Relationality and the fictive use of kinship terms in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese

This study investigates the fictive use of kinship terms in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, based on a self-reported online survey of native speakers. The findings reveal distinct patterns shaped by culturally specific conceptualisation of relationality. Chinese respondents reported the most frequent use of fictive kinship terms, particularly towards senior addressees. Korean participants exhibited a more complex pattern, prioritising sensitivity to kinship over age considerations. Japanese respondents reported minimal use of fictive kinship terms, reflecting a strong family/non-family boundary. By reviewing relevant literature and analysing survey responses in depth, this study explores the intricate relationships between language, culture, and societal values in these three East Asian societies. It sheds light on how language reflects and reinforces social structures, kinship ideologies, and interpersonal dynamics in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese societies.