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Killing me softly,with
these words...
By Marc-André Vary
It seems that Japanese love hearing the opinions
of others about their own culture. Not only have
I found books on this topic, but even a television
show. For this reason, I have chosen to write about
my experiences openly in order to teach you what
I have learned so far. Keep in mind that I am not
here to judge but to learn and teach and teach in
return. With this in mind, three main points that
have come to my attention will be brought forward.
The first being the adoption of foreign words in
Japanese vocabulary. Second, the need for higher
technology in the classroom and the last, the need
to reincorporate the roots and heritage into high
tech Japan.
Adopted Vocabulary
Before coming to Japan, I read a couple of books
on the culture, its values and etiquettes in order
not to offend anybody and to present myself in the
most fashionable and distinguished manner. In every
book I read, the message seemed to say, do not come
with expectations for Japan is not what you think
it is. Yet, against this advice, I came full of
expectations, not only of Japan but also of myself.
The first thing that hits one as new comer or someone
studying Japanese is the use of foreign words that
make up new Japanese vocabulary. Coming from a culture
that is open to the world yet protects its heritage
with all its might; it made me think of the disadvantages
this would impose on future generations. Upon asking
for a reason to this adoption of foreign words,
the most common answer was that Japan is trying
to integrate itself into the global community as
fast as possible.
To learn is to teach...
I want to be clear about this… my words are subject
to my own education and experiences around the world.
It must be clear that I am not judging Japan and
nor am I better. My home country, Canada has two
official languages and many cultures are responsible
for its history and evolution. As mentioned, governments
work hard to integrate over three hundred thousand
immigrants a year while continuing to protect its
origins. In Canada, the protection of culture is
extremely important, especially in the province
of Québec and in places where minorities live.
Hence, all packaging, displays, and public buildings,
are usually bilingual because it is every Canadian's
constitutional right to be represented in French
and English.
On the other hand, Japan in many ways is taking
a different route. One in my view, is not popular
in many nations and I assure you, it may hurt future
generations. The popularity of foreign adopted words
pronounced in katakana is an emerging trend,
which I truly respect. Names of companies such as
bakeries, electronics and automobiles are great
ways to give Japanese people an international taste.
On the other hand, when a Japanese word loses its
meaning to a foreign word, this is where the problem
starts. I have seen many things such as banks, parks,
government policies and even community centers change
their names and have adopted foreign ones. This
to me makes little sense and brings little benefit
to the Japanese culture.
It seems to me sometimes that Japanese culture
has a bigger influence outside Japan than inside
its own borders, with the exceptions of music. Do
not be confused with signs, cards, tickets, hospitals
and maps that facilitate the life of those who have
recently arrived to Japan such as tourists. They
are needed to guide the world when in Japan. Yet
Japan should not sell itself short and give away
what is most precious about this country, the culture.
I believe that the rise of adopted words abbreviated
in katakana is harmful to the culture. It
seems that many nations are inventing their own
words and Japanese are simply borrowing from those
words. In the new global economy and Internet era,
if you do not put your hand in the pot, you do not
get your share. This is in fact what France and
Québec realized years ago and has acted upon
this threat. The Japanese language has an advantage
over other languages such as English and French.
It can be pronounced, more or less by many foreigners
because of its fluidity. Words such as Hayabusa
and Katana are well known names in many countries
because companies have chosen a conventional method
instead of utilizing foreign names. Why change a
name from Ishibashi to Bridgestone. Pirelli did
not do it, and Michelin, and Toyo! etc…
Technology and Teaching
This brings me to my second point, which I call
technology and teaching. Upon arriving in Japan,
I was told in Tokyo that Teaching as a Foreign teacher
was method adopted to facilitate children's learning
of English and foreign cultures. This, I must admit
is fascinating and many other nations should follow
in suit. Yet, in order to improve this strategy,
I believe high tech should be introduced inside
Izumo's Junior High Schools as fast as possible.
In Canada, I was introduced to computers at the
young age of six. You can imagine the size of the
computers we used when I was six. Now, I believe
some children in Canada are introduced to computers
at the age of four.
Japan, to the outside world is known as one of
the high tech capitals of the planet. In fact, I
met an American in Thailand complaining that she
has a pager, a palm pilot and a cell phone in order
to keep in touch with friends and clients. Here
in Japan, a tiny phone is suitable for these applications
without mentioning all other capabilities. The reason
for this is that Japan is not afraid to innovate
its tech sources.
But this is where the problem lies. The future
of this industry is in the youth, where they can
learn and be creative. I wish I could teach my students
about the world through interactive teaching, which
could possibly motivate them to learn at a greater
level. Creating an early interest in computers could
draw thousands of future designers to the IT world.
Furthermore, in Canada, computers have helped integrate
people with disabilities into many schools where
they founded their own domain of excellence. In
fact, many are now leaders in the industry. The
technology is close to home, yet so far away. Bring
it to the kids and they shall impress you.
Old generations, make way for
the new...
老いては子にしたがえ
I was studying famous Japanese sayings and this
is one that I believe is taken one-step too far.
I must admit, Japan's technology sector is very
strong and has always been. I believe this is due
to the hard work and desire to innovate, which is
imbedded in the culture. On the other hand, it seems
to me that Japanese are forgetting the past by creating
a new world, more like western civilizations. In
my view, the imbalance between traditional Japan
and the technology is killing the romanticism of
this beautiful culture. Over two thousand years
of history, and one of the most successful civilizations
in terms of accomplishments are being left aside
for economic and foreign purposes. When people come
to Japan, it is to discover a culture that thrives
in the imagination of millions. Instead, I found
more people flocking to Pachinko halls and to Izakayas
than to their own families. Since day one, I have
always refused to enter a Pachinko…
The Imbalance
Many new methods brought forward I believe have
created an imbalance. Not only do most of the children
I teach not know why they are learning English but
some traditional Japanese people dislike the fact
that foreigners are in Japan and teaching their
children. With out technology and the protection
of culture, the current process of integrating Japan
into a global economy will be hard to maintain.
In a brief comparison, Japan has opened the floodgates
of internationalism on one side, and clogged traditionalism
on the other. This uneven stream of pressure I fear
might push some into unwanted currents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an old Japanese proverb says, when
you have completed 95 percent of your journey, you
are only halfway there. Well, I have only completed
10 percent of my journey here in Japan, so I have
a long way to go. It is also said that he who listens
speaks well. “Kiki jozu wa hanashi jozu”.
You have all listened well, now teach me so I can
finish my journey.
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