About Words - Japanese Words

In order to achieve some semblance of accuracy when utilizing Japanese words in our practice and training it needs a bit of clarification so we may "understand it a bit better." I have posted on the study and use of Japanese words and Kanji/Kana characters. This will be a bit more about the actual words.

There is a subtlety that in Japan can only be perceived intuitively. Lets look at "art." To distinquish between what is Japanese art and other Asian art is often a matter of the ability to perceive the art intuitively. Even experts in the cultures have different explanations when describing what it is and what makes it different. Sometimes the difference that says Japanese or some other Asian culture is so small or minute Westerners cannot "see it."

This same subtle sense is ofter present as to the many meanings of Japanese words which makes it most difficult even for Japanese to translate such words into other languages, i.e. English being the one that concerns us. When translated it most often changes or removes the original flavor of the word. Depending on how, where and by whom words are used even Japanese find many "shades" of meaning where intuitively meaning must be "sensed (my word)" to achieve understanding.

If we Americans "assume" what we are told by what ever sources a words meaning we can sometimes find that it is not interpreted that way by others. I have used a term or two with the Japanese born, lived and speaking person who looked at me like, "what," only to ask for clarification (they speak English fluently) only to say that it actually means this or that but it might mean what I meant in some groups. Groups being a significant word in Japanese culture and customs, etc.

The more you dig, the deeper the hole and the darker it is making sight of the bottom difficult or just plain indistinguishable. Only the Japanese know just how deep the rabbit hole goes and I wonder about them too.