Filler words in Japanese textbooks and Japanese classes

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study is to report differences in the use of filler words in Japanese language textbooks and provides examples. Filler words like “Ano(o),” “E(e),” “Ma(a),” and “De(e)” are used as fillers in Japanese conversation, but in Japanese language textbooks, they are not considered appropriate teaching items for actual use. Specifically, examples of filler-like usage that need to be adopted as teaching items include “Ano(o),” which appears commonly in the beginning or middle of sentences; “E(e)”,which is used in situations with a large number of listeners; “Ma(a),” which is used in response to questions; and “De”, which appears in the middle of sentences.