Ask John: Why do Some Characters Speak in Third Person?

Question:
Why do females in anime, such as Mamimi from FLCL, speak in the third person?

Answer:
If I’m not mistaken, speaking in third person, referring to the self objectively, without using personal pronouns, is used as a type of characterization to represent child-like qualities. Unlike English, which has only the two pronouns “I” and “me” to refer to the self, Japanese has numerous pronouns that refer to the self including “watashi,” “watakushi,” “atashi,” “boku,” “ore,” and archaic terms like “sessha,” “washi,” and “atai.” Each of these pronouns has its own exclusive meaning and usage, and can be very inappropriate or embarrassing when used incorrectly or in the wrong context. Since these different pronouns can be complex and confusing, it’s not uncommon for Japanese children to simply refer to themselves with their given name instead of trying to use personal pronouns.

The earliest example of an anime character referring to herself by her proper name instead of using “I” or “me” is C-ko Kotobuki of Project A-ko. Pai of 3X3 Eyes, in her human form, Noelle from Tenshi ni Narumon, Dota (Daughter) from Bakuretsu Hunter, and Mamimi from FLCL also refer to themselves objectively. In all of these cases, these female characters have a child-like innocence and simplicity to their personalities.