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2.1 The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity

6 min readfebruary 26, 2023

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Unit 2 Overview

🗣️ In this unit, you will look at how the Japanese language and culture affect personal and public identities. You will learn more about the Japanese language itself and cultural aspects that will provide more context for the topics you will learn throughout the course. Here are some guiding questions to help get you thinking for this unit:

  • How does language affect one's identity?

  • What are some different ways you like to greet others?

  • Can one's personal and public identities differ? How?

Personal and Public Identity

The Japanese language is used as the national language国語 (こくご) inJapan and plays a crucial role in shaping both personal and public identity.

In terms of personal identity, speaking and understanding Japanese is essential for communication and interaction within Japanese society. It can also be a source of personal pride and a symbol of cultural heritage. Those proficient in the language are often accepted as more well-rounded and integrated members of Japanese society. Additionally, language can also have an impact on personal identity by shaping an individual's worldview and perception of the world. Language can affect how an individual thinks and communicates and can also impact how they form relationships and interact with others.

Also, Language is used to transmit traditional values, beliefs, and customs from one generation to the next. Using the Japanese language in literature, media, and other forms of expression is also a means of preserving and promoting the nation's cultural identity.

Personal Belief

Language and personal beliefs are closely connected in Japan. The way people speak and communicate in Japan can shape their beliefs and values, and their beliefs and values can also shape their language use.

For example, if people value politeness, they may use more formal language 敬語(けいご) in their speech and communication.

Also, traditional cultural and religious values, as well as modern ideas, shape the personal beliefs of individuals. The Japanese language, with its rich vocabulary and grammar, helps to express these beliefs in a sophisticated way.

Gender Roles

Japanese has distinctive words and language used for each gender.

Certain expressions, terms, and speech styles are considered appropriate for men and women to use, reflecting traditional gender roles and expectations.

For example, women may use more polite and formal language when speaking to men, and men may use more strong and confident language in professional settings.

These differences in language usage based on gender can reflect and reinforce traditional power dynamics and gender stereotypes in Japanese society. While attitudes towards gender and language usage are evolving in contemporary Japanese culture, the persistence of gendered language usage highlights the ongoing influence of traditional gender roles and expectations.

Gender equality consciousness is becoming more established, and various efforts are being made to realize a society where men and women participate together. However, concerning the fact that there are differences in speech based on gender, there are opinions that it is not desirable. In contrast, others see it as something that should be positively valued as a richness of the Japanese language.

National Figures

Language and culture play a significant role in shaping the behavior and image of public figures in Japan. In Japan, a strong emphasis on respectful language and social hierarchy influences how public figures speak and act.

The Japanese emperor, known as the 天皇てんのう), is a public figure who is deeply influenced by language and culture. The emperor is considered to be the symbol of the unity of the Japanese people, and as such, the emperor's words and actions are closely watched and scrutinized by the public.In terms of language, the emperor is expected to use formal and respectful language at all times, and is often called upon to make public speeches on important national events or issues. The emperor's words are carefully chosen to reflect Japanese cultural values and to avoid causing offense or controversy.

Pop Culture ポップカルチャ

Japan has many world-renowned traditional cultural practices, such as 着物(きもの), 生花(いけばな ), 茶道(さどう), 歌舞伎(かぶき), and 柔道(じゅうどう). In recent years, attention has been drawn to traditional and more modern Japanese cultures. In addition, Japanese ポップカルチャー  has gained overwhelming support, especially among younger generations. While originally referring to culture geared towards the masses, nowadays, ポップカルチャー is also used to indicate things that convey high appeal and reflect modern Japan.

Japanese pop culture include 漫画(マンガ), アニメ, ゲーム, ライトノベル, ポップミュージック, and テレビ, among others.

The language of 漫画 influences the language and terminology used in pop culture. For example, マンガ and アニメ are used worldwide to refer to Japanese comics and animation. In addition, many popular expressions and catchphrases used in アニメ,

マンガ and other forms of Japanese entertainment have become part of the everyday language in Japan.

For example, phrases like かわいい and おたく( a term used to describe people who are passionate about anime, manga, and video games) are now commonly used by young people in Japan.

