Language and the Modern State

The Reform of Written Japanese
1. Auflage 2020
ISBN: 978-0-367-00172-8
Verlag: Routledge

Buch, Englisch, 344 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 524 g

Reihe: Routledge Library Editions: Japanese Linguistics

Originally published in 1991, this book examines the process whereby a modern colloquial style of written Japanese was developed in the context of the overall modernization of Japan. The book examines the process whereby this strategic simplification took place in Japan, beginning with a discussion of the background to the problem and the reasons why change was indicated. The history, characteristics and spheres of the four major styles found in documents of the modern period are examined, as are initial moves towards language reform in the fields of education and printed media. Separate illustrations in Japanese script are provided to give an idea of the changing visual complexity of texts; in-text references, however, are romanized except where the use of characters is essential. Wherever possible, English sources are cited in addition to Japanese; where published translations are available, these are cited in order to enable non-speakers of Japanese to follow up references if they so desire.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Gottlieb, Nanette

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Sprachwissenschaften
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Schreiben und Publizieren, Kreatives Schreiben
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Grammatik, Syntax, Morphologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Language and Modernization: The Japanese Experience 2. Pre-Modern Styles 3. Early Stirrings: Education and the Press 4. Language and Politics 5. The Role of Literature 6. The Final Stages 7. The Opposition 8. The Standardization Debate 9. The Problem of Orthography