The Influence of Language and Culture on Identity (AP)

2.1 Influence of Language and Culture on Identity

Personal and Public Identity

The Japanese language (日本語: にほんご) plays a central role in shaping both personal and public identity in Japan. It functions as the national language (国語: こくご) and serves as a critical tool for communication, cultural expression, and societal integration.

Personal Identity

Speaking and understanding Japanese is fundamental for daily interaction in Japan, reinforcing cultural heritage and personal pride. Proficiency in the language often signals an individual’s full integration into Japanese society.

Language also influences worldview and cognitive processes:

• It shapes thought patterns and interpersonal communication.

• It strengthens relationships by providing nuanced ways to express respect and emotion.

Additionally, the Japanese language transmits traditional values and beliefs through literature, media, and education, ensuring the continuity of cultural heritage across generations.

Language and Personal Beliefs

Language reflects and influences personal beliefs and societal values:

• Politeness and Formality:

  • The use of keigo (敬語: けいご), or honorific speech, exemplifies the cultural emphasis on politeness.

• Traditional Values and Modern Influences:

  • A rich vocabulary and grammatical structure allow individuals to articulate complex beliefs, merging traditional and contemporary cultural elements.

Gender Roles in Language

Japanese has distinctive language forms associated with gender, reflecting traditional societal roles:

• Women traditionally use more polite and formal expressions.

• Men often use direct and assertive language, particularly in professional contexts.

The debate on gendered language persists:

• Some believe it perpetuates outdated gender roles.

• Others view it as a rich and valuable linguistic tradition.

Modern shifts toward gender equality have sparked evolving attitudes toward gendered speech in Japan.

National Figures and Public Identity

Language influences the behavior and image of Japanese public figures, who are expected to uphold cultural values through respectful speech:

• The Emperor (天皇: てんのう):

  • Symbolizes national unity.

  • Uses formal, respectful language in public addresses.

  • Carefully chosen words reflect cultural values and avoid controversy.

Pop Culture (ポップカルチャー)

Japan's cultural influence extends globally through traditional arts and contemporary pop culture.

Traditional Culture

Iconic cultural practices include:

• Kimono (着物: きもの)

• Ikebana (生花: いけばな)

• Sadō (茶道: さどう, tea ceremony)

• Kabuki (歌舞伎: かぶき)

• Judo (柔道: じゅうどう)

Modern Pop Culture

Japanese pop culture resonates worldwide, featuring:

• Manga (マンガ)

• Anime (アニメ)

• Video Games (ゲーム)

• Pop Music (ポップミュージック)

• Light Novels (ライトノベル)

Pop culture influences everyday language with terms like:

• Kawaii (かわいい): Cute or adorable.

• Otaku (おたく): A person passionate about anime, manga, or video games.

Dialects (方言: ほうげん)

The Japanese language varies by region, with unique dialects (hōgen) that can be challenging to understand.

• Standard Japanese (標準語: ひょうじゅんご) is the form taught in schools and used in Tokyo.

• After the Meiji Restoration in the 1800s, the government promoted 標準語 to unify the nation.

Many people still switch between regional dialects and standard Japanese, much like using different accents or vernaculars in English-speaking countries.

Japanese Alphabet

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

Kanji (漢字: かんじ)

• Origins: Developed in China and gradually adopted by the Japanese.

• Pictographic Characters:

  • Example: The kanji for tree is 木, resembling a tree.

  • Two 木 together form 林, meaning forest.

• Readings:

  • On’yomi (音読み): The Chinese-derived pronunciation.

  • Kun’yomi (くん読み): The native Japanese reading.

• Learning Kanji:

  • Japanese students begin studying kanji in first grade.

  • A set number of kanji is introduced each year, and students regularly take kanji tests to reinforce their knowledge.

Hiragana (ひらがな)

• Type: Phonetic alphabet.

• Structure: Each character represents one syllable.

• Total Characters: 46.

• Education:

  • Hiragana is the first alphabet taught in school.

  • Most children can read and write hiragana before entering elementary school (小学校: しょうがっこう).

