--- In [email protected], Ainslie Mark
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Learning insults are fun and a small, but important
> part of language learning. Japanese insults are
> (mostly) different to Western (English) insults in
> that it is generally the tone of the voice and body
> language that turn a word into an insult.>
I see. So "Nan da yo?" said by a flirtatious woman and a neurotic
gangster are two different things. Right?
> Often high school students use this kind of language,
> but in an affectionate way. I remember being called
> 'ba--ka!' when I was an exchange student - whenever I
> made a silly joke - you know the kind of joke only
> your parents might say!>
I see. Again. Then again, using the wrong style of speech in the
wrong situation is the same as taboo speech, as far as I know.
Imagine using "hanashikotoba" when speaking to a doctor, vs.
using "sonkeigo" when talking to your friends. An elderly man once
told me not to use any "sonkeigo" in my [e-mail] conversations with
him, but instead to use "teineigo"; using "agaru" with my verbs
seemed snobbish on my part.
> If you were just to know 'textbook' (formal) Japanese,
> it comes across as stiff and as a barrier to effective
> communication, so learning slang (including insults)
> puts you on a more intimate level with Japanese
> people. I'd feel more at home with a non-native
> English speaker who said 'G'day mate, how are ya?'
> (yes, I'm an Aussie), than someone who spoke formally
> and said 'Good day, sir. How goes you on this fine
> day? ' It's just not right ...
>
> Mark>
That is why I am seriously studying what style to use in what
situation. If I make friends, I do not want to be caught in the know-
nothing and my Japanese sounding "unnatural". I have yet to master
the different styles of speech found in Japanese. I may even be
required to address the Emperor or one of his household. (Unlikely,
but you never know.)
- Arian I.
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