English books on the Japanese language are not in short supply, but this one is different. Being neither another monograph for specialists nor a how-to book for the airport reader, Mark Irwin and Matthew Zisk¡¯s ¡°Japanese Linguistics¡± is somewhere in between ¡ª and that¡¯s what makes it such a useful read.
Japanese Linguistics, by Mark Irwin & Matthew Zisk.
286 pages
ASAKURA PUBLISHING, Nonfiction.
Apart from the core topics of linguistics ¡ª pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary ¡ª a number of other areas are covered. A whole chapter is dedicated to writing, where the authors not only provide an up-to-date description of the well-known complexities of putting Japanese on paper (or elsewhere), but also illustrate how the Japanese writing system has left its mark on the language as a whole.
Another noteworthy feature is the strong focus on Japanese in its social context. In fact, there are three full chapters on the topic, covering everything from anti-honorifics and ¡°role language¡± to language software and nonverbal communication.
¡°Japanese Linguistics¡± is not only up-to-date, but also takes historical facts into account. For instance, the section ¡°Grammar through Time¡± helps us see some grammatical quirks in a new light. And after reading this book, you will also understand where the ¡±-¨¡± in phrases like ´Ç³ó²¹²â¨ (good morning) and ²¹°ù¾±²µ²¹³Ù¨ (thanks) comes from.
Taken together, ¡°Japanese Linguistics¡± is a well-done blend of insightful description and valuable instruction. It will also make for a good textbook in undergraduate classes.
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