尊敬語（sonkeigo）、謙譲語（kenjōgo）、丁寧語（teineigo）は敬語の3分類で役割が違います。 - 尊敬語（尊敬語／sonkeigo）: 相手の動作や状態を高めて表す（行く→いらっしゃる）。上司・お客様や目上の人に使う。 - 謙譲語（謙譲語／kenjōgo）: 自分（や自分側）の動作をへりくだって表す（行く→参る／伺う）。相手に敬意を示す場面、ビジネスで特に重要。 - 丁寧語（丁寧語／teineigo）: 文全体を丁寧にする（です・ます）。誰にでも使える基本のフォーマル表現（面接や発表、書き言葉）。 APでは「適切なレジスターの一貫した使用」がフリー応答で評価されるので、場面（友達 vs. 先生 vs. 客）に応じて使い分けてください。詳しい例や練習はトピック2.3のスタディガイド（https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5）と1000＋の練習問題（https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture）で確認するといいです。

Short answer: use sonkeigo (尊敬語) when talking about your boss or their actions, kenjōgo (謙譲語) when talking about your own actions to show humility, and teineigo (丁寧語) as the safe polite baseline. Quick guide: - To your boss: combine sonkeigo for the boss (“部長がおっしゃいました”), kenjōgo for your actions (“私が確認いたします”), and 丁寧語 endings (“〜ます/〜です”). - To coworkers of similar rank: you can usually use 丁寧語 (“お願いします”) or casual speech if you’re close. If they’re senior, shift toward sonkeigo/kenjōgo to show respect. - Watch for age/seniority and company culture—some workplaces expect very formal business keigo, others are more relaxed. On the AP exam, free-response tasks expect “consistent use of register appropriate to the situation” (use correct keigo level). For more examples and practice, review the Unit 2 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and try practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Short answer: usually stick to 標準語 and proper 敬語 in formal situations (job interviews, class presentations, business emails). Kansai-ben is a strong marker of 地域性 and identity—using it among friends, family, or to show local pride is fine and natural, but in formal registers it can come off as too casual or unprofessional. Why: the CED highlights keigo (尊敬語／謙譲語／丁寧語) for workplace and formal identity expression, and方言 for local belonging (Topic 2.3). Many people code-switch—Kansai-ben with friends, 標準語＋敬語 at work or AP-style presentations. On the AP exam, free-response tasks require consistent, appropriate register (see rubrics); use 標準語 and polite forms for Question 4 (presentation) and conversations. If you want to practice switching registers and dialect awareness, check the Topic 2.3 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5), the unit overview (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2), and 1000+ practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Good question—knowing a few youth slang words helps with reading/listening and showing generational language differences (Topic 2.3). Common ones to recognize: - やばい—“crazy/awesome/terrible” (context matters) - マジ／マジで—“really/seriously” - ウケる—“that’s funny” - キモい—“gross/creepy” - うざい—“annoying” - リア充—someone happy with their real-life social life - 草／ww—laughter online (like “lol”) - 神（かみ）／神ってる—“amazing” (praising) On the exam, be careful: use slang only in informal tasks (Text Chat/Conversation). For Compare-and-Contrast or Cultural Presentation, prefer standard vocabulary and explain how slang marks youth identity or internet culture (good AP cultural connection). For more Topic 2.3 review and examples, check the unit study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Japanese people code-switch depending on social role, setting, and identity. Common patterns: (1) formal situations (work, customer service, interviews) → switch to keigo (尊敬語・謙譲語・丁寧語) to show respect and reflect workplace hierarchy; (2) friends/family → casual/plain forms or regional 方言 (e.g., 関西弁) to show closeness or hometown identity; (3) online and youth contexts → slang/ネットスラング or ギャル語 to signal peer-group belonging; (4) mixed settings (older vs. younger people, or gendered expectations) → people adjust tone to match age or expected 女性語／男性語 norms. Code-switching signals who you are and what role you’re playing. On the AP exam, free-response tasks expect consistent, situation-appropriate register—switching incorrectly can hurt your score. For extra review, check the Topic 2.3 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Short version: keigo has three layers—teineigo (polite), sonkeigo (respectful for the other), and kenjōgo (humble about yourself). For conjugation patterns: - Teineigo: plain verb → masu／masen／ました (行く → 行きます / 行きません / 行きました). Used generally for polite speech. - Sonkeigo (尊敬語): use special honorific verbs (行く／来る → いらっしゃる／おいでになる, する → なさる, 言う → おっしゃる, 食べる／飲む → 召し上がる) or お／ご + verb-stem + になる (お読みになる) to raise the subject. - Kenjōgo (謙譲語): use humble forms to lower yourself (する → いたす, 行く／来る → 参る, 言う → 申す, 聞く／訪ねる → 伺う) or お／ご + stem + する (お持ちする) to modestly describe your actions. Tips: memorize common irregular keigo verbs and when to use お/ご＋stem patterns. On the AP exam, consistent register is graded (free-response and conversation), so pick sonkeigo for customers/teachers and kenjōgo for your own actions. For more Topic 2.3 review, see the unit study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Traditional gendered language in Japanese (女性語 joseigo and masculine markers) uses vocabulary, sentence endings, and politeness levels—e.g., women historically using sentence-final ～わ, ～の, softer adjectives and polite forms; men using rougher pronouns (俺, 僕), blunt endings, and assertive short forms. It’s tied to social roles, keigo expectations, and identity (Topic 2.3). Today many young people don’t follow strict gendered patterns: younger women often use more neutral or “masculine” casual forms for independence, while men sometimes adopt softer or polite speech. Internet slang, gyaru-go, and gender-neutral language are rising, and LGBTQ+ visibility encourages varied choices. Keigo still matters in workplace/formal contexts, but everyday gendered speech is weakening overall. For AP prep, be ready to discuss these changes in cultural-perspective prompts and compare generational differences (see the Topic 2.3 study guide: https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5). Practice questions are at (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

