This pilot study sought to reveal identity-related conceptualizations of EFL use in Japanese media by employing a hermeneutic-constructivist process in which meaning emerged via the interdependence of researcher and subject. Specifically, the impetus of this small-scale qualitative inquiry was consideration of the potential negative impact of Japanese media on local ELL moti-vationseeking to answer how ELT practitioners perceive comedic English use in Japanese media , and hypothesize what, if any, effect it exerts on ELL engagement rates within Japan. Research findings indicate that the majority of participants view the normalized form of EFL presented by local media as sustaining adverse effects on local perceptions of Englishwith the co-medic usage of EFL thus recognized as potentially demotivating to local ELL participation. Nevertheless , researchers advise caution if attempting to develop the findings presented here beyond their original intention given the narrow scope of research subject populations
