Language is a means of communication that influences our culture in ways that shape our current situations, thoughts and realities. Given that it is a tool that is used to express thoughts, language shapes our thoughts without our realization and this, in turn, influences how we relate with other people and surroundings. With the changing world patterns and intense globalization, language has influenced culture and how people approach different activities around the world. Language influences how we express ourselves when in new environments since there are some words that may sound common but they are used to mean different things in different languages. In the Japanese language, for example, the words ‘the vase broke’ mean that there has been an accident while in English; the same words mean that the actual vase has been broken. In the essay below, some of the language that is unique to the Japanese culture has been discussed with illustrations of idioms that show the uniqueness of the Japanese culture.
The Japanese language and culture have suffered misrepresentation from the media over the recent years owing to the fact that the culture was almost being phased out. The media has constantly portrayed the Japanese as conservative and monolithic people. This is a truth that lacks a basis given that the Japanese have a unique language and the uniqueness of the language is brought out by the language not having any relation to the English alphabet. The language formed as a result of how people interacted with each other and the diverse beliefs of the people of Japan. The language emphasizes on the importance of humility and putting other people’s interests before self. The culture and language is also based on the surrounding factors that vary according to age, status and the relationships with different speakers and listeners. It is a language that creates a barrier between the people involved, and this, in return, helps in fostering the respect that is required in a society.
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Idioms, in Japan, are not only for casual conversations like in other languages (FluentU Japanese, 2018). They are used to inspire and communicate difficult ideas in simple ways. ‘The nail that sticks is hammered down.’ This is an idiom in Japanese that translates to those that stand out will often invite criticism. This idiom is unique to the values and beliefs of the Japanese since in real history, they have been viewed as unprogressive because of their language that is only unique to them. The media has often described the Japanese as irresoluble and difficult people but this idiom serves to show that the Japanese are bent on being unique and preserving their culture rather than conforming to the trends of globalization that may erode their culture.
‘ Giving birth to a baby is easier than worrying about it.’ This idiom, in Japan, is translated as a constant reminder that our fears can be a stumbling block to achieving our goals since they are greater than the real threat. The relevance of this idiom is seen through how the people of Japan have not been bothered by the news peddled about them on the media about how unprogressive they are. Instead, they have shown progress in various sectors in the world without taking into consideration the criticism from other cultures. Such an idiom is inspired by the values of the Japanese that insist on being patient and observant so as to know when to do something and when not to act. Through this, the Japanese culture has been able to stand out in the world in various fields.
Finally, the Japanese idiom that states ‘Eight-tenths full keeps the doctor away’ is similar to the English version of ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’. In their culture, however, the idiom is used to show the disdain of the Japanese on greed and excesses that may cause harm to self. When taken literally, it is helpful to one’s health. When viewed from an angle of the changing world, the Japanese are seen to be people of moderation and this makes them stand out in whatever that they do.
On account of the above points, it would suffice to conclude that the Japanese culture and language is unique and it is one that can be emulated by people around the world.
References
FluentU Japanese. (2018). 29 Genius Japanese Idioms That All Learners Should Know . [online] Available at: https://www.fluentu.com/blog/japanese/japanese-idioms-2/ [Accessed 27 Feb. 2018].
Maher, J. and Macdonald, G. (2011). Diversity in Japanese culture and language. Oxon [England]: Routledge.
