The Significance of Gairaigo in Japanese Literature

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 2 views

The Use of Gairaigo in the Novel Goodbye Tsugumi by Yoshimoto Banana: A Study of Loan Vocabulary in Japanese Literature

Introduction

Japanese has a rich and complex vocabulary, which is often referred to as Goi. Among the three types of goi in Japanese, namely Wago (Japanese Vocabulary), Kango (vocabulary originating from China), and Gairaigo (loan vocabulary from foreign languages), Gairaigo has become increasingly prominent in recent years. This is due to several factors, including the absence of equivalent words in Japanese to describe objects or concepts of outside culture. In this context, a question arises about Gairaigo who has the equivalent of words in Japanese and Gairaigo who do not have the equivalent.

The Significance of Gairaigo in Japanese Literature

Gairaigo has become an integral part of Japanese language and literature, particularly in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi" by Yoshimoto Banana. The novel is a relevant example to understand the phenomenon of Gairaigo in Japanese literature. By analyzing the use of Gairaigo in the novel, we can better appreciate the wealth of language and understand the dynamics that occur in it. The use of Gairaigo not only reflects the adoption of foreign culture, but also becomes an expression tool that communicates new experiences and contexts in Japanese literature.

The Methodology of the Study

The method used in this study is a library technique, with a data source in the form of a novel "Goodbye Tsugumi" by Yoshimoto Banana, language books, journals, and various written references available on the internet. The object of this research is Gairaigo vocabulary which consists of nouns, verbs, and adjectives, both those who have the original Japanese or not. The results showed that there were as many as 163 words of Gairaigo, which consisted of 65 nouns, 5 verbs, and 4 adjectives that had an original equivalent in Japanese. Meanwhile, there are also 87 nouns, 1 verb, and 1 adjective that does not have an original equivalent.

Analysis of the Use of Gairaigo

The use of Gairaigo in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi" shows how the influence of foreign culture can affect the language and vocabulary used in Japanese literature. In this context, Gairaigo functions as a bridge between Japanese culture and outside culture, providing new nuances and deeper meanings in the text. For example, vocabulary derived from English or other foreign languages is often used to describe modern concepts or technology that does not have words in Japanese.

The use of Gairaigo which has an original equivalent in Japanese shows a layer of complexity in language. Although there are words that can be replaced with original vocabulary, the author chooses to use Gairaigo to accentuate certain nuances, or maybe because the word is more accurate in the desired context. Meanwhile, Gairaigo who does not have the original equivalent illustrates the emptiness in Japanese to accommodate the rapid development of contemporary culture.

The Role of Gairaigo in Japanese Language and Literature

The existence of Gairaigo in Japanese literature, especially in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi", is not just an additional vocabulary, but also reflects the dynamics of language that continues to change along with global cultural interactions. This enriching Japanese and provides a broader understanding of how language can adapt to the changing times. The use of Gairaigo not only reflects the adoption of foreign culture, but also becomes an expression tool that communicates new experiences and contexts in Japanese literature.

Conclusion

Through this research, we can see that Gairaigo plays an important role in the development of Japanese. The novel "Goodbye Tsugumi" by Yoshimoto Banana is a relevant example to understand this phenomenon. By identifying the use of Gairaigo which has and does not have an original equivalent in Japanese, we can better appreciate the wealth of language and understand the dynamics that occur in it. The use of Gairaigo is a reflection of the complex and dynamic nature of language, which continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study provides a foundation for further research on the use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature. Future studies can explore the use of Gairaigo in other literary works, as well as its impact on the development of Japanese language and culture. Additionally, researchers can investigate the role of Gairaigo in other languages and cultures, and its implications for language teaching and learning.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the data source is limited to a single novel, which may not be representative of the broader use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature. Secondly, the study only focuses on the use of Gairaigo in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi", and does not explore its use in other literary works. Finally, the study does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical and cultural context of Gairaigo in Japanese language and literature.

Future Directions

Q: What is Gairaigo and how does it relate to Japanese language and literature?

A: Gairaigo is a type of loan vocabulary in Japanese language that originates from foreign languages, such as English, Chinese, and other languages. It has become an integral part of Japanese language and literature, particularly in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi" by Yoshimoto Banana.

Q: What is the significance of Gairaigo in Japanese literature?

A: The use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature reflects the adoption of foreign culture and provides new nuances and deeper meanings in the text. It also becomes an expression tool that communicates new experiences and contexts in Japanese literature.

Q: How does Gairaigo function as a bridge between Japanese culture and outside culture?

A: Gairaigo functions as a bridge between Japanese culture and outside culture by providing a common language and vocabulary that can be understood by people from different cultural backgrounds. It allows Japanese authors to express complex ideas and emotions in a way that is relatable to readers from other cultures.

Q: What are some examples of Gairaigo used in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi"?

A: Some examples of Gairaigo used in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi" include vocabulary derived from English, such as "love" and "happiness", as well as vocabulary derived from other foreign languages, such as " café" and "restaurant".

Q: How does the use of Gairaigo reflect the dynamics of language that continues to change along with global cultural interactions?

A: The use of Gairaigo reflects the dynamics of language that continues to change along with global cultural interactions by showing how language can adapt to the changing times. It also highlights the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Q: What are some limitations of the study on the use of Gairaigo in the novel "Goodbye Tsugumi"?

A: Some limitations of the study include the limited data source, which is only a single novel, and the focus on the use of Gairaigo in that novel only. Additionally, the study does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the historical and cultural context of Gairaigo in Japanese language and literature.

Q: What are some future directions for research on the use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature?

A: Some future directions for research on the use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature include exploring the use of Gairaigo in other literary works, as well as its impact on the development of Japanese language and culture. Researchers can also investigate the role of Gairaigo in other languages and cultures, and its implications for language teaching and learning.

Q: How can the use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature be applied to language teaching and learning?

A: The use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature can be applied to language teaching and learning by providing a more authentic and engaging way to learn Japanese language and culture. It can also help learners to develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of language and culture.

Q: What are some implications of the study on the use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature for language policy and education?

A: The study on the use of Gairaigo in Japanese literature has implications for language policy and education by highlighting the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves. It also suggests that language education should focus on developing learners' ability to communicate effectively in a globalized world.