Kanbun 漢文 Had Played for That
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Source-Based Translation and Foreignization: a Japanese Case
Source-Based Translation and Foreignization Source-Based Translation and Foreignization: A Japanese Case Yukari Fukuchi Meldrum Modern Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Alberta Introduction Foreignization, as currently understood in Translation Studies, is a concept that is charged with “more emphasis on the ideological pressure against the target-language culture than on the faithfulness to the original text” (Tamaki, 2005: 239). In other words, it is a conscious operation of bringing a foreign flavor into translations in order to counteract the effects of domestication, claimed by Venuti (1995) to be the cause of invisibility of translation and translators. Tamaki, in her 2005 paper, also cautions that the concept of foreignization should not be confused with a literal method of translation. Literal translation does not involve ideological intentions and is a mere translation method. In this paper, I will attempt to provide a supporting view that source-based translation, often seen in Japanese translation, needs to be understood outside of foreignization in the above sense. Specifically, I will illustrate that Japanese readers, in premodern times, had to gain specific knowledge and adapt to what was required in order to read and interpret texts in a satisfactory manner. This could have been a factor for the source-orientedness of Japanese translations still observed in a certain form today. By examining this background of Japanese text culture, the more source-based translation is shown to be merely a translation carried out by a literal method without any political or ideological intentions. Therefore, the concept of foreignization does not have a place in Japanese translation. -
The Japanese Writing Systems, Script Reforms and the Eradication of the Kanji Writing System: Native Speakers’ Views Lovisa Österman
The Japanese writing systems, script reforms and the eradication of the Kanji writing system: native speakers’ views Lovisa Österman Lund University, Centre for Languages and Literature Bachelor’s Thesis Japanese B.A. Course (JAPK11 Spring term 2018) Supervisor: Shinichiro Ishihara Abstract This study aims to deduce what Japanese native speakers think of the Japanese writing systems, and in particular what native speakers’ opinions are concerning Kanji, the logographic writing system which consists of Chinese characters. The Japanese written language has something that most languages do not; namely a total of three writing systems. First, there is the Kana writing system, which consists of the two syllabaries: Hiragana and Katakana. The two syllabaries essentially figure the same way, but are used for different purposes. Secondly, there is the Rōmaji writing system, which is Japanese written using latin letters. And finally, there is the Kanji writing system. Learning this is often at first an exhausting task, because not only must one learn the two phonematic writing systems (Hiragana and Katakana), but to be able to properly read and write in Japanese, one should also learn how to read and write a great amount of logographic signs; namely the Kanji. For example, to be able to read and understand books or newspaper without using any aiding tools such as dictionaries, one would need to have learned the 2136 Jōyō Kanji (regular-use Chinese characters). With the twentieth century’s progress in technology, comparing with twenty years ago, in this day and age one could probably theoretically get by alright without knowing how to write Kanji by hand, seeing as we are writing less and less by hand and more by technological devices. -
Premodern East Asia and the Power of Character Scripts Wiebke Denecke
15 Worlds Without Translation: Premodern East Asia and the Power of Character Scripts Wiebke Denecke We are used to thinking that translation is indispensable. An English speaker without competence in Latin does not understand Virgil unless he is translated into English. But we forget that this is partly a function of the alphabetic script Latin and English use. Translation has not been a prerequisite for full mutual intelligibility with char- acter scripts that rely heavily on logographic writing, in which each character stands for a word (more precisely a morpheme). As we will see below, into the twentieth century an educated Japanese, for example, could read a Chinese text by pronouncing it in Japanese, without any knowledge of Chinese or any need for translation. All cultures that were arguably independent sites of script invention developed scripts with a strong logographic component: Mesopotamian cuneiform, Egyptian hiero- glyphs, Chinese characters, and Maya glyphs. Of these primary scripts only Chinese survives today, vigorously, from its already mature form in the thirteenth century bce into our digital age. It is used in the sinophone world, in Japan, and to a limited degree in Korea, and it stands as a thought-provoking exception to the alphabetic scripts that dominate much of today’s world. Some scholars have, justly, downplayed the difference between logographic systems, where the relation between sign and sound is more flexible, and syllabic or alphabetic systems, which are more prescriptive and phonographic (recording sound). I. J. Gelb’s (1963) scheme that assumes a progression from logographic to syllabic to alphabetic writing systems is questionable (Daniels and Bright 1996, 8–10). -