Katakana (カタカナ)

• Type: Phonetic alphabet, similar to hiragana.

• Usage:

  • Primarily used to write foreign words and loanwords.

  • Also used for emphasis, onomatopoeia, and names of plants, animals, or technical/scientific terms.

• Structure: Each character represents one syllable.

• Total Characters: 46, corresponding directly to the sounds represented in hiragana.

• Example:

  • The word for "orange" is written as オレンジ (o-ren-ji).

2.2 Beauty and Aesthetics

Perspectives of Beauty and Aesthetics in Japanese Culture

Japanese aesthetics encompasses a wide range of concepts related to beauty, art, design, and culture. At its core, it emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and a deep appreciation for the natural world (自然, しぜん). Here are some fundamental principles:

Wabi-Sabi (促び寂び)

Wabi-sabi is a central concept that finds beauty in imperfection and impermanence. Rooted in Zen Buddhism (禅宗, ぜんしゅう), it developed in Japan during the 15th century.

• Wabi (促び): The beauty of things that are humble and simple.

• Sabi (寂び): The beauty of things aged, weathered, and marked by time.

Mono no Aware (もののあわれ)

This term refers to the bittersweet awareness of impermanence and the fleeting nature of life. It evokes empathy and a melancholic appreciation for the passage of time, highlighting the transient beauty of existence.

Ma (間)

Ma represents the space or gap between elements in art, design, and music. It values negative space, creating a sense of rhythm, balance, and harmony by appreciating the importance of what is not present.

Yūgen (幽玄)

Yūgen conveys beauty in mystery, depth, and subtlety. Often associated with Noh theater (能楽, のうがく), this concept evokes emotions and ideas beyond words, emphasizing unseen or slowly revealed beauty.

• Noh actors use masks and stylized movements, integrating ma and language to evoke profound emotions.

Shibui (濁い)

Shibui describes understated, simple, and refined beauty. It embraces minimalism and subtlety, often seen in art, fashion, and design. A calm, tranquil quality distinguishes shibui elements.

Iki (粋)

Iki captures the beauty of spontaneity and individuality. It celebrates authenticity and unique expression, encouraging people to embrace their quirks.

Japanese Architecture and Aesthetics

Japanese architecture reflects minimalism, natural materials, and the interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces. Key influences include:

• Wabi-sabi: Seen in the appreciation of natural textures, imperfections, and aging materials.

• Ma: Emphasized through open courtyards and gardens, promoting tranquility and harmony.

Higashiyama Culture (東山文化)

Higashiyama culture flourished during the Muromachi period (1336–1573), focusing on refined simplicity and traditional aesthetics.

• Wabi-sabi played a vital role.

• Arts like the tea ceremony, Noh theater, and haiku poetry were prominent.

Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺)

Built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1482, Ginkaku-ji embodies Higashiyama culture and wabi-sabi principles. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, its architecture and gardens reflect simplicity, imperfection, and transience.

Katsura Detached Palace (桂離宮)

Constructed during the early Edo period (1603–1867), the Katsura Imperial Villa is another example of Japanese aesthetics. Influenced by Higashiyama culture, its layout integrates natural elements and seasonal beauty. The tea houses and main villa emphasize the harmonious relationship between architecture and gardens.

Cultural Legacy

Japanese aesthetics, rooted in traditional concepts like wabi-sabi, ma, and mono no aware, continue to influence contemporary art, design, and architecture. These principles highlight the timeless beauty of imperfection, simplicity, and the ever-changing natural world.

Literature

• Beauty and aesthetics are central themes in Japanese literature, often emphasizing simplicity, elegance, and the appreciation of natural beauty.

• 源氏物語 (The Tale of Genji):

  • Written by 紫式部 (Murasaki Shikibu) during the Heian period (794–1185).

  • Considered the world’s first novel.

  • Comprises 54 chapters, covering over 70 years, nearly 500 characters, and 795 和歌 (waka) poems.

  • Centers on 光源氏 (Hikaru Genji), exploring love, glory, and politics.

