All the contributions that we have received were fantastic! Thank you to Roman, Abby, Carmen, Alex, Herman, Talia, and Ingrid for giving us your input and amazing suggestions/critique! You can find each of their contributions in the posts below.
We'll try to implement at least something from each contribution as we go through our Engrish adventure!
Thanks again,
TEAM ENGRISH
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ingrid's Contribution
I think one aspect of the Engrish that isn’t examined very often is the spoken engrish. English, to my knowledge is a required class to take from elementary school to junior high school. While not all continue on with English education after high school, in the younger generation, some English is floating around. However, I’ve been told that after junior high English, the most that people tend to understand is how to say “this is a pen”. From my own experience, though, people who have studied English and know the language relatively well, are eager to test out their English on foreigners.
I think it would be interesting to pay attention to the verbal mistakes that Japanese people make while speaking English. There will likely be a whole range of skill among English-speaking Japanese, but I think it would be interesting to observe mistakes that are made consistently. These mistakes would likely be caused by something to do with Japanese grammar that carries over to English. For example, I noticed that my one Japanese friend had a tendency to leave out nouns and pronouns. She would say things like “when are we going to buy?” instead of “when are we going to buy it?” I’m curious whether other Japanese people will make the same mistakes, and what other kind of mistakes they make.
I think this would also be helpful information to know. I want to teach English in Japan, and I know others in our class are interested in doing the same. This information would help me to focus on what kind of mistakes are common so that my future students will speak better English. That, and it may help other people understand English-speaking Japanese if they realize what is trying to be said.
By Ingrid Falkenberg-Andersen
Talia's Contribution
Engrish has integrated itself into all aspects of Japanese pop culture, and music is no exception. Engrish can frequently be seen worked into what are otherwise completely Japanese lyrics. These lyrics seldom hold meaning, and serve, for the most part, simply as fashion. Engrish in music has grown in popularity as it has made its way into mainstream pop culture throughout Japan. Engrish found in advertisements, on product packaging, and on clothing has provided the groundwork for its popularity in the entertainment sector. Many of Japan’s top musical acts utilize Engrish in their lyrics and song titles. One of Japan’s leading female vocal groups, Perfume, frequently use Engrish in their music. With titles such as, “Twinkle Snow Powdery Snow”, “ポリリズム”(Polyrhythm), and “Kiss and Music”, their songs epitomize the use of Engrish in Japan’s music industry. These songs are prime examples of fashionable use of Engrish in entertainment. The addition of Engrish to the music industry has followed Westernization and modernization across Asia. It is representative of all things modern and new and the growth of their popularity in Japan.
My challenge to Team Engrish – to branch out beyond the visual and explore the music scene of Japan and its use of Engrish. Music has the ability to reach the people, and because of this, its influence its broad. Music played at concerts; shows; in shops & boutiques; and on the street all reach a unique demographic. Investigate the various locations in which music containing Engrish can be found. To what audience is this music being played? Do you believe that it is target-specific? Check out Engrish.com’s section on Engrish in music. http://www.engrish.com/category/music/ There you can find all sorts of amusing photos of artist album covers with great Engrish. It is my belief that the majority of the Engrish used in today’s new music is representative of the new generation of increasingly Westernized young adults in Japan. I believe it draws on the desire of Japan’s youth to stay up-to-date and in fashion. So go out and explore Japan’s music scene and attempt to uncover Engrish use within it. Maybe a TORA/Team Engrish collaborative field trip would be of interest!