使う言葉（方言 vs. 標準語）はあなたの社会的・個人的アイデンティティを強く示します。方言（関西弁など）は出身地や地域への誇り、親しみやすさ、仲間意識を表し、家族や友人との場では自己の「地元らしさ」を強めます。一方、標準語（標準語・丁寧語やビジネス敬語）は職場や公式場面で社会的地位やプロフェッショナリズムを示し、世代や上下関係を反映します。多くの日本語話者は状況に応じてコードスイッチング（家庭では方言、職場では敬語）することで複数のアイデンティティを管理します。AP試験では、文化的視点の発表（FRQ4）や比較記事でこうした言語とアイデンティティの関係を具体例（方言保存、敬語の職場使用、若者言語）で説明すると高得点につながります。詳しくはトピックの学習ガイドを見て（https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5）、練習問題も試してみて（https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture）。

方言（ほうげん）＝その地域で話される日本語の「言い方・語彙・発音」のまとまり。アイデンティティの指標になり、地元愛や社交場面での所属感を示すことが多い（CED Topic 2.3）。代表例：関西弁（〜やで／おおきに）＝大阪・京都の誇り、東北方言（抑揚や語尾の違い）＝田舎らしさ、九州方言（博多弁など）＝独特のアクセント、沖縄の琉球諸語＝別の言語系統に近い。標準語（標準語／ひょうじゅんご）は学校・メディアでの公的な場面で使われる。試験では「方言がアイデンティティにどう影響するか」を説明できると高得点（比較・文化説明のフリー回答に役立つ）。詳しくはこのトピックのスタディガイドを見て（https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5）—練習問題も（https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture）。

Good list to memorize—focus on 丁寧語, 尊敬語, and 謙譲語 you’ll actually use in meetings, emails, and the AP free-response conversation/presentation tasks where register matters. Common business keigo to learn: - お世話になっております／お世話になりました (greeting/email) - 失礼いたします／失礼しました (entering/exiting, interrupting) - 申し訳ございません／申し訳ありません (apology) - 恐れ入りますが／恐れ入ります (polite request) - ～ております (progress/polite state) - ～させていただきます (humble: I will do ~) - 承知しました／承りました (I understand/received) - ご確認くださいませ (please check) - いただけますでしょうか／いただければ幸いです (please could you) - 尊敬語 verbs: いらっしゃいます, なさいます, おっしゃいます, ご覧になります, 召し上がります - 謙譲語 verbs: 参ります, 伺います, 申し上げます, お伝えします → 申し上げます Practice using these in short email and spoken role-play responses—AP free-response scores your consistent use of appropriate register. For review, see the Topic 2.3 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and unit resources (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2). For extra practice questions, check the AP practice bank (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Older Japanese sound different because language marks identity: age, region, and social roles shape vocabulary, grammar, and politeness. Older speakers often use more traditional forms (older keigo patterns, classical endings, and set phrases), preserve regional 方言 (hōgen), and prefer 丁寧語/尊敬語 in daily talk. Younger speakers shift toward casual forms, internet slang, katakana loanwords, and abbreviated expressions—so pronunciation, sentence endings, and word choice change across generations. Historical factors (Meiji standardization) and media/globalization speed change; younger people also code-switch between SNS language and school/仕事敬語. For AP Topic 2.3, you should connect these differences to identity formation and social status (敬語, 方言, 世代). Use this study guide for examples (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and practice applying concepts on Fiveable’s practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture). Free-response Q4 often asks for these cultural explanations.