  • Influences later literary works and visual arts, inspiring scrolls and folding screens like Fifty-Four Scenes from The Tale of Genji at The Met Museum.

  • Translated by notable authors 与謝野晶子 (Yosano Akiko) and 谷崎潤一郎 (Junichiro Tanizaki).

• 枕草子 (The Pillow Book):

  • Written by 清少納言 (Sei Shonagon), a Heian-period court lady.

  • A unique collection of personal reflections, court life, and observations.

  • Title refers to the custom of keeping a journal near one’s pillow.

  • Characterized by wit, humor, and vivid imagery.

  • Offers valuable insights into Heian-era aesthetics and remains a timeless classic.

Haiku Poetry

• 俳句 (Haiku):

  • A short poetic form with a 5-7-5 syllabic structure.

  • Evolved from 発句 (hokku), the opening verse of a 短歌 (tanka).

  • Includes a 季語 (kigo), a seasonal word reflecting nature’s transience and the impermanence of life.

• 松尾芭蕉 (Matsuo Basho, 1644–1694):

  • Renowned haiku poet of the Edo period.

  • Known for simplicity, natural imagery, and a Zen-like approach.

  • Authored 奥の細道 (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), combining prose and poetry to depict his travels.

Modern Literature

• 三島由紀夫 (Yukio Mishima):

  • Explores themes of beauty through physicality and aesthetics.

• 村上春樹 (Haruki Murakami):

  • Captures the beauty of the mundane and surreal, weaving everyday life with the extraordinary.

2.3 Contemporary Life

Entertainment

• Japanese identity and culture have significantly influenced the entertainment industry, both within Japan and globally.

• Japan’s cultural heritage includes traditional performing arts (伝統芸能, dentō geinō) such as:

  • 能楽 (Noh theater),

  • 歌舞伎 (kabuki theater),

  • 日本舞踊 (nihon buyō, Japanese dance), and

  • 雅楽 (gagaku, court music).

• Modern popular culture forms include:

  • アニメ (anime),

  • 漫画 (manga),

  • ビデオゲーム (video games), and

  • Jポップ (J-pop music).

Historical Development

• The classification of entertainment into theater, music, and dance originated during the 明治時代 (Meiji period).

• Before this period, 伝統芸能 existed as distinct art forms passed down through generations, emphasizing history, customs, and rigorous practice.

Gagaku

• 雅楽 (gagaku) is Japan’s oldest form of traditional music and dance.

• It originated from ancient Asian music and instruments adapted to Japanese styles.

• Developed during the 平安時代 (Heian period, 794–1185), it has been protected by the 皇室 (Imperial Court) and performed by the 宮内庁 (Imperial Household Agency).

• Gagaku continues to be performed at court ceremonies and events.

Noh and Kyōgen

• 能 (Noh) and 狂言 (Kyōgen) together form 能楽 (Noh theater).

  • 能 is a musical combining 歌 (uta, song) and 舞踊 (buyō, dance) and is notable for its use of 仮面 (kamen, masks), making it a form of 仮面劇 (mask drama).

  • Characters in Noh include:

    • 神 (kami, gods),

    • 鬼 (oni, demons),

    • 幽霊 (yūrei, ghosts), and

    • 草木の精 (kusaki no sei, tree spirits).

  • These beings represent the supernatural and invisible world.

• 狂言 (Kyōgen) is a comedic counterpart focusing on 台詞 (serifu, dialogue), resembling modern-day 漫才 (manzai, comedy duos) or コント (skits).

• Kyōgen portrays the humorous side of everyday life.

Modern Adaptations

• Younger traditional artists are incorporating contemporary elements to modernize and popularize performing arts.

• Examples:

  • にほんごであそぼう (Nihongo de Asobō) is a children’s TV program that combines language learning with cultural education. It introduces aspects of Japanese culture like 歌舞伎 and 狂言.

  • A theatrical adaptation of the manga and anime 『鬼滅の刃』 (Demon Slayer) in the style of 狂言 has successfully attracted new audiences to traditional arts, blending modern pop culture with classical theater.

