Classical Japanese language
Encyclopedia
The is the literary form of the Japanese language that was the standard until the early Shōwa period
(1926–89). It is based on Early Middle Japanese, the language as spoken during the Heian era (794–1185), but exhibits some later influences. Its use started to decline during the late Meiji period
(1868–1912) when novelists started writing their works in the spoken form. Eventually, the spoken style came into widespread use, including in major newspapers, but many official documents were still written in the old style. After World War II
, most documents switched to the spoken style, although the classical style continues to be used in traditional genres such as haiku
. Old laws are also left in the classical style unless fully revised.
し
はになし
Showa period
The , or Shōwa era, is the period of Japanese history corresponding to the reign of the Shōwa Emperor, Hirohito, from December 25, 1926 through January 7, 1989.The Shōwa period was longer than the reign of any previous Japanese emperor...
(1926–89). It is based on Early Middle Japanese, the language as spoken during the Heian era (794–1185), but exhibits some later influences. Its use started to decline during the late Meiji period
Meiji period
The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
(1868–1912) when novelists started writing their works in the spoken form. Eventually, the spoken style came into widespread use, including in major newspapers, but many official documents were still written in the old style. After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, most documents switched to the spoken style, although the classical style continues to be used in traditional genres such as haiku
Haiku
' , plural haiku, is a very short form of Japanese poetry typically characterised by three qualities:* The essence of haiku is "cutting"...
. Old laws are also left in the classical style unless fully revised.
Grammar
- Tōdai moto kurashi
-
- The particle は is omitted more often than in the spoken style.
- Onna wa sangai-ni ie-nashi
External links
- Online Classical Japanese Dictionary at Tangorin.com
- Bungo Nyūmon: A Brief Introduction to Classical Japanese
- Classical-Japanese.net
- Bibliography of premodern Japanese texts and translations
- Bart. "Book Review: A Grammar of Classical Japanese by Akira Komai," Monumenta Nipponica, Vol. 34, No. 4 (Winter, 1979), pp. 501-504.
- Dictionaries for Classical Japanese