The Creation of the Modern Japanese Language in Meiji-Era
The Creation of the Modern Japanese Language in Meiji-Era Paul H. Clark A way to look at the history of the modern Japanese language is to look at what came before and after 1903. This year represents a fundamental division in our understanding of the Japanese language and, by extension, Japanese culture. The reforms instituted in 1903 represented an effort by the Japanese Meiji government to promote a mutually comprehensible language. At the turn of the twentieth century, there were at least four different ways of rendering the language in the written form. It is easy to imagine that this was a serious impediment to the economic, political and cultural development of Japan. Indeed, it is hard to characterize Japan as a modern nation-state until it gained a common form of communication. Today, the Japanese language is a source of national pride and occupies a special position in the national consciousness of the Japanese. The purpose of this essay is to describe how a common form of communication—both in the written and spoken forms—came into existence in Japan. We will discuss what motivated the ruling elite of Japan to make such a change, how the various forms of the language were altered to create modern Japanese, and some of the prominent people and events which will assist us in more fully understanding the movement. A Short History Before describing how modern Japanese assumed its contemporary appearance around the turn of the 20th century, it might be best to describe the various prior forms and how they came to influence the modern form. -
The Japanese Typesetting Expressions Manual
(c) The Electronic Book Publishers Association of Japan THE JAPANESE TYPESETTING EXPRESSIONS MANUAL (c) The Electronic Book Publishers Association of Japan CONTENTS 1.Characters …………………………………………………………… 1 1-1.Typeface …………………………………………………………………………1 1-2.Mixed Text composition …………………………………………………………1 1-3. Character Size …………………………………………………………………1 1-4. Henbai(Cho-tai, Hei-tai) ………………………………………………………1 1-5. Character Colour ………………………………………………………………1 1-6. Character Weight(Including Bold) ………………………………………………2 1-7. Italic ……………………………………………………………………………2 1-8. Character Rotation ……………………………………………………………2 1-9. All Caps ………………………………………………………………………2 1-10. Small Caps ……………………………………………………………………3 1-11.Outline Character /Shadow Text ………………………………………………3 1-12. Ornament Characters …………………………………………………………3 1-13. Encircled Character, Character In Parenthesis ………………………………3 1-14.Combining Characters …………………………………………………………4 1-15. Kanji Variants …………………………………………………………………4 1-16. Inter-Character Space …………………………………………………………4 1-17. Even Tsumegumi(Tracking) ……………………………………………………4 1-18. Kerning ………………………………………………………………………5 2. Word …………………………………………………………………… 5 2-1. Bousen (sideline) ………………………………………………………………5 2-2. Emphasis Dots …………………………………………………………………5 2-3. Rectangular Ruled Lines ………………………………………………………6 2-4. Group Ruby ……………………………………………………………………6 2-5. Compound Word Ruby(reference) ………………………………………………6 2-6. Sitatsuki Ruby …………………………………………………………………7 2-7. Nakatsuki/Katatsuki ……………………………………………………………7 2-8. Rubykake ………………………………………………………………………7 2-9. Tate-Chu-Yoko …………………………………………………………………8 -
Linguistic Reform in Meiji Japan
2 Sound, Scripts, and Styles Kanbun kundokutai and the National Language Reforms of 1880s Japan This chapter explores the popularity of kanbun kundokutai (kanbun-style language in “Japanese” syntactical order with “Japanese” suffixes), which proliferated as a “common language” (futsūbun) in the second decade of the Meiji period, as well as the anti-kanji reforms and discourses that co-existed with this popularity. As I mentioned in the introduction, the issue of kanbun kundokutai is compelling, given that kan, too often uncritically equated with “China,” is treated as a negative reference point against which to posit kokugo, a “national” form of prose.1 The focus on de-Asianization (datsua) in the Meiji period, which has become espe- cially strong given the postcolonial trends in recent literary studies, reinforces the desire to retain kan as the other to the “modern.” As if to supplement such a narrative, much work has been done on the link between the new national lit- erature (kokubungaku) scholars and the Edo nativists (kokugaku), focusing on what Meiji kokubungaku scholars rejected and inherited in their efforts to produce kokugo. However, without exploring the relationship between kokugo and kanbun kundokutai, existing scholarship presents kokugo as if it emerged from a vacuum (or from a kokugaku lineage that had somehow remained dormant until the 1890s). Perhaps to offset such a narrative, critics tend to posit nationalism as that which preceded and hence prompted the emergence of kokugo. This is part and parcel of the teleological narrative, because it once again posits nationalism as the primary motivation. This chapter inquires into the manner in which kokugo negotiated with the proliferation of kanbun kundokutai before the Ueda-led kokugo reform era, and shows how the emergence of kokugo in fact appropriated the realm of kanbun kundokutai. -
Introduction to Kanbun: W4019 (Fall 2008) Mondays and Wednesdays 9:10-10:25, Starr Library Kress Room
