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Hello again, and welcome. Before we start I'd like to remind you to keep
in mind that these articles are purely for understanding purposes. These
aren't meant to teach you how to speak, they are meant to teach you how
to think like a Rokuganese.
Let us start this month with "I". While "I" in English is very straight
forward, in Japanese just by saying "I" you open a window into your
personality! Are you a nice guy? A tough guy? Is the person you're
talking to considered a friend to you or is it purely business? Just by
saying "I" you can communicate all of this information. But be warned, a
well placed "I" may please your guest, a badly placed "I" could mean the
end of your career.
*Note that after each explanation I will name a few Personalities from
Rokugan who would use them. If you do not know of the person I speak of
just e-mail me for more information.
Watashi: The most commonly known way to say "I". Many would think that
this is the only way. Far from it, I assure you. While it's true that
watashi closely reassembles the English "I", it bears much more meaning
then one might think. If spoken by a man, watashi sounds formal, so as to
show respect to the person you are talking to. Although you might think
to use it to talk to a friend would be appropriate, watashi might sound
like you don't consider this person a close friend, more like an
acquaintance. The opposite also holds true, would you use a normal common
formal word to speak to a high ranking superior? Unless you don't care
about etiquette, I'd say no.
So how can you use watashi? Use it to talk to someone of similar rank
whom you do not know much about, to show him your honour, while not
lowering yourself too much.
In Rokugan watashi would be commonly used by all, a Phoenix meeting a
minor crane delegate would most probably use it. A Crab trying to sound
polite might use it to talk to a superior of an other clan.
*It is interesting to note that watashi used by a woman isn't considered
as polite.
Watakushi: As you may have already guessed, it is related to watashi.
Simply put, it is a more formal, if not the most formal, way to say "I".
Used by politicians, courtiers and such when speaking to an elder, a
person of higher rank and royalty. Watakushi brings with it a feeling of
a true gentleman, a person who knows when and how to show respect. In a
business meeting it would be wise to use it, but in an informal
conversation one would get many strange looks for it is much to polite to
use elsewhere then in very formal conversation.
In Rokugan a Crane courtier's favorite word would be watakushi. They would
use it and abuse it, for it is normal that a perfect Crane would use such
a perfect word. The Scorpion would use it to sound trustworthy; who other
then an honorable man would use such a word after all? Characters like
Miya Shoin, Agasha Chieh and other young and honourable Samurai would most
probably use it.
Shosei: Literally, "small life". The most polite and serious way there
is to say "I". Almost too polite and almost only used by man. This would
only be used in a business situation. As the word implies, when you say
Shosei you are stating that what you are saying is your opinion but that
your life is small compare to the person you are talking to, so what you
say may not be as wise as his/her honourable long life. Lowering yourself
to show the greatest of respect to your guess. As one can imagine, use
this world carefully, never to an equal unless you want them to think
their honour is above yours.
In Rokugan it would always be used by Shosuro Higatsuku when talking to
Kaneka, and Doji Yasuyo when talking to Kozue.
Atashi: A woman only word (though also used by gay men).
Probably the most commonly used "I" for women. Atashi has a
friendly/casual sound to it, used to show good friendship. For a woman to
use it with you would means that she considers you a friend and that this
conversation in no way is business related.
Bayushi Kachiko would have used it when talking to Doji Hoturi, Doji
Domotai when talking to Doji Nagori and Akasha talking to Moto Chen.
*It is interesting to note that atashi HAS to be spoken gently, if not
then it is advisable to use another "I".
Uchi: Literally, my house/family. When talking about house affairs or
about someone of your family uchi is most common. It simply shows a
strong bond between you and the subject, that it is "yours". Example,
Uchi no chichiue wa tsuyoi desu "My father is a strong man". Uchi isn't
considered very polite.
Washi: we've covered young people, women, and men, but this one is
reserved for the elderly. If a young person was to use it that person
would get ridiculed for using such and strange "I". A person using washi
is simply stating that they are older, a somewhat polite way to talk to
anyone, as old people shouldn't have to lower themselves to just anyone.
In a formal business situation one would still use the more polite "I"
covered previously.
In Rokugan, older character such as Kozue, Agasha Hamanari and Bayushi
Yojiro would use washi in informal to slightly formal conversation.
*It is interesting to note that again, mostly only men use washi; women
would use watashi instead.
*Also note that some "slang" variant of washi exists, they are wate and
wai.
Ware is another version which sound more serious then washi.
Boku: Another man only word. It is polite and casual at the same time
and should be used only in such situations. One would not use boku in a
very formal meeting, as boku is too kind for such meetings. Also one
would not use boku in a very casual conversation with close friends or
with one's wife. Use it with people of similar status as for you to sound
polite yet friendly, and not to elevate yourself over your peers.
An other use for this word is by little boys (or when talking to them).
Boku has a little bit of a "mama's boy" sound to it for that reason it is
a very common way for boys to say "I" and also explains why you shouldn't
use it in very polite meetings.
In Rokugan it'd be commonly used by children (boys) and any "kind"
character talking to a fellow man.
Ore: Yet again, a man only word. The most casual way to talk to a
friends. Never, ever, used when talking to an elder or stranger!
Troublemakers often use it to sound a bit tough, especially by rolling
the "r" in ore. To use ore in a conversation shows that this conversation
is very relaxed, and that the person you are talking to is a good friend.
This would be a good way to say "I" when talking to your wife or
girlfriend, but not a good way to talk to your parents unless you are
angry or want to make a point.
In Rokugan ore would the choice word of the Crab, Mantis and Moto Unicorn
as the word carries little honour but much frankness. Would be use by a
young Shiba Aikune, Kokujin, and Moto Chen.
Sessha: The "I" of the warrior. Just by saying sessha you imply that you
are a man of war, a warrior! This would mostly never be used by Shugenja,
as Shugenja are supposed to be men of peace, but would often be used by
Samurai, Ninja and such. The very pronunciation of this word brings an
atmosphere of battle and war. Great generals and samurai who has seen
many battles would use this word as show that they are warriors, ready
for war. This "I" would be used by almost all Lion bushi and even some of
the more militaristic Shugenja. In Rokugan sessha would be one of the
most used "I".
Chin: Last but not least is the way the Imperial family speaks. They are
Gods, you are ants! It is that simple. Chin places you high above
everyone, only the Imperial family would speak such a word as only they
are worthy of it. This "I" carries power, only character such a the Winds
and Daigotsu would ever dare use such a word. For anyone else to use it
would surely have him killed for impersonating the royal family.
I`d like to finish this article by stating that some of the things I`ve written only apply to old Japanese and that some of those
words(such as Chin) aren`t used anymore.
If you have any additional questions to hesitate to write to me, Kijutsu.
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