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Article published In: Solitude Speech across Languages and Cultures
Edited by Mitsuko Narita Izutsu and Katsunobu Izutsu
[International Journal of Language and Culture 12:1] 2025
► pp. 55–88

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Self-addressed solitude speech

A cross-linguistic perspective

 | Kanazawa University
 | Hokkaido University of Education
Published online: 5 February 2026
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https://doi.org/10.1075/ijolc.00069.kog
Abstract
This study examines speakers’ self-reference as part of genuine vocalized self-addressed solitude speech, with particular focus on different distribution patterns for second-person self-reference in English and Japanese in two types of self-addressed solitude speech (self-blame and self-encouragement). English displays a strong preference for solitude speakers’ second-person self-reference. By contrast, Japanese exhibits a persistent adherence to first-person for solitude speakers’ self-reference, which is also affirmed in another type of solitude speech termed ‘self-command.’ The notable preference for second-person self-reference in English can be ascribed to the socio-cultural value of speaker responsibility that necessarily presupposes the presence of an addressee. The adherence to first-person self-reference in Japanese, on the other hand, can be attributed to socio-cultural values in Japan, where interpersonal events are inevitably construed in terms of on and giri (‘benefit from others’ and ‘responsibilities one owes to others,’ respectively). Based on the examination of nine additional languages (Amdo Tibetan, Chinese, French, Korean, Malay, Marathi, Mongolian, Spanish, and Thai), we also demonstrate that the distribution patterns of second-person self-reference in self-blame and self-encouragement are captured in an implicational hierarchy.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Self-blame and self-encouragement
    • 2.1Second-person self-referential (pro)nominal subject
    • 2.2Self-referential proper-name vocative
  • 3.Hierarchy of second-person self-reference in solitude speech
  • 4.Split-self event conceptualization
  • 5.Self-command
  • 6.Socio-cultural motives for first-person adherence
  • 7.Motives for second-person self-reference in English
    • 7.1Strong preference for second-person self-reference
    • 7.2Further discussion and Implications
  • 8.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • The abbreviations used in the glosses are as follows
  • References
References (35)
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