1 Introduction to Kanbun: W4019 (Fall 2008) Mondays and Wednesdays 9:10-10:25, Starr Library Kress Room David Lurie (212-854-5034, [email protected]) Office Hours: M 11-12:30 and W 3:00-4:30, 500A Kent Hall This class is intended to build proficiency in reading the variety of classical Japanese written styles subsumed under the broad term kanbun !". More specifically, it aims to foster familiarity with kundoku #$, a collection of techniques for reading and writing classical Japanese in texts largely or entirely composed of Chinese characters. It is impossible to achieve fluent reading ability using these techniques in a mere semester; this class is an introduction. Students will gain familiarity with a basic toolbox of reading strategies as they are exposed to a variety of premodern written styles and genres, laying groundwork for subsequent attainment of more thorough competency in specific areas relevant to their research. This is not a class in Classical Chinese: those who desire facility with reading Chinese classical texts are urged to study Classical Chinese itself. (On the other hand, some prior familiarity with Classical Chinese will make much of this class easier). The pre-requisite for this class is Introduction to Classical Japanese (W4007); because our focus is the use of Classical Japanese as a tool to understand character-based texts, it is assumed that students will already have control of basic Classical Japanese grammar. Students with concerns about their competence should discuss them with me immediately. Goals of the course: 1) Acquire basic familiarity with kundoku techniques of reading, with a focus on the classes of special characters (unread characters, twice-read characters, negations, etc.) that form the bulk of traditional Japanese kanbun pedagogy. -
The Wa.Ii Shorau-Sho of Keichu and Its Position in Historical Usance
The Wa.ii shorau-sho of Keichu and Its Position in Historical Usance Studies by Christopher Seeley Thesis presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy University of London ProQuest Number: 10731311 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a com plete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 10731311 Published by ProQuest LLC(2017). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States C ode Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 2 ABSTRACT This thesis is concerned with examination and interpretation from the orthographical viewpoint of the system of historical kana iisage (rekishiteld, kana-gukai) proposed hy the 17th century scholar-priest Keichu, and its relationship to previous and subsequent kana usage and kana usage theory. In the introductory chapter, the meanings and scope of the term kana-sukai are considered, as also the question of how kana-zukai first arose. Chapter Two consists of a description of kana usage Before Keichu, in order to put the historical kana usage of Keichu into perspective. In Chapter Three a brief introduction to ICeichu and his works is given, together with a consideration of the significance of his kana usage studies within his work as a whole*r£ Chapter Four sets out assumptions concerning the sound-system of the language of KeichU as a preliminary to examination of his Icana usage writings. -
Summer School in Classical Chinese and Japanese July 6-31, 2020
Summer School in Classical Chinese and Japanese July 6-31, 2020 Summer School The Ca’ Foscari - Princeton Summer School Study options in Classical Chinese and Classical Japanese/ Track A – Classical Chinese in Classical Chinese Kanbun is unique in its kind. It offers two 80 contact hours of language study and eight and Japanese tracks of comprehensive, grammar-focused additional lectures. The course provides the instruction which are designed especially for fundamentals of classical Chinese grammar students who wish to develop their linguistic through the reading and analysis of passages of expertise for graduate study in any discipline of pre-modern Chinese historical and literary texts. premodern China or Japan. Visit one of the world’s Prerequisites: one year of modern Chinese most famous cities Both tracks are taught by the principal language. instructors of the classical language programs Learn Classical Chinese or at Ca’ Foscari and Princeton. In addition to Track B - Classical Japanese/Kanbun Japanese/Kanbun in an 80 hours of class time, students will follow a 80 contact hours of language study and international environment lecture series on topics in premodern Chinese additional lectures. The course provides the and Japanese culture (history, literature, fundamentals of classical Japanese and kanbun thought). Both tracks welcome students who grammar along with readings in the major Get academic credits genres of pre-modern Japanese historical and during a summer abroad are beginners in Classical Chinese or Japanese, as well as those who already have some literary texts. background foundation. Prerequisites: at least one year of modern Japanese language. Dates: July 6 to 31 (4 weeks) Fees Location: Venice, Italy – Ca’ Foscari University, The fees include all tuition, access to University School for International Education (SIE) facilities and services, course materials and issue of final transcript. -
Japan's Role in Philological Studies of the Korean Language in The
