Like a lot of things in the Japanese language, this is a
topic that really cannot be explained in one post. Perhaps I will come back to
it in the future because it is SO IMPORTANT. For now, I just want to introduce
the idea so that you can be aware, especially because no one bothered to tell
me about this when I started learning the language even though it is far too
important to neglect.
Social standing is of supreme importance in Japan. Social
standing in this case however is not just how much money you make or what kind
of car you drive. Rather, it has everything to do with your age, job position,
and title. Depending on your relationship to someone else, you will use
different words and expression, while failing to do so is considered extremely
rude. The language used in respect these relationships is called “Keigo.” It is
one of the defining characteristics of Japanese, and to master it means you
have obtained fluency.
In the way of making you aware and familiar of what Keigo
entails, I will go over the three categories of Keigo.
- Sonkeigo – honorific language. This is the umbrella term for language used to show honor and respect to someone who would be considered above you. This can be a wide range of people, including upperclassman, teachers, professionals, adults, etc.
- Kenjougo – humble language. Kenjougo is used in the same situations as Sonkeigo, only instead of showing respect by talking the listener up, you are showing respect by talking yourself down. It no way is it derogatory to yourself; it is simple showing respect to the relationship you have to your listener.
- Teineigo – polite language. This language does not necessarily related to your social standing, but rather refers to language that shows general politeness.
Great, now you know what the three categories are called,
but of course that does not mean you can effectively use them. In time I will
give dedicated explanations to each category. For now, knowing that they exist
is good enough.
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