Keigo - over the top politeness
In the Japanese language there are three levels of politeness. Kudaketa is an informal way of speaking reserved for children and those with a lower status in society. As children turn into adults their speech becomes more polite and they learn a higher form called teinei. Basically the way you speak depends on who you are talking to, pretty much the same way you would speak to an elder or a boss as an English speaker (and other languages of course like vous/tu in French for example). If you are just hangin’ out with your friends you use a lot of slang and “thanx” instead of “thank you very much,” and so on. Upon greeting your boss in the morning, in most cases one wouldn’t say, “Hey dude! What’s hangin’,” as a simple, “Good Morning, How are you doing?” would normally suffice. Keigo could be translated to, “Most respectful and polite form of the great and honorable Japanese language,” and that’s probably not too far from the truth. Add groveling and low self-esteem to the equation and I think you will get the jist.
Here is the difference between American and Japanese “Keigo”:
You are dining in an upscale American restaurant. The waiter spills a drink on you. The waiter says, “Oh, sir I am so sorry. Please let me help you. If you like I can pay for your dry cleaning.”
You are dining in an upscale Japanese restaurant. The waiter spills a drink on you. “**Commence deep, frequent bowing** Oh, sir. I humbly and sincerely request your deepest forgiveness. I am not worthy of servicing you. Please except my apologies my most honorable customer.
I know I didn’t do justice to the funny scene I had in my head. Oh well, I tried J
Critics have argued that Keigo is used too frequently and in the wrong circumstances all together. Because this polite form of speech is taught so late in school, many native Japanese speakers have difficulties not just with appropriate timing but with the actual syntax as well. An article in a Japanese newspaper suggested that Japanese folks limit the use of keigo to speaking of the Prime Minister or in formal business situations. Otherwise it should not be used so it can be “preserved”. Yes. Preserved like a fine wine or a vintage dress that is quite intricate and beautiful to look at but too expensive to wear out. This seems so backwards to me. It’s like taking the lazy way out. You can’t preserve language the way you would a rare artifact in a museum. Language should be celebrated and taught. In my opinion those who have studied and mastered Keigo have become arrogant and God forbid someone tries his or her best to show respect to someone by using keigo when it isn’t really called for…I can see how that would insult the intelligence of a scholar. Whatever!
Here is the difference between American and Japanese “Keigo”:
You are dining in an upscale American restaurant. The waiter spills a drink on you. The waiter says, “Oh, sir I am so sorry. Please let me help you. If you like I can pay for your dry cleaning.”
You are dining in an upscale Japanese restaurant. The waiter spills a drink on you. “**Commence deep, frequent bowing** Oh, sir. I humbly and sincerely request your deepest forgiveness. I am not worthy of servicing you. Please except my apologies my most honorable customer.
I know I didn’t do justice to the funny scene I had in my head. Oh well, I tried J
Critics have argued that Keigo is used too frequently and in the wrong circumstances all together. Because this polite form of speech is taught so late in school, many native Japanese speakers have difficulties not just with appropriate timing but with the actual syntax as well. An article in a Japanese newspaper suggested that Japanese folks limit the use of keigo to speaking of the Prime Minister or in formal business situations. Otherwise it should not be used so it can be “preserved”. Yes. Preserved like a fine wine or a vintage dress that is quite intricate and beautiful to look at but too expensive to wear out. This seems so backwards to me. It’s like taking the lazy way out. You can’t preserve language the way you would a rare artifact in a museum. Language should be celebrated and taught. In my opinion those who have studied and mastered Keigo have become arrogant and God forbid someone tries his or her best to show respect to someone by using keigo when it isn’t really called for…I can see how that would insult the intelligence of a scholar. Whatever!
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