Backchannel cues seem to exist in all languages, however backchannel behaviour differs according to language and culture. This study argues that in the research on the use of backchannel cues in L1 and L2, transfer from L2 to L1 has to be considered reciprocally; e.g. transfer of L2 Japanese backchanneling into L1 German, as well as the transfer of L2 German backchanneling into L1 Japanese. Several cross-linguistic studies have been conducted with controversial results. Some find no transfer from L2 to L1 and others do. However, none of these studies investigated reciprocally. The result of this study shows that both findings hold true. Data collected from videotaped dyads between monolingual Japanese and monolingual Germans first established the difference in the usage of backchannel cues in the two languages, with German as low and Japanese as high in the frequency of backchannel cues. Next, one long-term Japanese resident of Germany and one long-term German resident of Japan were each videotaped conversing with a monolingual speaker of their L2 and then again with a speaker of their L1. Their usage of backchannel cues in each conversation was analyzed. Participants were given a questionnaire to ascertain their awareness of differences in conversational styles. The results showed transfer from L2 Japanese on L1 German but none from L2 German on L1 Japanese. Various reasons for transfer or non-transfer of backchannel cues are presented, as well as possible measures which could incite Japanese to change backchanneling behaviour, to avoid disasters in political and economic negotiations.
Change in Backchanneling Behaviour: The Influence from L2 to L1 on the Use of Backchannel Cues
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