3

I have read somewhere (perhaps in a Japanese book, I forgot) that the term 標準語 was sensitive to older generations, because at the time of the process of standardization of the language, the dialect written by the Tokyo upper-class was treated as superior to other dialects. Was this ever true, and if so, is this still the case? If it isn't the case anymore, when did the word lose its sensitive aspect? Should I be wary of using that word among older people?

1 Answer 1

9

Designating a certain Tokyo dialect as 標準語 itself wasn't a significant problem. However, from the mid-Meiji period to shortly after WWII, the government actively suppressed other dialects and enforced the use of 標準語. This had practical reasons in those days, since media like radio were not yet widespread, and communication between people from different areas could be really difficult. As a result, 方言 was generally viewed much more negatively than 標準語, but some people naturally grew to dislike the term 標準語 as a backlash against this enforced standardization. This means, in my opinion, there is little reason to regard only either of 方言 and 標準語 as "historically sensitive".

It's been a long time since such dialect suppression policies ended, and almost no one today speaks with accents strong enough to hinder communication. Therefore, nowadays, very few people perceive any negative connotations with either 方言 or 標準語. Instead of 標準語, some communities prefer the term 共通語, indicating a de facto standard language rather than a formally standardized one. However, there is little practical difference between 標準語 and 共通語 in Japanese, and the former remains the term used more often by the general public.

References:

1
  • +1 for sharing references directly, I love seeing this! Fantastic answer as usual.
    – Saegusa
    Commented Jul 22 at 19:59

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .