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Beyond Polite Japanese
A Dictionary of Japanese Slang and Colloquialisms
Akihiko Yonekawa
Paperback 176 pages
128 x 182mm 210g
ISBN : 978-4-7700-2773-3 / 4-7700-2773-7
Publish : 11 May, 2001
Price : $17.00 |
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[ About the Book ]
For people wanting to take a step beyond the textbooks; for anyone wishing to speak like a native without spending two or three decades in the country learning how to do it—for such people as this, Beyond Polite Japanese has collected some 500 words and phrases of prodigious interest. Among the entries are very common, unexceptionable words that Japanese take absolutely for granted, but which you, the student of the language, must struggle mightily to make your own. Other entries cover traditional slang-slang which has been slang for ages, and will likely stay that way for ages more. Other entries take up more contemporary usage, but not so contemporary as to fall from fashion the day after tomorrow. Slang-forming prefixes and suffixes are also given a place, as well as slurred phrases so elusive to the alien ear. Literal meanings, notes on usage, and a bit of etymology are included for greater understanding.
Going beyond polite Japanese—the Japanese we sweated blood to learn in school—is not easy. But with Beyond Polite Japanese it can be brought within the realm of possibility. And for those who want to read manga and watch anime in Japanese, this book is a must.
Some readers may decide that this book is not comprehensive, and therefore think the less of it; but it is not meant to be comprehensive, but to present a rock-solid foundation of some of the most frequently used expressions in the language — something to build upon. In fact, there is apparently no comprehensive dictionary of Japanese slang even in the Japanese language, much less in English. Other readers may think that the book is out-of-date; but it is not meant to be "up-to-date" in that sense, but timeless. It is perfectly possible to speak colloquial Japanese without using the most "up-to-date" expressions, but it is very difficult to speak colloquial Japanese, or even understand it, without know the expressions in this book.
Previously published in the Power Japanese series under the same title.
Reviews
"An indispensable reference to have a your side as you switch on the TV to watch a cop show or a soap opera."
—Asahi Evening News
About the author
AKIHIKO YONEKAWA is a professor at Baika Women's College in Osaka.
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