Japanese Language

Nihongo (日本語)

When someone talks in Japanese, they are speaking nihongo (日本語:にほんご). Just like people who speak English use certain words that are only used in their areas, Japanese people use a different dialect depending on where they're from. The dialect, or type, of Japanese spoken in a person's town or region, is called hōgen (方言:ほうげん). There are slight variations depending on the region, and it is sometimes difficult to understand. When listening to someone speak a different dialect, you can immediately notice the unique nuances, just like when listening to someone with a Southern or British accent.

The form of Japanese that is taught in school and is spoken by most people around Tokyo is Hyōjun(標準語:ひょうじんご). In the 1800s, after the Meiji Restoration, Tokyo, the capital of Japan, imposed this dialect to unite all Japanese people. In the past, people learned to speak 標準語 so they could move to the city and get a job. Even now, some people must switch from  方言 to 標準語. 標準語 is now considered the "Standard Japanese," and all textbooks and teachers use this dialect.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-bB00u2NgdGoW.png?alt=media&token=eb8e3b83-e189-4df6-a71d-836829a125c7

mage Courtesy of Free SVG

Japanese Alphabet

Japanese consists of three main alphabets: kanji (漢字:かんじ), hiragana (ひらがな), and katakana (カタカナ).

漢字(かんじ)

  • First developed in China and was gradually used by Japanese people

  • Created from pictograms

    • Ex: the kanji for tree is which is supposed to resemble a tree

      • when two are written together, it becomes , which means forest

  • Most Kanji from China can be read in the on yomi (音読み), which is the Chinese way of reading, or the kun yomi (くん読み), the Japanese reading

  • Each year starting in first grade, students must learn a certain number of kanji and have kanji tests regularly

Hiragana (ひらがな)

  • Phonetic Japanese alphabet

  • Each character represents one syllable

  • 46 characters

  • The first of the three alphabets taught at school

    • Most kids can read and write hiragana before they enter 小学校 (しょうがっこう)elementary school

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-BLR2uIwmFh3X.png?alt=media&token=b1ccff5e-97ab-49b7-abc7-522f114e500e

Image Courtesy of Japanese with Anime

Katakana (カタカナ)

  • Phonetic alphabet used to write foreign words

  • Each character represents one syllable

  • 46 characters, just like hiragana

  • Ex: orange is オレンジ, which is read as "o-ren-ji"

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-tJwIbxVZqYpn.png?alt=media&token=6c6bd0e1-fceb-4bc7-927a-c1d4ec13687b

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Key Words

  • Nihongo (日本語): Japanese 

  • Kokugo (国語):Japanese as national language
  • (標準語): Japanese dialect spoken around Tokyo 
  • Keigo (敬語):Honorific
  • Hōgen (方言): Dialect
  • Kanji (漢字): Japanese alphabet consisting of characters derived from pictograms
  • Katakana (カタカナ): Phonetic alphabet for foreign words 
  • On yomi (音読み): Chinese reading 
  • Kun yomi (くん読み): Japanese reading 
  • Tennō (天皇):the Emperor
  • Ki (木): Tree 
  • Hayashi (林): Forest

Strive for a Five Vocabulary

  • Shogakkō (学校): elementary school

  • Gakunen (学年): grade level

  • Kotoba (言葉): word

  • Gengo (言語): language

  • Gaikokugo (外国語): foreign language

  • Hon (本): book

  • Oboeru (覚える): to learn

  • Oshieru (教える): to teach

Key Terms to Review (19)

アニメ

: アニメ is the Japanese term for animation. It encompasses a wide range of animated works, including TV shows, movies, and web series.

おたく

: おたく is a Japanese term used to describe someone who is obsessed or highly passionate about a particular hobby, interest, or fandom.

かわいい

: かわいい means "cute" or "adorable" in Japanese. It describes something or someone that elicits feelings of affection or endearment.

ゲーム (Game)

: A form of entertainment that involves interactive gameplay, often played on electronic devices such as computers or game consoles.

テレビ

: テレビ refers to a television, which is an electronic device used for receiving and displaying broadcast signals.

ポップミュージック (Pop Music)

: Popular music characterized by catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and a focus on mainstream appeal. It often incorporates elements from various genres such as rock, R&B, and electronic music.