Think about three common ways Japanese people change their speech: register (敬語), dialect (方言), and style for age/gender/subculture. 1) Keigo switching: people shift between 丁寧語, 尊敬語 and 謙譲語 depending on workplace hierarchy, customers, or interviews—important for showing social status and professional identity. 2) Dialect switching: Kansai-ben vs 標準語—speakers may keep 方言 at home to signal hometown pride but use 標準語 at work or TV. Okinawan languages show ethnic identity too. 3) Generational/gender/style shifts: youth use ギャル語 or ネットスラング; traditional 女性語 vs masculine markers appear in media but are changing with modern gender roles; code-switching happens across home, friends, and formal settings. These examples map directly to Topic 2.3 in the CED (敬語, 方言, 世代 differences, 女性語, コードスイッチング). For more examples and exam-style practice tied to Unit 2, check the topic study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and 1000+ practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Respect without sounding stiff: stick mainly to 丁寧語 (〜ます／〜です) and polite set phrases, mirror the other person’s language level, and use honorifics for names/titles (さん／様) sparingly. Use a few natural respectful expressions: すみません、お願いできますか／〜していただけますか／お手数ですが, and humble verbs about yourself when needed (伺います／拝見します). Avoid piling on sonkeigo＋kenjōgo if you’re not confident—wrong keigo sounds more awkward than simple 丁寧語. In workplace or formal prompts on the AP free-response, the rubric expects “consistent use of register appropriate to the situation,” so choose polite style and be steady. Practice switching registers (コードスイッチング) so you can adapt naturally. For drills and examples, check the Topic 2.3 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and more practice problems (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

Casual (ため口) vs. polite (丁寧語/敬語) is about respect and distance. Polite です・ます and 丁寧語 are used with strangers, teachers, supervisors, customers, and in formal writing or presentations—and on the AP free-response you should keep a consistent, appropriate register (e.g., 丁寧語 for a teacher or business situation). Keigo splits into 尊敬語 (raise the other: おっしゃる, いらっしゃる) and 謙譲語 (lower yourself: 申す, 参る); use these in workplaces or when showing extra respect. Casual/plain (dictionary form, casual pronouns) fits friends, family, and close peers. Switch when social roles change: if someone introduces themselves as さん付き or is older/better positioned, move to 丁寧語 or keigo. Practice switching so it feels natural—Fiveable’s Topic 2.3 study guide covers keigo and register (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and there are 1000+ practice items (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).

People can feel embarrassed about their 方言 (hōgen) because 標準語 (hyōjungo) is treated as the “proper” or prestigious form in schools, media, and workplaces—so dialects get judged as rural, uneducated, or too casual. Historical language standardization (Meiji-era schooling) and modern workplace expectations (敬語 use, corporate formality) reinforce that pressure. Media stereotypes and teasing from peers also make people self-conscious, especially when they move to big cities or have to switch registers (コードスイッチング) for interviews or client-facing jobs. Younger people may drop dialect features to fit in, which can cause identity tension: pride in hometown vs. desire for social mobility. For AP Topic 2.3, this links directly to how language varieties mark social status and identity. For a quick review, check the Topic 2.3 study guide (https://library.fiveable.me/ap-japanese-language-and-culture/unit-2/contemporary-life-japan/study-guide/z0uo9twBIqDQLqsyPZd5) and practice questions (https://library.fiveable.me/practice/ap-japanese-language-and-culture).