The Hindu : International : Japanese failing at own language

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 08, 2005

International

International

Japanese failing at own language

By Justin McCurry

TOKYO, FEB. 7. The Japanese have become so poor at speaking their own language that they may soon have to refer to a government manual for advice on how to be polite.

A damning report issued by a cultural affairs agency panel says that although most Japanese believe keigo — honorific or self-effacing speech — would remain an important part of their language, many are using it incorrectly.

The misuse of keigo, a series of complicated conjunctions of nouns and verbs used when addressing superiors, clients or formal gatherings, prompted the panel to call for the publication of a manual on how to speak properly. The ability to humble oneself and elevate the listener is essential to the smooth operation of Japan's hierarchical society. Mistakes can cause considerable embarrassment.

"Not just young people, but adults are not using honorific Japanese properly," said an Education Ministry official. "With the language guidelines we hope to spread the correct use of the Japanese language."

Traditionalists blame irreverent TV variety shows, manga comics and a general decline in educational standards. P> - Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

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