Archive for the year 2008
Japanese Language: Pronunciation Posted by Ginny on Nov 11, 2008
The Japanese language is called a “shallow” language. (At least that’s what the linguists call it.) It’s labeled as “shallow” because words and letters are pronounced as how they are written. If we compare the way Japanese words are pronounced to the way English words are pronounced, you’ll find that English is a “deep” language. …
Japanese Culture: Using Chopsticks Posted by Ginny on Nov 9, 2008
How many of you use chopsticks? For first-timers, chopstick use can be daunting and difficult at the same time. However, if you follow the Japanese mochikata (もちかた), or the way in which you should hold chopsticks, you will be able to use chopsticks seamlessly, in no time. First, hold the chopsticks using only your middle…
Japanese Food: Sake (さけ) Posted by Ginny on Nov 8, 2008
Today’s post will be on sake (さけ). Sake (さけ) is an alcoholic beverage in Japan made from rice. It is usually diluted with water so as to lower the alcohol content. (Though I can still manage to get dizzy from just one bottle!) There are many different kinds of sake (さけ), and I’m here to…
Japanese Culture: Geishas (芸者) Posted by Ginny on Nov 7, 2008
My students often ask me, “what is a geisha (芸者) and what do they do?” The truth is, there is no easy answer to this question. The world of the geisha (芸者) called karyūkai (花柳界), which translates into English as, “the flower and willow world,” is a world shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity. However elusive…
Japanese Food: Riceballs Posted by Ginny on Nov 6, 2008
My students always get confused with the difference between onigiri (おにぎり) riceballs and ohagi (おはぎ) riceballs. These two snacks are similar in name, but that’s where the similarities end. Onigiri (おにぎり) riceballs are usually triangular in shape and wrapped in nori (海) or green seaweed. Oftentimes the onigiri (おにぎり) is…
Japanese Culture: Culture Day Posted by Ginny on Nov 6, 2008
Culture Day, which is called bunka-no-hi (文化) in Japanese, is always held the third of November. The purpose of this national holiday is to celebrate and promote Japanese culture and the arts. The cool thing about this holiday is that there is a ceremony called the Order of Culture or the bunka kunshō (文化勲章), which…