By Talia Wells
Herman's Contribution
Recently, I came across a blog that mentioned the usage of the word “smog” in its katakana form “スモッグ” during a broadcast of the NHK news. As you all can probably guess, it was our professor’s English blog about Japanese vocabulary. At first, I didn’t pay it much attention and didn’t think of why they chose to use this word instead the words they have in Japanese for smog. It wasn’t until when Alex mentioned some possibilities of why they might have chosen to use words that were borrowed from the English language, over preexisting Japanese words, that it occurred to me. Perhaps it was directly related to the connotations attached to the word “smog”, that they chose it over “霧(きり)” and “煙霧(えんむ)”. A quick search on the definitions of “霧” and “煙霧” told me that they meant fog, mist, or haze. For native English speakers, the difference between fog/mist/haze and smog is clear. Smog is essentially fog that has some sort of pollution mixed in. Now, I do not know the connotations attached to the words “霧” and “煙霧”, but if they are to be translated as fog or mist, then it would be sensible that they chose to use “スモッグ” as a way to emphasize the point that it is harmful, man-made pollution.
This sort of behavior isn’t by any means unique to Japanese, nor is it uncommon. We probably do not notice, but even the English language has many examples of borrowing words from a different language, rather than using the English equivalent. Examples include words such as manga (comics), sakura blossoms (cherry blossoms), hors d’oeuvres (appetizer), panzer (light tank), mu gu gai pan (mushroom chicken), and chow mein (fried noodles). As we can see from these examples, while they are both the same thing essentially, there is an underlying difference in the connotations of the words themselves. In the example of manga and comics, the subtle difference between them is that manga are comics done in a specific fashion, and that manga have to be made in Japan. The emphasis is that manga is a Japanese creation, and that manga are not the same as North American comics.
Well, it is my theory that when one person, who isn't completely fluent in the language, translates a sentence, they will choose to use some words over others, because they feel that certain words will "fit" more. Also, with respect to sentence structure, they may choose to phrase in such a way that the original "feeling" of the sentence is not lost. In doing so, the result may just end up being engrish.
Suggestion:
Maybe you can have the class vote on which is their favorite engrish of the week and then on the final week they can vote on their overall favorite engrish among the weekly winners. And perhaps whoever in the class submitted that photo can get a free bag of candy or something along those lines. I think this way you can foster more involvement with your readers.
By Herman Lam
Alexandra's Contribution
I think that this research topic is a really interesting one. I had never thought about why there might be 2 words for something, one “authentic” Japanese word and one “foreign” Japanese word (like クラス and 授業). I think that it will be very interesting to find out why that is. However, I was just wondering about the format of your research. Will you be simultaneously looking for Engrish and katakana words? Or will you focus on Engrish for the first 2 weeks and then katakana words for the last 2 weeks? I feel that it might be best to focus on only one aspect at a time, as it may become overwhelming to focus of too much.
Something else that I would be interested in, but may be difficult to find, would be who creates the new words. Although it will be nearly impossible to determine who thought up the new word, it may be useful to document where you heard it first.
An interesting source of new or interesting words could be Yang先生’s blog, Japanese Word Watch (http://jww2010.blogspot.com/). This could provide you with new words to investigate, and if you were stuck or needed further elaboration, the author would be easily accessible! Another interesting website I found is http://pinktentacle.com/2009/11/top-60-japanese-words-phrases-of-2009/ which appears to be a list of the most interesting words of 2009. I think NHK or another television station did a report on the most interesting words. It might be interesting to investigate some of the words on the list.
I’m really looking forward to the Engrish portion of your research. I’m interested to see how regional differences change the frequency of Engrish. I agree with your prediction about smaller and non-franchised restaurants having more Engrish. A prediction that I have is that larger, more global cities like Tokyo will have less Engrish because they are exposed to more fluent English speakers.
I was just wondering how the Engrish earns a cringe-worthy rating. Will the clarity of the message factor into the rating? If the message is just confusing, will it have a low rating? How does the Engrish earn a Potato-smiley? I think that a guideline to the criteria being considered would be very helpful.
I’m really looking forward to what you find from your research! If I see any funny engrish signs, I’ll be sure to show you!
