I was impressed by the flexible approach to language taken by Hiroaki Iima, a linguist and lexicographer who is also known as a 'word hunter'
The guest on yesterday's episode of 'Barairo Dandy' was Hiroaki Iima, a linguist and lexicographer. Listening to him talk brought back nostalgic memories of when I watched the movie 'The Great Passage' and was deeply moved by learning about the depth of the work involved in lexicography.
I think the task of coming up with definitions for words to include in a dictionary is truly backbreaking work. Mr. Iima also seemed to be constantly facing every word, struggling while racking his brain over how best to express them.
Especially recently, the way words are used seems to have become even more complex, partly due to the influence of 'diversity'.
For example, the MC, Ryo Fukawa, mentioned that he had once been told not to use the term 'kikoku-shijo' (returnee child). According to Mr. Iima, 'Since 'shi' represents male and 'jo' represents female, it is not strange as a word,' but these days, universities sometimes use the term 'kikoku-sei' (returnee student) instead. These are words we might use without thinking, but it seems more people are becoming overly sensitive to them.
What I felt throughout the entire program yesterday was that Mr. Iima's way of thinking about language is extremely flexible. People with the title of 'scholar' often have an image of somehow forcing their own assertions onto others as being the correct ones. However, Mr. Iima did not say anything like, 'Language is this way, and you must use it this way.'
With a gentle tone, he seemed to convey that he loves all the words that exist in this world, including those newly born due to the changes of the times, and I felt as if he were kindly suggesting, 'How about trying to use words in this way?'
There were several things Mr. Iima said that left an impression on me. They were all topics that make you want to dig deeper into language itself.
'It's not about whether using this word is problematic, but I think you should always think about how the person being spoken to would feel if you used this phrasing.'
'Language is something that changes as everyone thinks it does.'
'Don't be made to say things; judge for yourself whether or not to use a word.'
As I write my own notes, I have become more sensitive to language than before, constantly asking myself, 'Is this phrasing strange?', 'Which kanji is appropriate to use?', or 'Is this expression something that won't make the reader feel uncomfortable?' I decided that I want to express myself more carefully while keeping Mr. Iima's words in mind when I post things.
It is said that there is a buzz because a dictionary called 'Otaku Terminology Dictionary: Dai-Genkai,' which contains about 1,600 'otaku terms' collected by students of the Department of Modern Liberal Arts at Nagoya Junior College, will be published next month.
It seems to be a hot topic on social media, with people saying things like, 'I want to know the words young people are using lately' and 'I want to know how they have changed from the 'otaku terms' of a decade or so ago.'
The word 'otaku' itself used to have a somewhat negative connotation, meaning an 'enthusiast' who likes a 'core' world, didn't it? Now, it has changed to be used to mean someone who is 'knowledgeable' or 'passionate,' such as in 'coffee otaku.'
In the 'Otaku Terminology Dictionary: Dai-Genkai,' there are apparently many words that are interpreted differently from their ordinary meanings. As an example,
[Keshikaran (Outrageous)]
In a standard dictionary, it is used when 'reprimanding behavior that is outside common sense and unforgivable.'
In the 'Otaku Terminology Dictionary: Dai-Genkai,' it is 'an expression used when you are pretending to scold someone, but in your heart, you actually want more.'
(Example usage)
'Outrageous! Good, do more!'
Regarding this interpretation of the word, Mr. Iima said, 'Saying 'outrageous' while actually 'liking' it... that existed in the past too, and Japanese people like to use language where their outward appearance and inner feelings are different. Isn't it that 'otaku terms' have different meanings within the narrow circles where they live?' He is a person who never takes a 'negative' approach... Mr. Iima. He also said he would like to read this 'Otaku Terminology Dictionary: Dai-Genkai.'
He also said, 'Just as the texture of a work changes depending on the translator, or the interpretation of a piece of music changes depending on the conductor, dictionaries have various interpretations depending on the dictionary. What is written in each is different. It is also important to compare several dictionaries.'
I believe that language is a 'living thing' that is constantly changing with the times. I felt once again that I want to express myself by making appropriate 'choices' of words, while flexibly accepting those changes like Mr. Iima, without forcing my own way of thinking onto others. It was a very meaningful time that taught me a lot.
Thank you for reading this long text to the end.