1. Summary of the lecture
Slang was used only among specific groups. By doing this, they wanted to prevent understanding of others. However, slang is becoming popular and is also used among well educated people today. Nowadays, it is said that it is fun to use slang.
2. Examples of Japanese slang
(1) スマホ
This is an abbreviation of smart phone. Many young people use this word. The meaning of this word is a mobile phone which has various functions like computers and works very quickly. Because many people thought that the mobile phone was very clever, the mobile phone was named smart phone.
(2) 草食男子 （そうしょくだんし）
The meaning of this word is a boy who is extremely shy. This word is often used among boys who have almost no courage to talk to girls. The origin of this word is that such boys are seen too pessimistic like herbivorous animals.
(3) 婚活 (こんかつ)
This word means activity to find a marrige partner. Someone who has some problems to find a partner use this word. Nowadays, there are many men and women who get married late in lives. It is difficult for them to find partners. Therefore, they need to do some activities so that they can get married. That is why the word was named "Konkatsu".
3. My opinion
I think the reason why slang is used instead of proper words is that it is easier to use slang than proper words. Also, we can enjoy ourselves if we talk for a long time by using slang. The pronunciation of slang sounds fun. However, I fear a little that people will forget the importance of proper Japanese words in the future.
I agree with your opinion that there is a risk of forgetting proper Japanese words :( It is important to know and remind ourselves what slang is and where to use it.
ReplyDeleteHi Naoko,
ReplyDeletethank you very much for your comment. I sometimes think slang is used only among frinds of the same generation.
Hi this is Ms. MacGregor - who are you?
ReplyDeleteWhat is the nuance of #2 nowadays - is the boy just shy? is he a coward? is he viewed negatively or positively? Where can I hear the word #3? I would like to keep my ears peeled for it.
Dear Ms. Macgregor,
DeleteI'm Yusuke. "草食男子" means boys who are cowards and hate girls. This is a kind of negative word. I think you could see the word "婚活" somewhere in advertisements.