ライトノベル (Light Novel)

: A type of Japanese novel that targets young adult readers and typically features illustrations, shorter chapters, and easy-to-read writing style.

国語 (こくご)

: 国語 refers to the Japanese language. It encompasses both written and spoken forms of the language, as well as its grammar, vocabulary, and literature.

天皇 (てんのう)

: 天皇 refers to the Emperor of Japan. It is the highest-ranking monarch in Japan and serves as a symbol of unity for the Japanese people.

敬語(けいご)

: 敬語 refers to honorific language in Japanese. It is used to show respect or politeness towards others by using specific verb forms and expressions.

日本語 (にほんご)

: Japanese language. It is the official language of Japan and is spoken by the majority of its population.

柔道(じゅうどう)

: 柔道 is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's strength and movements against them. It emphasizes throws, joint locks, and pins to subdue opponents.

歌舞伎(かぶき)

: 歌舞伎 is a traditional form of Japanese theater that combines singing, dancing, elaborate costumes, stylized gestures, and dramatic storytelling. It originated in the Edo period and continues to be performed today.

漫画(マンガ)

: 漫画 refers to Japanese comic books and graphic novels. They are known for their distinctive art style, often featuring exaggerated characters and vibrant illustrations.

生花(いけばな)

: 生花 refers to the art of Japanese flower arrangement. It involves carefully selecting and arranging flowers, branches, and other natural elements in a way that emphasizes simplicity, balance, and harmony.

着物(きもの)

: 着物 is a traditional Japanese garment, often referred to as a kimono. It is a T-shaped robe with wide sleeves and tied with an obi belt.

茶道(さどう)

: 茶道 is the Japanese tea ceremony. It is a ritualized practice that involves preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) in an aesthetically pleasing manner while following specific procedures.

訓読み (くんよみ)

: 訓読み refers to the native Japanese reading of kanji characters. It is a pronunciation that reflects how the word would be pronounced if it were written in hiragana instead.

音読み (おんよみ)

: 音読み refers to the Chinese reading of kanji characters. It is a pronunciation that was borrowed from Chinese and is used in compound words or when the kanji appears alone.

2.1 The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity

6 min readfebruary 26, 2023

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Katelyn Lien

Unit 2 Overview

🗣️ In this unit, you will look at how the Japanese language and culture affect personal and public identities. You will learn more about the Japanese language itself and cultural aspects that will provide more context for the topics you will learn throughout the course. Here are some guiding questions to help get you thinking for this unit:

  • How does language affect one's identity?

  • What are some different ways you like to greet others?

  • Can one's personal and public identities differ? How?

Personal and Public Identity

The Japanese language is used as the national language国語 (こくご) inJapan and plays a crucial role in shaping both personal and public identity.

In terms of personal identity, speaking and understanding Japanese is essential for communication and interaction within Japanese society. It can also be a source of personal pride and a symbol of cultural heritage. Those proficient in the language are often accepted as more well-rounded and integrated members of Japanese society. Additionally, language can also have an impact on personal identity by shaping an individual's worldview and perception of the world. Language can affect how an individual thinks and communicates and can also impact how they form relationships and interact with others.

Also, Language is used to transmit traditional values, beliefs, and customs from one generation to the next. Using the Japanese language in literature, media, and other forms of expression is also a means of preserving and promoting the nation's cultural identity.

Personal Belief

Language and personal beliefs are closely connected in Japan. The way people speak and communicate in Japan can shape their beliefs and values, and their beliefs and values can also shape their language use.

For example, if people value politeness, they may use more formal language 敬語(けいご) in their speech and communication.

Also, traditional cultural and religious values, as well as modern ideas, shape the personal beliefs of individuals. The Japanese language, with its rich vocabulary and grammar, helps to express these beliefs in a sophisticated way.

Gender Roles

Japanese has distinctive words and language used for each gender.

Certain expressions, terms, and speech styles are considered appropriate for men and women to use, reflecting traditional gender roles and expectations.

For example, women may use more polite and formal language when speaking to men, and men may use more strong and confident language in professional settings.

These differences in language usage based on gender can reflect and reinforce traditional power dynamics and gender stereotypes in Japanese society. While attitudes towards gender and language usage are evolving in contemporary Japanese culture, the persistence of gendered language usage highlights the ongoing influence of traditional gender roles and expectations.

