Keigo Understanding the Dynamics of Japanese Communication #161

Keigo Understanding the Dynamics of Japanese Communication #161
Photo by Jason Ortego / Unsplash

日本人もよく悩むスピーチレベルについて。I introduce my original concepts, "Keigo Barrier" and "Keigo Gradation," which shed light on how language shapes interpersonal connections in Japanese culture.

Silver Penguin+ Members: Video Podcast and Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)

Note on Created Terms: "Keigo Barrier" and "Keigo Gradation"

I would like to clarify that the terms "Keigo Barrier" and "Keigo Gradation" are original concepts I have devised to illustrate specific aspects of Japanese language and social interactions. These terms are not standard in Japanese language education but are my personal conceptualization to explain the nuanced use of formal language in various social settings.

Keigo Barrier:

This term refers to the intentional use of formal Japanese language (Keigo) to maintain a certain degree of social distance or respect within a relationship. It's a strategic approach to keep the relationship comfortably respectful, without becoming too personal or informal.

Keigo Gradation:

This concept describes the gradual transition from formal to more casual language within a conversation. It serves as a technique for navigating social closeness, allowing one to cautiously move towards a deeper connection while still respecting the other person's boundaries.

These terms were developed to assist learners of Japanese in understanding the intricate dynamics of respect, familiarity, and social hierarchy that are integral to Japanese communication.

単語 (Vocabulary)

関係性(かんけいせい) - Relationship
距離感(きょりかん) - Sense of distance
心地(ここち)いい - Comfortable
反応(はんのう) - Reaction
仲良(なかよ)くなる - Becoming closer
観察(かんさつ) - Observation
(くだ)けた(はな)(かた) - Casual speech
文化(ぶんか)(ちが)い - Cultural differences
返事(へんじ) - Reply

会話の話題 (Conversation Topics)

日本語(にほんご)学習者(がくしゅうしゃ)として、敬語(けいご)使(つか)()けで(こま)ったことはありますか?どのように対応(たいおう)しましたか?
As a learner of Japanese, have you ever struggled with using different levels of politeness? How did you handle it?

敬語(けいご)バリア」を使(つか)った経験(けいけん)はありますか?もしくは使(つか)われた経験(けいけん)がありますか?その(とき)状況(じょうきょう)(はな)してください。
Have you ever experienced using the "Keigo Barrier"? Or have you been on the receiving end of it? Please share the situation.

あなたの(くに)言語(げんご)文化(ぶんか)において、敬語(けいご)バリアや敬語(けいご)グラデーションのような概念(がいねん)はありますか?これは日本語(にほんご)特有(とくゆう)のものだと(おも)いますか?
In your country's language and culture, are there concepts similar to the "Keigo Barrier" and "Keigo Gradation"? Do you think these are unique to Japanese?

Video Podcast and Japanese Transcripts (Furigana Included/Excluded)

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