Sports

Japanese Sports Culture

• Sports are deeply embedded in Japanese culture, reflecting societal values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

• Sports in Japan are divided into traditional martial arts (武道) and modern sports, differentiated by historical background and purpose.

Martial Arts (武道)

• Developed for the samurai class (武士階級) to acquire combat skills.

• Examples include:

  • 柔道 (Judo)

  • 剣道 (Kendo)

• Influenced by 武士道精神 (samurai spirit) and Zen philosophy (禅), focusing on both physical and mental training.

• Martial arts emphasize:

  • Discipline

  • Respect

  • Self-defense

Education and Sports in Japan

• Children are encouraged to participate in sports to foster discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness.

• 文武両道 (balance of academics and martial arts) promotes well-rounded personal development.

• 体育 (Physical education) is a core part of school curricula from elementary to high school.

• Some schools offer martial arts classes, such as 剣道 and 柔道, for physical and character development.

Modern Sports – Baseball (野球)

• Introduced by American missionaries in the late 19th century.

• Japan’s professional baseball league, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), consists of 12 teams.

• Baseball is a major sport with strong cultural significance.

選抜高校野球 (High School Baseball Tournaments)

• Known as 甲子園 (Koshien), these tournaments are a cultural phenomenon in Japan.

• Values emphasized include:

  • Teamwork: Reflects Japanese cultural emphasis on group harmony.

  • Perseverance: Teams compete intensely, showcasing determination and spirit.

• Community and Pride:

  • Schools represent their prefectures, creating local pride and unity.

  • Businesses and fans offer enthusiastic support, with many traveling nationwide to attend games.

Nutrition and Food Culture

• Connection to Nature and Gratitude for Harvests

  • Japanese people cherish nature and believe in the presence of 神 (spirits) in 自然 (nature).

  • Seasonal お祭り (festivals) celebrate harvests with processions, music, and dance to express joy and gratitude.

• UNESCO Recognition of 和食 (Traditional Japanese Food Culture)

  • Registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.

  • Reflects respect for nature, seasonality, and the blessings of diverse ingredients.

• Four Distinct Characteristics of 和食

  • Respect for Fresh, Local Ingredients

    • Japan’s geography provides diverse, regional specialties known as 郷土料理 (regional cuisine).

    • Examples:

      • 北海道 (Hokkaido): ジンギスカン – Grilled lamb with vegetables.

      • 沖縄 (Okinawa): ゴーヤチャンプルー – Bitter melon stir-fry with tofu, pork, and vegetables.

      • 京都 (Kyoto): 懐石料理 – Multi-course seasonal meal.

      • 広島 (Hiroshima): お好み焼き – Savory pancake with cabbage, pork, seafood, and noodles.

      • 大阪 (Osaka): たこ焼き – Octopus-filled batter balls.

  • Nutritional Balance for Healthy Diets

    • The 一汁三菜 (one soup, three dishes) style emphasizes nutritional variety and uses umami (savory taste) for a low-fat diet.

    • Contributes to longevity and low obesity rates.

  • Seasonal Aesthetic in Dining

    • Dishes are adorned with seasonal flowers and leaves, and tableware reflects the time of year.

  • Integration with Year-Round Events

    • Food culture strengthens community and family bonds through shared meals during traditional events.

• New Year’s Cuisine and Traditions

  • おせち料理 (Osechi ryōri) symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

    • Examples:

      • 伊達巻 (sweet rolled omelet) – Represents knowledge.

      • 黒豆 (black soybeans) – Symbolizes health and diligence.

  • お雑煮 (Ozōni) – Soup with mochi, varying by region and family recipes.

• 節分 (Setsubun) Traditions

  • 豆まき (Mame-maki) – Throwing roasted soybeans while chanting 「鬼は外、福は内」(Demons out, good luck in) to ward off evil spirits.

  • Eating beans equal to one’s age for health.

  • 恵方巻き (Ehomaki) – A lucky sushi roll eaten silently while facing the year’s designated direction.