Would you please read it like you are talking to someone in a normal speed. Sorry, it's a bit long. Ringo
Today, I happened to watch a TV program that was an extension class of a university covered live.
The Japanese professor appeared to have lived in the US for 10 years for work, and was specialized in linguistics and culturology derived from languages.
When I turned on the TV, he was mentioning some of the reasons for the differences in one's mentality between Westerners and Japanese people. This is exactly what I am interested in, and I was absorbed in listening to his lecture.
If I write about all of what he said here, it will probably take at least 10 pages. As I don't want you to feel exhausted, I will tell you just one that was imprinted in my mind.
He let us think about individuality. He added that the concept of "individuality" or "person" may be different in the first place between the western countries and Japan. Japan is a country of "Self is constantly shifting", in contrast to Western countries where "Self should be centered and stable."
We have allegedly over 20 ways to call ourselves, like "watashi", "boku", "o-re" ,"wa-shi" and "jibun" and so on. A funny thing is that we call ourselves differently in each situation, position and role.
Suppose you are a teacher. You call yourself "watashi" with your principal and co-workers, but "boku" with your friends drinking after work. When you are back home, you call yourself "oto-san" (Dad) with your kids. What would you call yourself with your wife? Maybe "o-re"! Wow! You are a movable (changeable) creature! lol
The professor mentioned that it would sound very weird to Westerners that some Japanese people call themselves by their own name. Like, "Mirai likes ra-men" instead of saying, " I like ra-men." Do you really feel strange?
From the point of the linguistic research, it is more difficult for Japanese people to be who they are than for Westerners. Of course, even though Westerners have some occasions that they would change themselves and could not be who they are not, they would have fewer chances to have to be, compared to Japanese...maybe...
What do you think?
Thank you very much for your great recording!!!
I will practice reading by following yours!!!
Ringo