In my opinion, fixed methods of communication are very important, especially when you are unfamiliar with a person. The past week or two, we learned a number of distinctions between polite and formal Japanese used for "out group" acquaintances, versus the plain form that can be used for family, friends, and coworkers. When I decided to study Chinese, I never bothered to study the fixed expressions in textbooks. To me, they seemed irrelevant, too formal, and not really necessary. And when I lived in China, most of my friends were my age, so I could talk casually and not have to worry about being too polite. But eventually, I started studying at a university there, and I found that although I could express my opinion, I did not know how to request things from a teacher in a way that was comfortable; in other words, I always had to hesitate, because I was afraid I was being rude.
Now, studying Japanese, which puts so much emphasis on politeness levels, although the variations seem a bit abstract, I realize they'll be very useful when living in Japan or doing research there. To talk to ones friends is easy, because they can overlook small mistakes. But to avoid making an impression that makes strangers reluctant to get to know you is important if you plan on staying in a different culture for a long time; fixed expressions become very important for communication then.
I couldn't write this in Japanese, but I thought the experience in China was worth writing about....gomen nasai!
I totally agree with your opinion that polite form in language is really important in Asia. I know it's little confusing changing polite form to plain form, but if we get used to it, like you said, it would be really helpful when we go to Japan or when we meet Japanese people.
ReplyDeleteYour focus on plain styles and polite styles is very interesting. I wonder if you could talk about the differences between talking with Chinese people and Japanese people? Fixed methods of communication are very useful--do you pay a lot of attention to the set phrases that come in the vocabulary? Are you going to make special use of them, even if you don't understand every part!
ReplyDeleteYour take on communication is exactly accurate. Thank you for relating your personal experience!
I think even though chinese can seem casual compared to japanese, there are many times, especially in writing letters or emails, that it's really necessary to choose language carefully. thats why i kinda hated writing to teachers in taiwan...it always took so long! hopefully w/japanese memorizing a few useful phrases now can save time later
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ReplyDeleteI think you have brought up really important point. Coming from Japan, I too feel the advantage of knowing the importance of using different level of politeness in different occasions in different cultures. In a way paying attention to the correct social representation all the time is tiring, but with your experience in Chinese speaking country, I hope you enjoy developing relationships with people in Japanese language too. TAむらい
ReplyDeleteHi TA むらい, I agree - - it really is tiring trying to memorize all the set phrases. Because usually, you just want to talk to friends and people your age. But yes, I am enjoying learning how to navigate situations that without set phrases might be awkward.
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