Gender equality consciousness is becoming more established, and various efforts are being made to realize a society where men and women participate together. However, concerning the fact that there are differences in speech based on gender, there are opinions that it is not desirable. In contrast, others see it as something that should be positively valued as a richness of the Japanese language.

National Figures

Language and culture play a significant role in shaping the behavior and image of public figures in Japan. In Japan, a strong emphasis on respectful language and social hierarchy influences how public figures speak and act.

The Japanese emperor, known as the 天皇てんのう), is a public figure who is deeply influenced by language and culture. The emperor is considered to be the symbol of the unity of the Japanese people, and as such, the emperor's words and actions are closely watched and scrutinized by the public.In terms of language, the emperor is expected to use formal and respectful language at all times, and is often called upon to make public speeches on important national events or issues. The emperor's words are carefully chosen to reflect Japanese cultural values and to avoid causing offense or controversy.

Pop Culture ポップカルチャ

Japan has many world-renowned traditional cultural practices, such as 着物(きもの), 生花(いけばな ), 茶道(さどう), 歌舞伎(かぶき), and 柔道(じゅうどう). In recent years, attention has been drawn to traditional and more modern Japanese cultures. In addition, Japanese ポップカルチャー  has gained overwhelming support, especially among younger generations. While originally referring to culture geared towards the masses, nowadays, ポップカルチャー is also used to indicate things that convey high appeal and reflect modern Japan.

Japanese pop culture include 漫画(マンガ), アニメ, ゲーム, ライトノベル, ポップミュージック, and テレビ, among others.

The language of 漫画 influences the language and terminology used in pop culture. For example, マンガ and アニメ are used worldwide to refer to Japanese comics and animation. In addition, many popular expressions and catchphrases used in アニメ,

マンガ and other forms of Japanese entertainment have become part of the everyday language in Japan.

For example, phrases like かわいい and おたく( a term used to describe people who are passionate about anime, manga, and video games) are now commonly used by young people in Japan.

Japanese Language

Nihongo (日本語)

When someone talks in Japanese, they are speaking nihongo (日本語:にほんご). Just like people who speak English use certain words that are only used in their areas, Japanese people use a different dialect depending on where they're from. The dialect, or type, of Japanese spoken in a person's town or region, is called hōgen (方言:ほうげん). There are slight variations depending on the region, and it is sometimes difficult to understand. When listening to someone speak a different dialect, you can immediately notice the unique nuances, just like when listening to someone with a Southern or British accent.

The form of Japanese that is taught in school and is spoken by most people around Tokyo is Hyōjun(標準語:ひょうじんご). In the 1800s, after the Meiji Restoration, Tokyo, the capital of Japan, imposed this dialect to unite all Japanese people. In the past, people learned to speak 標準語 so they could move to the city and get a job. Even now, some people must switch from  方言 to 標準語. 標準語 is now considered the "Standard Japanese," and all textbooks and teachers use this dialect.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-bB00u2NgdGoW.png?alt=media&token=eb8e3b83-e189-4df6-a71d-836829a125c7

mage Courtesy of Free SVG

Japanese Alphabet

Japanese consists of three main alphabets: kanji (漢字:かんじ), hiragana (ひらがな), and katakana (カタカナ).

漢字(かんじ)

  • First developed in China and was gradually used by Japanese people

  • Created from pictograms

    • Ex: the kanji for tree is which is supposed to resemble a tree

      • when two are written together, it becomes , which means forest

  • Most Kanji from China can be read in the on yomi (音読み), which is the Chinese way of reading, or the kun yomi (くん読み), the Japanese reading

  • Each year starting in first grade, students must learn a certain number of kanji and have kanji tests regularly

Hiragana (ひらがな)

  • Phonetic Japanese alphabet

  • Each character represents one syllable

  • 46 characters

  • The first of the three alphabets taught at school

    • Most kids can read and write hiragana before they enter 小学校 (しょうがっこう)elementary school

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-BLR2uIwmFh3X.png?alt=media&token=b1ccff5e-97ab-49b7-abc7-522f114e500e

Image Courtesy of Japanese with Anime

Katakana (カタカナ)

