HKJ Flashcards
History and culture of Japan
is known for its earthenware
and hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
The Jomon Period (14,000 BC – 1,000 BC)
saw the introduction of rice
cultivation and metalworking.
The Yayoi Period (1,000 BC – AD 300)
witnessed the construction of
large burial mounds and the establishment of the Yamato Imperial Court
The Kofun Period (3rd to 7th century)
introduced Buddhism and Chinese
characters, while the Nara Period (710 – 794) saw the creation of
a centralized government and the construction of the Todaiji Temple.
The Asuka Period (592 – 710)
was marked by the rise of the
aristocracy and the emergence of samurai warriors.
The Heian Period (794 – 1185)
saw the establishment of
the first Shogunate and the Mongol invasions.
The Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333)
witnessed the Warring States
period and the introduction of guns and Christianity.
The Muromachi Period (1338 – 1573)
saw the unification of
Japan by Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573 – 1603)
was a period of prolonged peace and unity under the Tokugawa Shogunate. ~isolation
The Edo Period (1603 – 1868)
saw the modernization of Japan and the end of the feudal system.
The Meiji Period (1868 – 1912)
was a time of political parties and economic growth.
The Taisho Period (1912 – 1926)
witnessed Japan’s involvement in
World War II and its subsequent economic recovery.
The Showa Period (1926 – 1989)
Origin of the Japanese Language
- The exact origin of Japanese is unclear.
- Theories suggest possible links to Ural-Altai, Polynesian, and Korean languages.
- Currently considered a language isolate (no close relatives).
Japanese Language Structure:
- Agglutinative language: builds words by adding suffixes/prefixes.
- Spoken by 130 million people.
Writing Systems:
- Three main systems:
o Kanji (Chinese characters): adopted with different readings (on’yomi, kun’yomi).
o Hiragana: phonetic syllabary for native Japanese words and grammatical features.
o Katakana: phonetic syllabary for foreign words and emphasis. - Latin alphabet: used for foreign words and abbreviations.
Vocabulary
- Mix of native Japanese words (Wago), Chinese loanwords (Kango), and foreign loanwords (Gairaigo).
- Wasei-eigo: “English made in Japan” - Japanese-created words adopted into other languages (e.g., karaoke).
Phonology
- 5 vowels (short and long versions). A, I, U, E, O * ā, ī, ū, ē, ō (ilo time)
- Limited consonant sounds. KA, KI, KU, KE, KO * TA, CHI, TSU, TE, TO
- Pitch accent can change word meaning.
Japanese Text Input:
- IME (Input Method Editor) software allows typing Japanese using a Roman keyboard.
- NLP (Natural Language Processing) helps computers understand Japanese text.
Challenges of Computer Analysis of Japanese:
- Complex grammar.
- Ambiguity of kanji readings.
- Lack of word spacing.
Cultural Differences and Translation:
- Unique grammar and cultural expressions pose translation challenges.
- Importance of conveying politeness and social hierarchy.
Technology and Japanese Language Learning:
- Tools exist to help foreigners learn Japanese with interactive platforms and translation assistance.
- Mobile apps provide vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation practice.
Neighboring countries
North Korea, South Korea, China, and Russia.
Located in the
Pacific Ocean
Comprises 6,852 islands, with 4 main islands
Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku.