The Languages of Japan

The Languages of Japan
Author: Masayoshi Shibatani
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 432
Release: 1990-05-03
Genre: Foreign Language Study
ISBN: 9780521369183

A survey of the two main indigenous languages of Japan includes the most comprehensive study of the polysynthetic Ainu language yet to appear in English as well as a comprehensive analysis of Japanese linguistics.

The Language, Mythology, and Geographical Nomenclature of Japan Viewed in the Light of Aino Studies (Classic Reprint)

The Language, Mythology, and Geographical Nomenclature of Japan Viewed in the Light of Aino Studies (Classic Reprint)
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
Publisher: Forgotten Books
Total Pages: 188
Release: 2017-06-12
Genre: Foreign Language Study
ISBN: 9780282407308

Excerpt from The Language, Mythology, and Geographical Nomenclature of Japan Viewed in the Light of Aino Studies If little is generally known either in Japan or in Europe concerning the natives of Yezo, the reason must be sought in the remoteness of the subject from topics of general interest. There is no lack of books dealing with the Hairy Ainos. Dr. Scheube has weighed and measured them. The Chevalier Heinrich von Siebold has beautifully pourtrayed their utensils. Miss Bird has described their customs in her picturesque style. Before the time of these foreign travellers, men like Nogami, Mamiya, and Matsuura had recorded in print their experiences oftravel in every accessible portion of the island. Other Japanese had described Aino manners, Aino superstitions and traditions. At least one Catholic missionary had penetrated into Yezo as early as the year 1617. Indeed, the Jesuit Father Froes had indicated, if not clearly asserted, the existence of the Ainos in a work published a.d. 1574. The catalogue of Japanese and European books on the subject, appended to the present Memoir, includes several hundreds of titles; and there doubtless still remain many others to be unearthed from the dust of old-fashioned libraries. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Diversity in Japanese Culture and Language

Diversity in Japanese Culture and Language
Author: John C. Maher
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2012-11-12
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1136160167

This is the first in-depth study of the "other" Japan - the diverse and complex culture that belies the conventional portrayal of Japan as a homogenous entity. Moving, fascinating and surprising, this book sets out the largely untold story of the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity found in Japan today, where members of marginal societal groups are ignored by the mainstream on the grounds of physical, ethnic, religious or other differences. Among them are the Ainu, Koreans, "Buraku", women, returnees and the deaf, for all of whom this work serves as a forum to give eloquent voice to their history and present situation. This unique study describes the existing plurality in Japan in order to start balancing the perspectives which currently exist in the non-Japanese literature about Japan; to challenge the myth of Japanese uniqueness by focusing on very common experiences that Japanese people share with peoples in other parts of the world; and above all, to counteract the common tendency to see complexity as a threat by illustrating the value to society as a whole of diversity and cultural plurality.

Aino Folk-Tales

Aino Folk-Tales
Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 64
Release: 2019-12-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

Experience the raw and uncensored tales of the Ainu culture with this collection of folk stories, first written down in 1888. These stories were transcribed directly from the original oral tradition, without the typical Westernization and censorship found in early English translations. Through these tales, readers will discover the unique customs and beliefs of the Ainu people, who reside on the northernmost Japanese island. Some of the featured titles are 'The Man Who Married the Bear-Goddess', 'The Stolen Charm', 'The Man Who Lost His Wife', and 'Sunrise'.