WINPEC Working Paper Series No.E1614 January 2017 Japan’s Role in Philological Studies of the Korean Language in the International Context Hideto ITO Translated by Takeo KUBO Waseda INstitute of Political EConomy Waseda University Tokyo,Japan Japan’s Role in Philological Studies of the Korean Language in the International Context Hideto ITO * Translated by Takeo KUBO ** 1. Introduction The objective of this study is to have an overview of how Japan has been internationally involved in Korean philological studies from two different perspectives. Both perspectives have drawn attention due to the discovery of new documentation and thus contributed to the rapid advancement of internationally collaborative studies between Japan and Korea. In chapter two, I will write about several studies on language textbooks compiled in the Korean Peninsula, which made great progress due to the discovery of a conversation textbook written in colloquial Chinese in the time of the Yuan 元 dynasty and which also contributed to the foundation of new international academic societies. In chapter three, I will review several studies on kanbun kundoku 漢文訓読 or reading classical Chinese texts in vernaculars, which began to be actively studied due to the discovery of new documents in 2000 and 2002.1 2. How collaborative studies have developed on language textbooks published in Korea. In the Korean Peninsula, Chinese characters had been used as the official written language from the 2nd century BC to 1894. Although the hangul or the Korean alphabet was established as a means to completely transcribe the vernacular in the Korean Peninsula by its promulgation in the 15th century, this phonogram had only been adopted as a language for women and beginning readers, while Chinese writing had been used in all writings of literate men. -
Cross-Referential Kanbun Data Maps for Japanologists
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE Cross-referential kanbun data maps for Japanologists Erik Honobe Abstract. As the number of non-Japanese scholars in Japanese studies has kept increasing over the past few decades in various academic institutions and research centers around the world, it is also the consensus among Japanologists that there remains a relative dearth in research activities in the field of kanbun , namely, Sino-Japanese studies. In this context, efforts at developing a unified database of kanbun , or Sino-Japanese texts, have been undertaken in recent years at institutions such as the Nishôgakusha University. In this paper, I discuss potential cross-referential functions or data maps based on such databases. One main purpose for these cross-referential functions would be to facilitate the navigation of such databases for non-Japanese scholars, especially through the cross- referencing of kanbun citations which appear in works of prominent Japanese thinkers, as this would provide non-Japanese scholars with a first-hand account of the extent to which kanbun has permeated classical and contemporary Japanese thought. Examples are provided. Keywords: Japanese studies, kanbun , cross-referential databases Introduction While it is difficult to accurately state the distinction between the terms kanbun (漢文), kangaku ( 漢学) and kanbungaku (漢文学), the three terms can be said to pertain, in one way or another, to the study of Sino-Japanese texts and/or to the Sino-Japanese texts per se. From here on, for conciseness, we restrict ourselves to the term kanbun while referring to the broader meanings stated above. -
Primers, Commentaries, and Kanbun Literacy in Japanese Literary Culture, 950-1250CE
Primers, Commentaries, and Kanbun Literacy in Japanese Literary Culture, 950-1250CE Jennifer Guest Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 2013 © 2013 Jennifer Guest All rights reserved ABSTRACT Primers, Commentaries, and Kanbun Literacy in Japanese Literary Culture, 950-1250CE Jennifer Guest This project seeks a new perspective on issues of literacy, literary language, and cultural contact in the literature of premodern Japan by examining the primers used to study Chinese-style literature in the Heian and early medieval periods (c. 900-1250CE). Much of Heian literary production was centered on kanbun: “Chinese-style” writing that resembled classical Chinese and mobilized allusive connections to classical Chinese texts, but was usually read based on classical Japanese vocabulary and syntax. The knowledge gleaned from introductory kanbun education forms an important and little-researched common thread linking readers and writers from a wide range of backgrounds – from male and female courtiers to specialized university scholars to medieval monks and warriors eager to appropriate court culture. While tracing the roles of commonly-studied kanbun primers and commentaries in shaping Heian literary culture and its medieval reception, I consider key aspects of premodern Japan literacy – from the art of kundoku (“gloss-reading”) to the systems of knowledge involved in textual commentary and the adaptation of kanbun material. Examining the educational foundations of premodern Japanese literary culture demonstrates that kanbun and other literary styles functioned as closely entangled modes of literacy rather than as native and foreign languages, and that certain elements of classical Chinese knowledge formed a valued set of raw material for literary creativity.