“Soramimi” (Mishearing) / “Silence is Golden”
“Soramimi” (Mishearing) / “Silence is Golden”
I’ve been studying Korean, recently. Language is a direct gateway to other cultures. Just as when I started studying English, I was motivated to learn Korean to dig deeper into the essence of Korean culture.
It’s often said that Japanese and Korean have similar grammar and vocabulary that share common origins. However, compared to Japanese, Korean actually has over 300 hundreds of pronunciation patterns. Also, we shouldn't overlook that Hangul characters are formed by complex combinations of circles and lines. Until we master those characters, we can’t even stand at the starting line of language learning. Now I have come to realize that it’s a very difficult language. That being said, I could easily learn phrases like “무리 (impossible) 기분 (feeling)” because the pronunciation and meaning are similar to Japanese :)
This time, I’d like to share two lessons (myths) that I learned from my English study.
Develop basic hearing to master languages—Myth: No “soramimi” (mishearing) is acceptable.
To master English, basic hearing ability is important. So in order to get used to English pronunciation, it is necessary to start English lessons at an early age. English has many more vowels and consonants than Japanese, and the combinations make pronunciation even more complicated. Many English words end with consonants, which means that breath escapes when making sounds. Because of this, the last sound of a word has a higher audio frequency. The brain of a Japanese language speaker tends to pick up the lower frequencies, typical of Japanese vowels, rather than recognizing higher frequencies. It is often pointed out to me that I speak Japanese in a lower pitched voice, yet my English is at a higher one. When speaking English, my mouth movements and vocalizations are weaker than native English speakers, but the frequency of my voice may be higher than when I speak Japanese. It is said that English native speakers are naturally good at abdominal breathing, and excellent at vocalization and singing, as well.
The key to getting familiar with English sounds is to adapt to English’s weak vowels and strong consonants.
To my fellow Japanese, please check out the following “soramimi” learning examples. Believe it or not, you can pronounce them like native English speakers.
“What time is it now?”— “Hotta Imo Ijiruna.” (Don’t play with dug-up potatoes)
“Have a nice day!”—“Haba Naissu ne.” (It’s narrow, isn’t it?)
“You have a computer.”—“Yuhan wa kampyo da.” (Today’s dinner is kampyo.)
“Ah, hold me tight.”—“Aho mitai.” (Like a fool.)
“Wash your hands.”—“Washa hen.” (I’m weird.)
“Wash my car.”—“Oshimai kah.” (Hmm, it’s the end.)
“You know me?”—“Yunomi.” (Tea cup.)
“Hurry up! Hurry up!”—“Hari ya, hari ya.” (It’s a needle, it’s a needle!)
“I need you.”—“Ani iju.” (My brother, relocated.)
Develop communication skills—Myth: Silence is Golden.
Regardless of whether it is English or any other language, the ability to correctly send and receive information is becoming more and more important in this global, modern society of diversified values. In Japan, where people tend to prioritize social balance rather than individual opinions, there is an accepted culture that keeps things ambiguous rather than saying things with words. But actually, there are non-verbal and contextual communication channels that play important roles. It’s difficult to understand unless you are in the community. In social media, each message is clearly verbalized (or symbolized) and sent to the other side. It may be simple, but this communication method has the power to resonate with others strongly. Once the message is accepted by others, credibility is increased, and finally the words can create value for the originator. Then, the message is shared by many people. If the author’s premise is compelling, then in my opinion, the shared message adds value and creates new culture.
Conclusion
I will try hard to accomplish my goals.