By Alexandra Henderson
Carmen's Contribution
I thought you guys did a great job of laying out your research in a detailed and highly organized manner. You defined what Engrish is very thoroughly and using examples was very effective. I liked how you talked about the cultural misunderstandings between two cultures when you gave the example about the 'happy grass'. I look forward to seeing whether or not your hypothesis about the Engrish being more divergent in smaller establishments is true or not. I have certainly encountered my fair share of Engrish in many Chinese restaurants in Calgary. Some great ones being 'Mini Stone Soup' and 'Ham Bugger.' Having a LOLPoints grading system is very fun and imaginative. Engrish seems to be something that isn't exclusive to just Japanese, but any language when it is used to serve a purpose for a foreign language. Perhaps by using Japanese as a case study or example, your group could draw a conclusion on misinterpretations and Engrish globally?
Your project also looks at how effective language has been used to communicate an idea to a certain number of people. Maybe also look at who these Engrish objects are aimed or targeted at? For example, many emergency signs at hotels in Japan feature mistranslated English which becomes Engrish. When aimed at tourists or native English speakers, that sign in question is no longer very effective at conveying a message and could, in fact, become a safety hazard, because important information is not given correctly.
Your project also examines how culture has been transferred from one culture to another. In this case, Western, American, English or North American culture to Japan through language and how the Japanese have adapted English or foreign languages into their own language and therefore, culture. Perhaps you could also give a brief summary into the history of Katakana words or the English language entering Japan? It would provide a great historical context and also say a lot about how internationalized the Japanese language is, with words like パン for bread, coming from the French word pain for bread. Katakana utilizes not only English words, but also French and Portuguese etc. You could talk about the foreign influence on Japanese through Katakana since it originated as a way to translate Buddhist texts from India.
Lastly, perhaps the funniest use of translation I have seen occurs in pirated DVDs from China where movies are filmed in a theatre in English and then English subtitles are added and the translations are utterly nonsensical and communication is completely degraded. Is this a phenomenon in Japan as well? Do they have poorly translated movies and TV shows? Perhaps while you're in Japan you could find a movie and watch to see if the Japanese or English is translated correctly? It's certainly another facet of Engrish on a grand scale.
By Carmen Siu
Your project also looks at how effective language has been used to communicate an idea to a certain number of people. Maybe also look at who these Engrish objects are aimed or targeted at? For example, many emergency signs at hotels in Japan feature mistranslated English which becomes Engrish. When aimed at tourists or native English speakers, that sign in question is no longer very effective at conveying a message and could, in fact, become a safety hazard, because important information is not given correctly.
Your project also examines how culture has been transferred from one culture to another. In this case, Western, American, English or North American culture to Japan through language and how the Japanese have adapted English or foreign languages into their own language and therefore, culture. Perhaps you could also give a brief summary into the history of Katakana words or the English language entering Japan? It would provide a great historical context and also say a lot about how internationalized the Japanese language is, with words like パン for bread, coming from the French word pain for bread. Katakana utilizes not only English words, but also French and Portuguese etc. You could talk about the foreign influence on Japanese through Katakana since it originated as a way to translate Buddhist texts from India.
Lastly, perhaps the funniest use of translation I have seen occurs in pirated DVDs from China where movies are filmed in a theatre in English and then English subtitles are added and the translations are utterly nonsensical and communication is completely degraded. Is this a phenomenon in Japan as well? Do they have poorly translated movies and TV shows? Perhaps while you're in Japan you could find a movie and watch to see if the Japanese or English is translated correctly? It's certainly another facet of Engrish on a grand scale.
By Carmen Siu
Abigail's Contribution
Japanese language and culture is extremely interesting and confusing; without even thinking about it Japanese people are able to transition their speech from very casual between friends, to formal, to honorific, and extra-modest or humble. These transitions accompanied by different vocabulary and conjugations become natural to them, perhaps almost reflexive. Therefore, it can be inferred that their choice of vocabulary and speech may alter from what they commonly use when talking to native English speakers. The conversation partners may be more inclined to use katakana words as opposed to the Japanese word simply because they believe that it would be easier for people learning Japanese to understand or because it is more commonly known. This does not mean that they do not usually use the Japanese word or that they prefer to use the katakana word but simply that their style of speech has changed to accommodate the person who they are speaking to. I do hypothesize that many more katakana words are being used by the younger generation instead of the equivalent Japanese word. For example, トイレ compared with おてあらい. However I find it necessary to distinguish between those words that are increasingly becoming popular to say in katakana and are preferred to be said in katakana and those words that are used by conversation partners for other reasons, such as a way to make it easier for foreign exchange students to understand what they are trying to say.
In order to contest this I propose that the Japanese conversation partners be told that the interest lies within their choice of words so that they are encouraged to speak as they would with one of their Japanese friends. An alternative approach would be to listen to the way in which Japanese people speak amongst their friends and see how often they use katakana words. Furthermore, in addition to asking the conversation partners about Engrish verbally I propose that a questionnaire be given. This may give Japanese people a better chance of explaining themselves and allow them to think more comfortably and freely. I imagine the questionnaire to contain both English and Japanese. Perhaps there may be a section that simply lists some katakana words and Japanese words and asks them to circle the one in which they prefer to use and maybe even give an explanation to why they prefer to use it. Another section may ask people to translate English sentences into Japanese and to note which words they use. The next section could contain a few images or quotes with Engrish asking questions about what they think about it, if there is anything wrong with it, etc. The end would include a couple of idioms that asks them what they the meanings are. I believe this is where the problem lies for the most part. Just as with the image “the grass is smiling at you”, the words together have a different meaning then that is expected. It would be really interesting to go over idioms in both English and Japanese because the meanings are usually hard to understand and interpret. I would target those students who are majoring in English or those that have been to Western countries to study English. I also think these students would be best to ask about Engrish and whether they see the humour in it or whether they understand its mistakes or downfalls.
Criticism and Suggestions
I think that the way in which Team Engrish went about their detailed plan of action is quite impressive and very informative. The questions you guys developed are interesting and your topic is focused. The only thing that I have a concern about is with asking conversation partners about their use of katakana. Perhaps, it would be beneficial to first inform them that you are interested in whether they prefer the katakana word or the Japanese word, rather than just noting the amount of times they use katakana words. The reason in which I suggest this is because I think that the Japanese conversation partners may have a tendency to use katakana words in front of exchange students. This may be because they think that the Japanese equivalent may be harder to understand or may be unknown to English speakers. This may also have an impact of the extent to which demographic age effects on the choice of speech. For example, teachers may be more inclined to be formal towards the students and expect the students to use Japanese words rather than katakana words.
In addition to asking your conversation partners about Engrish verbally, my suggestion is for you to explore the use of Engrish in Japanese society through the use of questionnaires. I imagine these questionnaires to contain both English and Japanese. Perhaps there may be a section that simply lists some katakana words and Japanese words and asks them to circle the one in which they prefer to use and maybe even give an explanation to why they prefer to use it. Another section may ask people to translate English sentences into Japanese and to note which words they use. The next section could contain a few images or quotes with Engrish asking questions about what they think about it, if there is anything wrong with it, etc. At the end you may also include a couple of English idioms which asks them what they think the meanings would be. I believe this is where the problem lies for the most part. Just as you mentioned on the image with “the grass is smiling at you”, the words together have a different meaning then that is expected. It would be really interesting to go over idioms in both English and Japanese because the meanings are usually hard to understand. This would probably be easier to go through with those Japanese students majoring in English or those that have been to Western countries to study English. I also think these students would be best to ask about Engrish and whether they see the humour in it or whether they understand its mistakes or downfalls.
by Abigail Obispo
Roman's Contribution
Technology and Language
Since the effectiveness of technology is ever far from waning, the text language must be studied and prodded. The world is in a constant flux of change and development. One such piece of technology is the cell phone, and the use of text messaging. Since cell phones and text messaging is quite prevalent Japan, it would be quite interesting to study the language of text messaging to see patterns in text language, be it, the hiragana, katakana, kanji similar to the writing system, or implementing more romaji, or if there is a new hybrid Japanese language through texts similar to what has happened to English, and the extensive use of abbreviations, for example: lol, ttyl, and g2g.
