Keigo Perspective for Indonesian Migrants: A Study of Communication Challenges and Social Adaptation of Indonesian Migrants in Japan

Authors

  • Ely Triasih Rahayu

    Japanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto 53123, Indonesia
  • Hartati

    Japanese Literature Study Program, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto 53123, Indonesia
  • Safrina Arifiani Felayati

    Japanese Literature Study Program, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto 53123, Indonesia
  • Fauzan Fadlullah

    Digital Business Study Program, Jakarta State University, Jakarta 13320, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.10986
Received: 10 July 2025 | Revised: 11 August 2025 | Accepted: 26 August 2025 | Published Online: 12 November 2025

Abstract

This study examines the barriers to communication and social adaptation, especially in the work environment that requires the use of respectful language (keigo), experienced by Indonesian migrants in Japan. These barriers greatly affect the quality of life of migrants in Japan, which needs attention from the Indonesian government, along with the increasing demand for productive age workers from Indonesia due to the demographic impact of the Japanese population. Exiting conditions show that Indonesian migrants are not only required to have technical skills, but must be able to implement keigo in the work environment. The purpose of this study is to analyses the perspectives of Indonesian migrants on keigo  and the challenges they face in communication and social adaptation of Indonesian migrants' lives in Japan. In this study, qualitative methods are used to explore the experiences, perceptions, and challenges faced by Indonesian migrants in communicating and adapting to the work environment. This qualitative approach will reveal the phenomena of language, social, culture, and behaviours of migrants deeply and holistically. This phenomenological research design will focus on the subjective experiences of Indonesian migrants in using keigo and how migrants interpret the challenges and can adapt. Indonesian migrants often struggle with understanding and correctly using keigo due to its complexity and the cultural nuances involved. The ability to use keigo effectively is closely tied to social adaptation for Indonesian migrants in Japan. This study will recommend that institutions sending workers to Japan conduct simulated keigo training to create a professional workforce.

Keywords:

Communication Challenges; Indonesian Migrants; Keigo; Social Adaptation; Sociolinguistics

References

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How to Cite

Rahayu, E. T., Hartati, Arifiani Felayati, S., & Fadlullah, F. (2025). Keigo Perspective for Indonesian Migrants: A Study of Communication Challenges and Social Adaptation of Indonesian Migrants in Japan. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 856–866. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.10986

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Ely Triasih Rahayu, Hartati, Safrina Arifiani Felayati, Fauzan Fadlullah

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.