Can't We All Just Get Along...

Can't We All Just Get Along...

Learning a foreign language has obvious practical reasons, like increasing native-language ability, improving chances of entering college or graduate school, and improving employment potential. But to me—and this is what really interests me about the process—foreign-language learning promotes better understanding of oneself and one’s culture. Think of it as a study in cultural contrasts.

Take, for example, how different languages show various levels of formality during oral communication. Contemporary English, at least in the United States, shows little evidence of formality. “Sir” or “Ma’am” is still used and there are certain phrases like “May I help you?” that still imply formality. One can show deference in the way one says someone’s name; for instance, by choosing either “Mr. Jones,” “Norman,” “Norm,” or “Jones.” But in general, one would address a relative, a friend, and an employer, with the same parts of speech.

On the other hand, all Romance languages, many Germanic languages, and some Slavic languages have formal and informal “you” pronouns. For instance, Spanish has the informal tú along with the formal usted, while German has du and Sie, respectively. These pronouns are used according to the social position and age (among other factors) of the subject being addressed and require different verb conjugations and possessive forms. To use them under the wrong circumstances would be inappropriate and could even suggest disrespect.

But in some Asian languages—like Japanese—different words actually have different levels of formality associated with them, and you’re supposed to use them depending on whom you’re talking to and whether that person is higher or lower in social status or hierarchy. The grammar is basically the same, but there are a number of words (particularly the specific forms of the verb) that are only used according to the person being addressed.

There are roughly six levels of formality in Japanese:

Blunt: Usually used only by men in very informal situations. It’s used a lot in movies, particularly coming from tough-guy characters.

Plain: anybody can use plain language, but it’s only appropriate for relaxed situations with people you know well. This level is particularly common with young people.

Casual: closer to polite than plain Japanese, but with some changes to make it flow a little more smoothly when you’re talking.

Polite: This is the level taught in most Japanese classes. It’s not too stiff and can be used in most situations where a lot of formality isn’t called for.

Humble: used when you’re referring to yourself while talking to someone of superior status, or whom you’re “at the service of,” such as a business client.

Honorific: used when talking to the same type of social superior, but when you’re talking about them.

Exactly when to use each of these types of speech depends on enough things to make you go mental: your social standing relative to the people you’re talking to, your age relative to them, your position in an organization relative to them, your grade in school relative to them, if they’re a client of your company, whether you’re related, (and in what way), and more. This explains why there are several ways of saying “I,” and “you.”

I

Watakushi (male or female; extremely formal)

Watashi (male or female; relatively polite)

Boku (used only by men; generally younger men)

Ore (men only; not so polite, has a bit of a tough image)

Atashi (used only by women; slightly less formal than watashi)

You

Anata (polite, but used only with people your familiar with)

Anta (a short version of anata; not polite at all)

Omae (informal, can be used between close friends)

Temee (blunt, and potentially insulting, if used in the wrong situation)

Kisama (very blunt, and potentially even more insulting, if used in the wrong situation)

Japanese culture, as reflected by the language, seems very rigid. Every human interaction — verbal communication included — is always shaped by one’s status or position in the social hierarchy. I wonder if we could ever get used to such a concept in our culture.