  • Phonetic alphabet used to write foreign words

  • Each character represents one syllable

  • 46 characters, just like hiragana

  • Ex: orange is オレンジ, which is read as "o-ren-ji"

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-tJwIbxVZqYpn.png?alt=media&token=6c6bd0e1-fceb-4bc7-927a-c1d4ec13687b

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Key Words

  • Nihongo (日本語): Japanese 

  • Kokugo (国語):Japanese as national language
  • (標準語): Japanese dialect spoken around Tokyo 
  • Keigo (敬語):Honorific
  • Hōgen (方言): Dialect
  • Kanji (漢字): Japanese alphabet consisting of characters derived from pictograms
  • Katakana (カタカナ): Phonetic alphabet for foreign words 
  • On yomi (音読み): Chinese reading 
  • Kun yomi (くん読み): Japanese reading 
  • Tennō (天皇):the Emperor
  • Ki (木): Tree 
  • Hayashi (林): Forest

Strive for a Five Vocabulary

  • Shogakkō (学校): elementary school

  • Gakunen (学年): grade level

  • Kotoba (言葉): word

  • Gengo (言語): language

  • Gaikokugo (外国語): foreign language

  • Hon (本): book

  • Oboeru (覚える): to learn

  • Oshieru (教える): to teach

Key Terms to Review (19)

アニメ

: アニメ is the Japanese term for animation. It encompasses a wide range of animated works, including TV shows, movies, and web series.

おたく

: おたく is a Japanese term used to describe someone who is obsessed or highly passionate about a particular hobby, interest, or fandom.

かわいい

: かわいい means "cute" or "adorable" in Japanese. It describes something or someone that elicits feelings of affection or endearment.

ゲーム (Game)

: A form of entertainment that involves interactive gameplay, often played on electronic devices such as computers or game consoles.

テレビ

: テレビ refers to a television, which is an electronic device used for receiving and displaying broadcast signals.

ポップミュージック (Pop Music)

: Popular music characterized by catchy melodies, simple lyrics, and a focus on mainstream appeal. It often incorporates elements from various genres such as rock, R&B, and electronic music.

ライトノベル (Light Novel)

: A type of Japanese novel that targets young adult readers and typically features illustrations, shorter chapters, and easy-to-read writing style.

国語 (こくご)

: 国語 refers to the Japanese language. It encompasses both written and spoken forms of the language, as well as its grammar, vocabulary, and literature.

天皇 (てんのう)

: 天皇 refers to the Emperor of Japan. It is the highest-ranking monarch in Japan and serves as a symbol of unity for the Japanese people.

敬語(けいご)

: 敬語 refers to honorific language in Japanese. It is used to show respect or politeness towards others by using specific verb forms and expressions.

日本語 (にほんご)

: Japanese language. It is the official language of Japan and is spoken by the majority of its population.

柔道(じゅうどう)

: 柔道 is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's strength and movements against them. It emphasizes throws, joint locks, and pins to subdue opponents.

歌舞伎(かぶき)

: 歌舞伎 is a traditional form of Japanese theater that combines singing, dancing, elaborate costumes, stylized gestures, and dramatic storytelling. It originated in the Edo period and continues to be performed today.

漫画(マンガ)

: 漫画 refers to Japanese comic books and graphic novels. They are known for their distinctive art style, often featuring exaggerated characters and vibrant illustrations.

生花(いけばな)

: 生花 refers to the art of Japanese flower arrangement. It involves carefully selecting and arranging flowers, branches, and other natural elements in a way that emphasizes simplicity, balance, and harmony.

着物(きもの)

: 着物 is a traditional Japanese garment, often referred to as a kimono. It is a T-shaped robe with wide sleeves and tied with an obi belt.

茶道(さどう)

: 茶道 is the Japanese tea ceremony. It is a ritualized practice that involves preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) in an aesthetically pleasing manner while following specific procedures.

訓読み (くんよみ)

: 訓読み refers to the native Japanese reading of kanji characters. It is a pronunciation that reflects how the word would be pronounced if it were written in hiragana instead.

音読み (おんよみ)

: 音読み refers to the Chinese reading of kanji characters. It is a pronunciation that was borrowed from Chinese and is used in compound words or when the kanji appears alone.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.