Research Repository

Phonological Features Of English Speaking Japanese Youtubers

Gracel A. Compra, Genevieve M. Benolu-Ac, Jhea Mae N. Baril, Jenevev N. Baril, Jaien P. Casinio, Angeline J. Oyao

Student Research · 2025

Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English

Japanese learners often find it difficult to speak English clearly because thetwolanguages are quite different, especially in terms of pronunciation.This study aimedtoinvestigate whether and how the phonological features of Japanese English languagebyselected Japanese YouTubers reflect a changes or improvements influencedbythetechnological exposure and frequent interaction with English language online. This studyemployed a qualitative research design with a descriptive phonological approach, thestudy analyzed recurring English words and sentences in vlogs to identify both JapaneseEnglish segmental and suprasegmental features. The findings of the study revealedaconsistent phonological patterns shaped by Japanese English, alongside with instancesofnear-native pronunciation in sounds such as /ɑ/, /dʒ/, /n/, and /ŋ/, likely a result ofrepeated exposure to General American English through the use of digital media. Suprasegmental phonological features showed variation in intonation and a tendencytomisplace stress patterns, it suggests both influence from Japanese phonology and adaptiveuse driven by the communicative demands of content creation. These results indicatedthat informal, technology-driven language exposure may foster a greater phonological proficiency than traditional learning, a grammar-focused instruction. It is recommendedthat English language educators integrate an authentic digital content into teachingpractices. Future research could involve more participants and use a detailedaudioanalysis to gain deeper insights.