This would prove to be interesting as Japan is a culture that is able to strike a balance between the past, while adapting for the future. The text message is a means of communication, and through this, an evolution of writing. By looking at technology, through the scope of text messages, unearthing different facets of Japan-ness that is either lost in the text language or kept is possible. For example, would there be a strict following towards grammar, or would it be unnecessary just as long as the recipient can understand the idea of the text?
Japanese vs. Engrish vs. English
Building off of the 'Prevalence of English in Japanese Speech' idea, is the concept of cross linguistic homonyms. As it has been pointed out, katakana is used for the translating of foreign words, but the problem with adopting words is that there is a chance that the word or phrase in question has a phonetic similarity already in the host language. It would be interesting to see how Japanese people would respond and react to a word that has a phonetic similarity or do they even care about it. This could also work conversely as there may be some phonetic words that could mean one thing in Japanese, and something entirely different in English.
An example of such confusion is within the penchant of Japanese people to use abbreviations for stores. The convenience store “Family Mart” becomes ‘ファミマ,’ and “Starbucks” is abbreviated into ‘スターバ.‘ These may just sound funny to the people who are not immersed in the language, however, using abbreviations and cross linguistic homonyms may connote vastly different ideas. For example, in Japan, there is a fast food restaurant called “First Kitchin.” Just like “Family Mart,” and “Starbucks,” there is an abbreviation for it which is ‘ファッキン.’ To the Japanese, this is just an abbreviation for the fast food place, however, in English there is a completely different set of narratives with that word, thus showing one example of Engrish versus English.
Suggestion
The idea of ‘Engrish’ is an entrancing one because Japan, today, and through its history, is known for taking foreign ideas and transforming it into something unique with its Japan-ness. Incorporating the Chinese characters, called 'Kanji,' and buying the technology of transistor radios which led to the creation of the 'Play Station' brand are just a couple of much more examples of the 'Japanization' of foreign entities. Using English is just another example of this. As the members of 'Team Engrish' pointed out, the definition of 'Engrish' is, to an extent, mistakes in translation of English. The use of 'Engrish' is prevalent because of the 'World's' penchant of looking towards, and the adaptation of western societies, and the English language is one such aspect.
I do not have much criticism neither to the over arching theme, nor the approach of grappling with 'Engrish.' What I would like to do, however, is to add on to their research. I would like to present two more suggestions to the 'Engrish' aesthetic as a means to try and round out their research by giving more depth and breadth as a compliment to the group's findings. The first is within the global network and the aspect of using 'Engrish' through text messaging and secondly, is the problems with cross linguistic homonyms.
I believe that "we," the global 'we', Japan especially, are moving towards, if not already in, an age of technological dependence, where anything and everything is placed in the realm of technology. In adding to the group's framework of the "What we plan to look for," I would like to present the technology aspect of Engrish, by way of text messaging. Since cell phones and text messaging is quite prevalent Japan, what I propose is study the language of text messaging to see patterns in text language, be it, the hiragana, katakana, kanji similar to the writing system, or implementing more romaji, or if there is a new hybrid Japanese language through texts similar to what has happened to English, and the extensive use of abbreviations, for example: lol, ttyl, and g2g.
In addition, is the confusion in differentiating between Japanese and Engrish. The problem with adopting words is there is a chance that the word or phrase in question has a phonetic similarity already in the host language, and this poses obvious problems. An example is in the manga 'school rumble' by Jin Kobayashi. Although Jin Kobayashi seems self aware of this problem, he brings it to the fore through the names of his characters. One of the main character's names is Harima Kenji (はりま けんじ), a delinquent, and on separate occasions, he is mixed up with a transfer student whose name is Harry McKenzie (ハリー マケンジ). So my point is; find other examples of this confusion of cross linguistic homonyms and see how the Japanese populace respond and react or do they even care about it.
By Roman Magnaye
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