Japanese repertoire for Indonesian workers in Japan: Variations of the register and code switching in workplace interactions

  • Ayu Putri Seruni Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Akbar Nadjar Hendra Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Rita Agustina Karnawati Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Ana Natalia Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Yuni Masrokhah Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Retno Utari Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Nia Septiany Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Rizky Nugrohoy Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka, Jakarta, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62159/jpi.v6i1.3047
Keywords: Repertoire; code switching; register; Japanese; migrant workers

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the linguistic repertoire, register variations, social work communication practices, and code switching among Indonesian migrant workers in Japan using a case study approach. Data were collected through video analysis of work interactions, quantitative questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Preliminary data showed that the oral interaction of workers was characterized by a mixture of Indonesian Japanese codes, the transfer of native tongue intonation, and the use of incomplete Japanese language structures in informal situations, while in the formal context with Japanese superiors, there was a register adjustment through the use of keigo and more polite lexical choices. The PLS-SEM analysis showed that the Language Repertoire had a significant effect on Register (β = 0.586; t = 8,097), Register on Work & Social Communication Practices (β = 0.458; t = 4,172) and Code Switching (β = 0.577; t = 4,086), and Work & Social Communication Practices on Code Switching (β = 0.209; t = 2,183), while demographic factors were not significant. This study confirms that the mastery of registers is a key mediator in building the effectiveness of professional communication among migrant workers in Japan.

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Published
2026-04-30
How to Cite
Ayu Putri Seruni, Hendra, A. N., Karnawati, R. A., Natalia, A., Masrokhah, Y., Utari, R., Septiany, N., & Nugrohoy, R. (2026). Japanese repertoire for Indonesian workers in Japan: Variations of the register and code switching in workplace interactions. JPI: Jurnal Pustaka Indonesia, 6(1), ‎622–642‎. https://doi.org/10.62159/jpi.v6i1.3047
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): January-April
Section
Articles

Copyright (c) 2026 Ayu Putri Seruni, Akbar Nadjar Hendra, Rita Agustina Karnawati, Ana Natalia, Yuni Masrokhah, Retno Utari, Nia Septiany, Rizky Nugrohoy

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