hongkong has gone to stay with the Honami’s house, Nepu from Hawaii the
Kosugi household.
Julia from Brazil is having her homestay at the Noguchi household. And Andrea
from Italy, he’s made clear his strong desire to stay at the Sakura household, and
I’m here on this behalf.

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Maruko : Huh? He’s still going on about that?
Oh no…
Hideji : Maruo has made clear the availability of this household, but Andrea has absolutely
not interest.

The data (1) above is a conversation that uses a wide variety of official languages. This data is viewed from
a conversation between the Hideji who worked as servants at the Hanawa’s family house, Tomozou (Ojiisan),
and Maruko in the anime Chibi Maruko Chan, its about Hideji who visited the Sakura’s family house asking
permission to leave Andrea to stay there for a while so she can study Japanese family life. This conversation
was the formal language of the polite sentences that are characterized by final marker desu and desuka. Then
there was the use of okyaku sama, gosoudan, and gokibou. These three words make it seem more polite and
formal to call out to others for help. There is also the use of the word san to identify girls as a person’s name tag
instead of using the word “chan”.

Data 2
This conversation between Andrea and the members of the Sakura Family. (18.48 minutes up 19.09
minutes)
Haha : Konna ni takusan omiyage omote kite kurete, arigatou. Omokata desuyo.
Andrea : Daijoubu desu.
Chichi : Sore ni shitemo nihongo ni umai na.
Obaasan : Dare ni naratandai?
Andrea : Boku no ojichan ni oshiete moraimashita.
Sakiko : Hee, ojisan ni?
Chichi : Ojichan te, nihon jin nanoka?
Andrea : Chigaimasu. Itaria Jin desu.

Translation
Haha : I must say thank you for bringing us so many gift.
There must have been heavy….
Andrea : It was fine.
Chichi : I just gotta say, your Japanese’s awesome!
Obaasan : who taught you?
Andrea : Oh, my grandfather was the one to teach me.
Sakiko : Wow! Your grandpa?
Chichi : your grandpa, he is Japanese?
Andrea : No, he’s Italian.

The data (2) above is a conversation that uses a wide variety of official languages. This can be seen from a
conversation between the characters Andrea and the rest of the Sakura’s family during a conversation over
dinner. During a conversation that night, Andrea as a guest in the Sakura’s family used formal language to
communicate. Use final marker desu and use the form masu (polite form) in the word oshiete moraimashita
means “teach” and the word chigaimasu means “not” to seem more polite.

4.1.2 Intimate Style

The use of this intimate language can be seen from a conversation between individuals between Maruko,
Tamae, Hanawa, and others of the same age.
Data 3
This conversation happened when Maruko was talking to Tamae at school (12.01 minutes up 12.09 minutes)
Maruko : Tama chan, uchi ni Hongkong no Xin Ni chan ga kurunda ne.
Tamae : Un. Kinou Hanawa kun uchi ni deate toki kara, uchi ni kita to itenda.
Maruko : iina. Uchi na da Andrea ga kuru koto natanda yo.
Tamae : Hee, itaria no?
Maruko : un.
Tamae : Andrea, naze ka Maru chan to kodo ki ni ittetamo ne.

Translation
Maruko : So it’s true Xin Ni staying with you, Tama chan?
Tamae : Yeah. I talked with her at Hanawa

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She said she wanted to stay with me!
Maruko : So, I’m jealous!
It looks like I’m gonna be stuck with Andrea
Tamae : He? The boy from Italy?
Maruko : yes
Tamae : Andrea really seem to like you for some reason, huh..

The data (3) above is a conversation that uses a wide variety of familiar languages. This variety of
languages was spoken by characters Maruko and Tamae who were close friends and had this conversation while
at school. It can be seen from the use of informal language. There is a kurundane a common form of the verb
kimashita ne meaning to come. The word itenda that is a common form past the word iimashita means already
said. Then the use of the word natandayo is a common form of the word “jaa arimasen or jaa nai desu” which
means not. Furthermore, in his conversation between the characters, Maruko and Tamae briefly mentioned each
other’s names and used the word “chan” when mentioning as Tama-chan and Maru-chan were the familiar
impressions of friends.

Data (4) (12.51 minutes up 13.12 minutes)

Hanawa : Hei, Sakura kun, Honami kun, futari to mo Homusutei yo Ok irute kurete.
Arigatou. Xin Ni mo Andrea mo sunde oku yorokonde iru yo.
Tamae : Atashi mo tanoshimi ni shiteiru yo.
Maruko : Watashi tomadotteiru yo.
Hanawa : Boku no uchi ni wa Mark ga iru kedo, komatta koto ga atara itsu demo Hideji
ni soudan shite kureta mae.
Translation
Hanawa : Hey, Sakura! Honami!
Thanks to both of you for agreeing to the homestays. Xin Ni and Andrea were everjoyed!
Tamae : I’m looking forward to it, too.
Maruko : And I’m just bewildered.
Hanawa : Mark going to be staying with me, and if any problems arise, please feel free to consult Mr.
Hideji.

The data (4) above is a conversation that used a wide variety of familiar languages. The variety of languages
was spoken by characters Maruko, Tamae, and Hanawa who were classmates, and this conversation took place
at school. This can be seen from the informal use of the verb form ~te (the existing form): the word irute kurete
of imasu means “there is”, kuremasu means “gives”, sunde means “dwell”, yorokonde of the word sumimasu
means “dwell”, yorokonde of the word yorokobide means “rejoice”, tomadoimasu means “to be confused”. Then
the komatta word which is a common form past the word komarimashita means difficulty, a matter which is the
ancient form of arimashita means “there is” and soudan shitekureta which is the ordinary past form of
soudanshite kuremashita means providing solutions. This use of an ordinary form of the verb is used to make a
familiar impression on a friend in everyday conversation.

