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Pimsleur - Japanese I - Unit 02 - Notes

The document discusses three key points about Japanese communication: 1. The expression "okagesama de" is used to express appreciation for someone's concern for your wellbeing, even when they have not directly contributed to your situation. It facilitates interactions. 2. Japanese people frequently display extreme modesty and deference when complimented, such as downplaying their own abilities and accomplishments. This humility avoids appearing arrogant. 3. The word "ne" is often used at the end of sentences to show the speaker expects the listener to agree with them. Its frequent use illustrates the Japanese value of harmonious relationships and avoiding conflict.

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Mihaela Pirosca
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399 views

Pimsleur - Japanese I - Unit 02 - Notes

The document discusses three key points about Japanese communication: 1. The expression "okagesama de" is used to express appreciation for someone's concern for your wellbeing, even when they have not directly contributed to your situation. It facilitates interactions. 2. Japanese people frequently display extreme modesty and deference when complimented, such as downplaying their own abilities and accomplishments. This humility avoids appearing arrogant. 3. The word "ne" is often used at the end of sentences to show the speaker expects the listener to agree with them. Its frequent use illustrates the Japanese value of harmonious relationships and avoiding conflict.

Uploaded by

Mihaela Pirosca
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Pimsleur Japanese I

Notes on Unit 02

okagesama de
okagesama de is used to express appreciation for someones concern for your wellbeing. It is an important expression that serves to facilitate daily interactions. It not only appears in the context where a person is thanking another for asking whether he / she is fine, but you may also hear it used as a response to an inquiry about a family member: A: How is your daughter doing in school? B: Oh, she is doing fine, thank you. okagesama de, she has graduated from high school, and is now going to college. Although it literally means thanks to you, okagesama de is used in situations where the person asking the question has clearly not contributed to the health, success, accomplishment, etc. of you or someone in your family. It is used simply to show your appreciation for his / her concern.

Expressions of Deference in Japanese Communication


Along with the Japanese tendency to credit the other person for ones own accomplishment, success, good health, and so on as a sign of good will, the Japanese frequently display extreme modesty and deference in daily communication. When someone compliments the Japanese on good work, nice clothes, a beautiful house, wonderful dinner, etc. it is customary for them to downplay their abilities, possessions, etc. As a case in point: A: That was a wonderful meal! You are a great cook, Suzuki-san. B: Oh, no. I only followed a recipe. Anybody can cook. A: I certainly cant. Could you teach me? B: Can I teach? Oh, no. You cook far better than I can. Im the one who needs to take lessons from you. Suzuki may be seen as too modest by American standards, but this is socially acceptable behavior in Japan. This humility is only seen as avoiding appearing to be arrogant or conceited.

ne
In this unit you have heard ne at the end of sentences, as in nihongo ga wakarimasu ne. It is rougly equivalent to the English isnt it? arent you? dont you? etc. The use of ne shows that the speaker expects the listener to agree with him / her. You will hear this used frequently in Japanese; in fact, some people may end virtually every sentence with ne. Living in a more collectivistic society than the US, the Japanese value being aligned with and maintaining harmonious relationships with others. The frequent use of ne may illustrate their desire to avoid any conflict or disagreement with one another.

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