Senkyoshigo: The Unique Cant of LDS Missionaries in Japan
In the intersection of faith and linguistics lies Senkyoshigo, a specialized form of communication used by missionaries serving in Japan. While it may sound like a complex hybrid to an outsider, it is essentially a cant—a jargon used by a particular group—that blends the structural foundations of English with the vocabulary of Japanese.
Unlike a formal language, Senkyoshigo is not designed for secrecy. Instead, it serves as a tool for social cohesion and group bonding among new and experienced missionaries. Its usage is highly dependent on the social context, shifting between casual camaraderie and the formal requirements of religious service.
Key Facts
- Structure: Maintains English pronunciation, morphology (word formation), and syntax.
- Vocabulary: Incorporates Japanese lexical items and slang derived from Japanese words.
- Purpose: Primarily used for recreational bonding and in-group communication.
- Accessibility: Taught openly to new missionaries; not intended to be a secret language.
- Linguistic Status: Generally not considered a true mixed language by academics.
Linguistic Characteristics and Structure
The defining feature of Senkyoshigo is its reliance on English grammar. While the words themselves may be Japanese, the way they are put together follows English rules. For example, Japanese verbs are often adapted to fit English conjugation patterns.
Consider the sentence: "Hey dode, have you benkyo-ed your seiten-s for our shukai today yet?" In standard English, this translates to: "Hey companion, have you studied your scriptures for our meeting today yet?" In this example, the Japanese words for study (benkyo), scriptures (seiten), and meeting (shukai) are integrated directly into an English sentence structure.
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The Academic Debate on Mixed Languages
There has been some academic disagreement regarding whether Senkyoshigo qualifies as a mixed language. However, the general consensus is that it does not. This is because the vocabulary is developed consciously by the speakers rather than evolving naturally to bridge a gap between two populations. Furthermore, because all speakers of Senkyoshigo are expected to be proficient in both English and Japanese for formal settings, there is no functional necessity for a permanent mixed language.
Social Usage and Evolution
The use of Senkyoshigo is heavily influenced by the environment. Because mission leaders often view the cant as frivolous, its use is typically discouraged during formal religious meetings. Despite this, a subdued version of the language is frequently heard during interviews with leaders or in meetings between fellow missionaries.
Senkyoshigo is not static; it evolves over time and varies by location. While there is a general consistency in syntax across different missions, specific vocabulary can differ. This evolution is evident in the slang used for specific roles; for instance, the term used to describe mailmen has shifted from "bigot" to "steve" over several decades.
| Feature | Senkyoshigo | Standard English |
|---|---|---|
| Syntax | English-based | English-based |
| Vocabulary | Mixed (English & Japanese) | English |
| Primary Use | In-group bonding / Casual | General communication |
| Formal Status | Discouraged in formal meetings | Standard for formal meetings |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Senkyoshigo a secret language?
No, it is not intended to be secret. It is taught openly to new missionaries and is used primarily for recreation and bonding within the group.
Why isn't it considered a true mixed language by academics?
Academics argue it is not a mixed language because it is a conscious development for in-group communication rather than a necessity for communicating between English and Japanese speakers, as the users are already bilingual.
Do all missions in Japan use the exact same Senkyoshigo?
While there is a degree of consistency in syntax and vocabulary, some variance exists between different missions.
How does the vocabulary of Senkyoshigo change?
The slang evolves over time. An example of this is the term for mailmen, which changed from "bigot" to "steve" over the decades.
Where is Senkyoshigo typically discouraged?
It is often admonished in formal religious meetings because mission leaders may consider the language to be frivolous.