Abstract

★Discover the Fascinating History of Japanese Through Fun, Illustrated Guides!
★Ideal for Beginners and Anyone Who Wants to Explore the History of Japanese as Part of Their General Education!

Have you ever wondered about the history of the Japanese language you use every day?The Japanese spoken in the Reiwa era has evolved from that of the Heisei and Showa eras. The Japanese of the Taisho and Meiji eras, in turn, connects to the language of the Edo period, which traces its roots back through the Kamakura, Muromachi, Heian, and Nara periods. The Japanese used in each era has its own distinctive features, changing gradually over time.

Covering the language from before the Nara period through to modern times, this book explores key topics in the history of Japanese, including pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, writing systems, and historical sources. It also introduces fascinating discoveries drawn from the author’s own ongoing research.

With clear, engaging illustrations and easy-to-understand side columns, the book makes learning enjoyable and accessible, helping readers explore the subject without feeling overwhelmed.Embark on a fascinating journey through the captivating history of the Japanese language!

Author’s Information

Born in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1958. He withdrew from the doctoral program at Waseda University Graduate School in 1986. After serving as an associate professor at Kochi University, he is currently a professor at Seisen University. His field of specialization is Japanese linguistics.