Picnic

Change in Language and Change in Culture

October 28 2004 By: Akira Oshima Ph.D Various languages in some countries are

different and constantly changing with the creation of new words. Understandable, but, what are the causes for these changes? Some speculates that the causes for these changes in language occur due to a change in culture. These changes in culture are probably due to fo+-reign interference, namely, the effects of globalization.

In countries such as Japan, people do not go on a “picnics” but rather participate in

“ensokus” most accurately defined as an excursion. However, as Japanese people have adapted, the word

“ensoku” can no longer be used to fully express “picnic”. For this reason, Japanese people have adapted the English word “picnic” and have converted this into a more accessible form, “pikuniku.” Though somewhat crude, this form is extremely useful, since it is pronounced almost exactly the same as picnic. Before this process of westernization occurred in Japan, people would only rely on “ensoku” since according to the Oxford Dictionaries picnic: is “an occasion when a packed meal is eaten outdoors, especially during an outing to the countryside.” And the only time when Japanese people partake in something similar to a picnic is during a “hanami,” or flower viewing festival. This is when people come together in one area to partake in food, socialization, whilst enjoying the beauty of the “sakura” trees. However is this truly a picnic? According to the Oxford definition, picnic is when you eat in the countryside. So is eating in front of your house still considered a picnic? Though technically incorrect, Japanese people still use the word “pikuniku” instead of “ensoku.” As a result, some words are then used less, and in the long term it might not be used altogether.

Other countries are also affected by this, such as how Poles watch telewizja, Spaniards have a flirt, and Thais wear contak len. Although, some individuals do not realize that they are getting influence. The change in the language is, in itself, more than enough evidence to show that a change is occurring. The impact, however, may be fast, or slow, but one thing is for certain; if this continues, languages around the world will constantly change, as new words appear.

Even though it looks as if only languages will be affected by globalization, but in reality culture itself will also be affected. As different countries adapt themselves with the rapid changes in the world, they start to forget about their culture. For instance the Japanese language, the use of kanji has decreased, and now people are favouring katakana and hiragana. This in itself shows that Japanese culture is dispersing. If this occurs within a country, shouldn’t other countries also be affected by this? Is it true that we are losing our culture and language? Or is it all merely a façade? The present is ephemeral; we can’t keep on living in a false dream without realizing the threats that will be brought upon us. Culture separates us from others if our languages and culture were to be taken away. Wouldn’t people lose all senses of individuality? If people don’t realize this impending threat, then the only thing that will exist in the future is merely a fragment of our “sonzai,” our existence. A future where people can’t even enjoy the view of cherry

A family holding a picnic at a park (http://www.rd.com/livinghealthy/healthy-picnic-food-recipes/article81533.html)

Hanami Festival where Sakura (cherry-blossom) trees can be seen in full bloom trees (http://www.gregtakayama.com/hanami-part-3)

Change in Language and Change in Culture

October 28 2004 By: Akira Oshima Ph.D blossom, and the joy of “hanami,” will cease to exist.