In this account, I am sharing the Sashiko & how “different” the understanding can be. Not “Wrong”, just “different” – because of this difference, the understanding of Sashiko in English can be insufficient. After all, “Sashiko” is a Japanese practice rooted into the Japanese culture. The culture is deeply related to the language. In other words, the language is a product of each culture.
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The more I learn English, the deeper I respect the language. It is a well-developed language to communicate in a diversified society. Since the speakers are different, the language became straightforward based on their “value” – which is mutual understanding by logic. This simplification enhances the dualism, and unfortunately (sometimes), it “could” filter something in between. Contemporary Japanese is becoming like English – more “direct”. However, what I share is the culture where Japanese didn’t really need to “problem-solve” by language. Therefore, it is extremely challenging for me to explain the nuance of Sashiko in English.
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Unlike the other posts here, this is merely my opinion. I am not well educated enough to discuss linguistics. However, by explaining my idea, “what/how I write here” might make more sense to some of the readers. Some complaints that they do not get “clear answers” by reading what I write. It is true because I do not offer “clear answers”. Without mindful reading, my writing here is nonsense. Instead, I believe I offer enough “stories” to encourage them to think. Therefore, I ask, please sit with what I write (for while) before asking for the “quick” answers.
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英語を学べば学ぶほど、日本語というのはかくも不思議な言語だなぁと思うのです。「意思疎通する」ことが言語の目的であるならば、論理的な英語は完全体に近く、日本語はとても原始的に思えます。ただ、言語の目的はきっと「意思疎通」だけじゃないはずで、だからこそ日本語は先を言っているのかもしれません。言霊とか過去の産物ですが、これからくる未来のお話な気もしますし。英語は世界中の人が異なる文化を抱えながら、それでも相互理解するために発展し続けています。日本語はいい意味で答えを求めません。普通に昔の日本人とか、「おい」＆「はい」だけで会話してたしね。英語では想像できない風景ですよ。だからこそ、刺し子も「わかった気になって欲しくない」んだと思います。厳密に言うと、刺し子の本質は日本語がわからないと伝わらないとすら思っているので。
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2021-04-19 10:44:44
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なんだか…深いな〜。素敵です✨
This a fascinating description of these two languages and gives me lots to think about as I begin learning Japanese.
English and American school systems try to force a ‘right answer’ or ‘output over process’ mentality because the answers they want to give us about how our society should be, and we should be in, are not right.
The purpose of our school systems should be to encourage curiosity and learning skills: critical thinking, teamwork, enjoying the process of learning rather than ‘having learnt’.
I appreciate what you write. Thank you.
Apologies as this is a little off topic for the post, but I have been wondering if something similar to the French “Appellation d’Origine Controllé” is relevant to the general discussion. People seem to grasp that while there may be many sparkling wines, Champagne comes from a specific region, made by a specific process. Is this a relevant comparison? Many thanks for your continued efforts to educate.
日本語について、改めて考えるきっかけになりました。
I am so happy and humbled to have found this account. Fascinating topics and beautiful imagery.
One of the aspects I loved about studying Japanese language was learning culture nuances. It made me feel closer to my Japanese grandma. And visiting Japan was a revelation, so much of her mannerisms wwre reflected in the people I met and observed all around me. Understanding the language really is so crucial in understanding a culture. Thank you for the work you do here.
@mrinaldesai5