Mapping Strategy of Nominal-Verbal Constructed Japanese Collocation Based on Correlation Closeness and Meaning Clarity: An Ethno-Syntax Study

Abstract

This study aims to criticizing and extending new insight towards the currently available Japanese language collocation mappings. In details, the four categories of collocation in this study are: 1) weak-structured free combination collocation category, 2) strong-structured free combination collocation category, 3) weak-structured idiom collocation category, and 4) strong-structured idiom collocation category. The use of wago verbs in Japanese language teaching book Minna no Nihongo Shokyu I-II second edition and Minna no Nihongo Chukyuu I-I is more frequent compared to the use of suru doushi verbs. The percentage of the use of weak-structured free combination collocation is the most frequent and there is no data on strong-structured idiom collocation category found. Meanwhile, this study will employ ethno-syntax study as the basis which is the combination of ethnography study and syntax study. Review from ethnography is briefly stated that linguistic facts step forward to cultural phenomenon (Baehaqie, 2013: 15-16). Collocation has a very strong correlation with syntax as words coming together have to be right syntactically, not only based on the lexical items’ combination.

From the elaboration of the research findings above, it can be inferred that collocation is a complex linguistic phenomenon for students learning Japanese language. Collocation is also a multi-facets phenomenon related to the community culture of the target language native speakers. Thus, it is not always enough to understand meanings lexically in order to understand sentences or dialogue in Japanese language. When words are combined to create new expression, there will be a little bit nuance difference from the original meaning of the words. Therefore, it is greatly important for students learning Japanese language to study the use of words in the form of collocation compared to memorize words separately.