The Japanese Language

The official language in Japan is called Kokugo (national language), however, there are a variety of dialects according to region.

In spite of its unique quality, Japanese is not particularly a difficult language to learn because of its pronunciation, which unlike other Asian languages is not tonal. Its complexity lies in its writing system or kanji.

Japan boasts an adult literacy level of 99%, and Japanese is the 9th most widely spoken language in the world.

There are two forms of spoken Japanese: Teenee-tai (masu-form): used in formal conversations, and Futsuu-tai (plain-form): used in casual conversations and general writing.

The diverse style of the Japanese language varies according to social facets such as social standing, gender, age, and region as well as the speaker’s present surroundings.

Japanese language has 4 different ways of addressing people: kun, chan, san and sama.

Kun: superior

Chan : children and familiar relationships

San: universal mode

Sama: respectful.

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