The Japanese language is full of borrowed english words. For example, a 'paso-kon' is a personal computer, 'toreningu' is training, and a no-o-to is a notebook. Anyway, my host family doesn't speak english but often times they surprise me with the random english words that they use. But seeing as to how their exposure to these words is limited, they usually don't know all the connotations for a particular word. Anyway, my mom decided to send them a letter, thanking them for 'hosting' me at their house. Problem is, in Japan, the word host is usually used at say, a hosuto-baa (Host Bar). You know... the bars where businessman go after a long day at work and spend all their money getting drinks from (possibly) scantily clad hostess'. Anyway, they were somewhat shocked when they recognized the word 'host' in the letter and associated it with this negative connotation of a host-bar waitress. It was quite difficult for me to convey any positive connotations, like the idea of a gracious host at say, a party for example. It was really just interesting to note because this is the kind of mix-up that comes from being in Japan and makes me realize how much there is to consider when conversing with someone in another language.
9 comments:
Aaaaaahahahhaa. You'd better not tell them that they're considered a "Host Family", then... they're breeding them nowadays!
Interesting. I never thought about negative connotations associated with host because I always use that word with my host family...whoops, maybe I have some explaining to do too.
Oh Dan, trying to set the Japanese people against us again? But yeah, with the gap between our two societies, hopefully there are some other words that your host family can clear up.
I hope it didn't cause too much of a rift; sure you did a descent job smoothing it over. Pales in comparison to the many things I butchered while there. But since you're there a year, you'll pass me in no time~
~SD
Yeah, at least you didn't jam a fork into your steak the first time you met them. That was my friend Alex.
Hey Daniel,
Mr. Tom and I have loved reading your blogs. We were just going down memory lane. We were in Japan 20 years ago (1987-91) and Yokota Air Base is Shawn's birth place. We, too, spent some time in Shingiku. I loved the picture of the soup. I would give just about anything to taste that again. Ya know it is real hard to find Japanese food in southeast GA! Yes, it does get hot and then in the winter is does get COLD!!! I remember conserving the a/c and kerosene heater! We would carry the heater from room to room, ha! Once, we had frost on the inside of the window! BURRRRR!! I hope you have a wonderful time. I wish I had learned more of the culture and language. You have an amazing opportunity. Best of luck and keep the blogs coming. Ms. Rhonda, Mr. Tom Shawn and Rylee
for anyone confused at my above comment, I meant chopsticks, not fork......
hi daniel from your "not host" mama. oops if i only had a brain, but my good intentions were there. again thank them for their hospitality. is that an okay word? love all you have to say. keep blogging. dont give up at japanese even if it gets difficult. sayonara.
LOVE - haha (hehe!)
That is a really funny story Dan and I know you will have many more 2 come. I was in Masawa for 4 years and I have lots upon lots of funny mixed up storys like that. Have fun and enjoy your time there.
Ganki-
Ja-ne-
Friend of Mom (Sara)
SSgt Alston
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