4.1.3 Casual Style

This conversation takes place between Kosugi, Nepu, and Takoyaki seller.
Data (5)
This conversation tells of their trip to Osaka, when in Osaka they went to a Takoyaki Shop and the
conversation took place in informal languages between Kosugi, Nepu, and Ten'in (35.07 minutes up 35.25
minutes).
Kosugi : Osaka ni shite yokata. Ore wa saishou ni shiawazu ne
Tenin : Ooki ni sonna yorokonde moraete ureshii na.
Kosugi : Osa! Okawari
Nepu : ore mo okawari.ergem
Ten’in : Hee, mada taberun kae? Yo kya yarun na..

Translation
Kosugi : Dang, I’m glad went to Osaka! This is happiest I’ve been in my whole life!
Takoyaki Seller : Thank you. If you all like it that much. I can’t help but smile!
Kosugi : Hey Mr, second for me!
Nepu : Me too!
Takoyaki Seller : You still go room for more? You all can sure pack it away…
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Data (5) above is a conversation that uses a variety of familiar languages. The various languages are spoken
by the leading Kosugi, Nepu, and Takoyaki seller in Osaka. This conversation occurred when the boarding
house and the group were eating at the takoyaki shop. When communicating between traders and customers
using a variety of informal or ordinary languages, for example, such as the use of the verb yorokonde, which is
an ongoing form of yorokonde morate which means “giving a welcome”, the word taberunkae is an ongoing
form of the word tabemasu which means “eating”. The use of various ordinary languages is used for people to
rely on to make it look friendly and attractive so they feel comfortable.

4.2 The Male Language (Danseigo) and The Female Language (Joseigo)
This chapter will explain the male language (danseigo) and female language (joseigo). This language variety
is used as a marker between Japanese men and women. It is used serves to show the masculinity and feminist
side of a person. Sudjianto (2007) explains that joseigo and danseigo are differentiated based on aspects of final
marker (shuujoshi) usage, with lexical aspects such as the use of first-person pronouns and the use of
interjection words. As well as the use of a variety of respectful languages. In the anime Chibi Maruko Chan
episode: Itaria Kara Kita Shounen 2015, there is a use of various languages between men and women in daily
conversations. The following is the description:

Table 2. Shuujoshi (final marker), Ninsou Daimeishi (Pronoun Persons) and Kandoushi (Interjection) in Chibi Maruko Chan
No Aspect Character Name Male Female Neutral
Language Language Language
(Danseigo) (Joseigo)
1 Shuujoshi (Final Maruko, nee,
Particle) Tamae, yo,
Haha, dayo,
Obaasan, ne
Sakiko chan
Hideji, yo, desu,
Hanawa, kun san
Tomozou (Ojiisan),
Chichi,
Kosugi,
Andrea
2 Ninsou Daimeishi Maruko, atashi,
(Pronoun Persons) Tamae, watashi,
Haha, kimi
Obaasan,
Sakiko
Hideji, boku, watashi
Hanawa, Tomozou ore
(Ojiisan),
Chichi,
Kosugi,
Andrea
Kandoushi Maruko, araa
(Interjection) Tamae,
Haha,
Obaasan,
Sakiko
Hideji, mae
Hanawa, Tomozou
(Ojiisan),
Chichi,
Kosugi,
Andrea

From the chart above, it describes the use of male language (danseigo) and female language (joseigo) in
anime Chiby Maruko Chan episode: Itaria Kara Kita Shounen 2015. In anime this has some such settings at
school, at home, and in a public area. This variety of language is used by some personalities to communicate by
considering such aspects as the use of final particles (shuujoshi), pronoun persons (ninsou daimeshi) and

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interjection (kandoushi). On the use of danseigo, young male characters tend to use shuujoshi (final marker): yo
and kun. Whereas in the character of older men its more likely to use shuujoshi (final marker) desu. With the use
of joseigo, women tend to use language more politely by using shuujoshi (final marker): nee, yo, dayo, ne, chan.
Furthermore, there is a neutral shuujoshi (final marker) used by the Hideji figure: “san” who was used to
describe the polite impression of the one to whom they spoke. Then on the pronoun person for men, using both
boku and ore. Interjection use on men using the word mae. Whereas the interjection women use the word araa.

V. CONCLUSION
Based on the study of the variety of languages in anime Chibi Maruko Chan episode: Itaria Kara Kita
Shounen 2015 the conclusion of this research can be described as follows:
1. The variety of language in anime Chibi Maruko Chan when viewed in its formality, there are three types of
languages style: formal style, casual style, and intimate style. The use of these different languages affects
age, social strata, level of intimacy, or relationships.
2. The gender-based variety of Japanese languages can be divided into two, namely: male language (danseigo)
and female language (joseigo). This linguistic variety were viewed as three such as, shuujoshi (final
marker), pronouns, and interjection. In male languages used the particles desu, yo, and kun. Meanwhile
female languages used shuujoshinee, yo, dayo, ne, and chan. As well as the many neutral languages used
the word “san”. The male language (danseigo) includes the word boku and ore, female language (joseigo)
includes atashi, watashi, and kimi. While in various neutral languages includes watashi.

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[3] Sudjianto,D Ahmad.2007.Pengantar linguistik Bahasa Jepang , Jakarta: Keisaint Blanc
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