An Exploration of Japanese Language Usage by Thai Caregivers of the Elderly in Japan

Abstract

This research aimed to achieve four objectives: 1) to explore the frequency of Japanese grammar usage among Thai caregivers working in Japan;  2) to rank the most frequently used Japanese grammatical structures in elderly care work;  3) to analyze the patterns of Japanese grammar usage by Thai caregivers; and 4) to explore the vocabulary used by Thai caregivers during elderly care practices for Japanese seniors. The sample group consisted of six Thai caregivers working in elderly care in Japan, selected through purposive sampling. All of the participants had at least three years of work experience. The research tools included:  1) an interview form focusing on the frequency of Japanese grammar usage in elderly care work, and  2) an interview form addressing the challenges faced by Thai caregivers during actual caregiving tasks. The data were analyzed using means and standard deviations.  The findings revealed that the Thai caregivers utilized 13 categories of Japanese grammar during their work, classified by  meaning as follows: 1) requests,  2) predictions,  3) expressions of opinions,  4) comparisons,  5) descriptions of experiences,  6) expressions of ability,  7) granting permission,  8) conditions, 9) passive forms, 10) giving advice, 11) expressions of intent, 12) prohibitions, and 13) conveying messages. These grammatical structures were predominantly categorized as basic to intermediate Japanese grammar. When compared using the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), the grammar ranged from N4 to N3 levels.