A PRAGMA-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE SCHOLAR’S LANGUAGE IN MANGA BLEACH
A PRAGMA-LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE SCHOLAR’S LANGUAGE IN MANGA BLEACH

Summary/Abstract: A Pragma-Linguistic Analysis of the Scholar’s Language in Manga BLEACH. This study delves into the pragma-linguistic characteristics of the ‘scholar’s language’ as portrayed in the Japanese comics, known as manga, specifically through the character Kurotsuchi Mayuri from Bleach (BLEACH ブリーチ). It examines how technical knowledge, verbal authority, and rhetorical sophistication converge to create a complex and memorable character. The analysis identifies several key traits: the use of specialized terms, uncommon verbal forms and particles, blending of formal or beautified language with overt mockery, rhetorical questions, a literary style, and Sino-Japanese vocabulary. These elements underscore Mayuri’s intellectual superiority and distinct personality. Additionally, the research highlights the strategic use of kanji for parts of speech typically written in hiragana, enhancing the formality and erudition of the discourse. This preliminary study suggests that while the identified linguistic features may be specific to Mayuri’s character, they also contribute to the broader stereotype of the scholar in manga, included under the concept of yakuwarigo (role language). The findings pave the way for more extensive research on the scholar’s language across a diverse range of manga characters, aiming to establish a comprehensive understanding of how linguistic stereotypes are used to represent scholars in this pop culture context.

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