As I traveled throughout Japan, it quickly became apparent that their dialects and accents were as varied and diverse as the people themselves. From the soft lilt of the Tokyo dialect to the rugged and rough intonations of the Osaka dialect, each region and even each city seemed to have its own unique flavor.
One of the most notable differences between the dialects was the use of honorifics, which are a respectful form of language that changes depending on one’s relationship to the person being spoken to. In some regions, such as Tokyo, honorifics are used liberally in all forms of communication, while in other areas they are reserved only for formal situations and conversations with older or higher-ranking individuals.
Another fascinating aspect of Japanese dialects was the use of pitch accent, which is the way that the pitch of a syllable changes depending on the surrounding syllables. For example, in the standard Tokyo dialect, the pitch accent of the word “sakana” (fish) rises on the second syllable, while in the Osaka dialect it plateaus on the first syllable.
Perhaps the most amusing aspect of these regional differences was the use of certain words and phrases that were unique to each area. In Osaka, for example, it was common to hear the word “dendenmu” used to describe an old-fashioned television set, while in Nagoya the phrase “nagoya kochin” was used to describe a particularly delicious type of chicken.
As I journeyed throughout Japan, I found myself captivated by the rich diversity of dialects that existed in this one small country. Each new discovery felt like a window into the unique culture and history of each region, and I felt incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to experience it all firsthand.
