Questions concerning the ways in which Japanese and its writing system, like all languages, evolve over time naturally.
0
votes
2answers
417 views
Did the Japanese have a word for surrender before WWII?
I had always thought that the Japanese didn't have a word for surrender before WWII. It seemed to be plausible given their culture. However, I can't seem to find any solid evidence of this. Is it just ...
13
votes
5answers
405 views
Modern names of the obsolete kana ゑ and ゐ
In modern Japanese, the kana ゑ/ヱ (we) and ゐ/ヰ (wi) are largely obsolete. Words formerly containing them now are pronounced with /e/ and /i/, so they were replaced by え and い, respectively.
But when ...
17
votes
2answers
465 views
Why is は pronounced as わ when used as a topic particle?
The particle は is pronounced similarly to わ (unlike the rest of the ハ行 kana) when used as a particle; why is this? What historical shifts went on to cause this irregularity?
9
votes
1answer
250 views
Japanese/Chinese numbers usage timeline
Around what time did the Japanese start using Chinese numbers?
For example, 八百長 pronounced やおちょう rather than using the modern はっぴゃく.
