This thesis examines the characteristics of tatemae (a means by which a person constrains his or her behavior) and the purposes for which tatemae is used in Japanese interpersonal communication. By examining the concept of tatemae , this study shows the importance of teaching tatemae in different contexts while teaching Japanese to English-speakers.
Previous studies explain that Japanese people tend to think that it is impolite to express their true thoughts or feelings, or refuse others' offers or requests out of concern for hurting the feelings of others. Such studies suggest that in order to keep harmony, people use tatemae to hide their actual thoughts or feelings; however, there are other purposes for which tatemae is used. In order to understand fully the use of tatemae , Japanese learners should be exposed to these various usages of tatemae .
This thesis examines data from three sources: contemporary Japanese TV sitcoms and films, and two types of questionnaires, one set of which was filled in by Japanese respondents and the other by American respondents. The data show eight direct purposes for which tatemae is used and indicate that the general purpose of tatemae is not necessarily keeping harmony but avoiding confrontation. The results also suggest several methods for teaching tatemae to English-speakers of Japanese. First, the concept of tatemae should be explicitly taught both through lectures in English and in performance in Japanese. Second, the concept of tatemae needs to be taught through a story that consists of a series of contexts. Third, the contexts should be explained clearly so that the students understand important elements, such as the setting and the relationship between the speaker and the addressee, so that they can use tatemae themselves.