This publication is intended to be fun and readable and informative, but also to teach. Here are some questions from recent posts on haru.
In Japanese writing, the concept of "stretching" and "sticking onto" are represented by which pair of kanji? a) 延びる and 貼る b) 張る and 貼る c) 伸びる and 張る d) 貼る and 付ける
According to the article, what's the most effective method for learning Japanese vocabulary? a) Making English-Japanese word pairs b) Writing words in kanji repeatedly c) Connecting words to mental concepts d) Speaking words out loud repeatedly
How did the population of Japan's largest settlement (Asuka) compare to Constantinople in 500 AD? a) 1/10th the size b) 1/50th the size c) 1/100th the size d) 1/1000th the size
Which of these activities is an example of the physical concept of haru? a) Setting up a tent b) Cooking a meal c) Writing a letter d) Opening a door
Compared to English, native Japanese words tend to have: a) More specific meanings for precise communication b) Broader meanings encompassing related concepts c) Similar meaning ranges but different etymology d) Multiple unrelated meanings by coincidence
Which linguistic principle explains why Japanese developed broader word meanings? a) Cultural isolation theory b) Semantic evolution hypothesis c) Sociolinguistic adaptation theory d) Phonological development theory
What distinguished Asuka from other major cities of its era? a) Its religious significance b) Its architectural style c) Its linguistic homogeneity d) Its political structure
In modern Japanese computing terminology, which concept employs the word meaning "to stretch"? a) Saving files b) Creating hyperlinks c) Sending emails d) Downloading data
According to the article, why did Japanese develop fewer, broader words? a) Due to isolation from foreign influence b) Because of small, culturally unified communities c) To simplify written communication d) To facilitate trade relationships
What should be avoided when trying to understand core Japanese word meanings? a) Studying usage examples b) Looking at context c) Focusing on kanji meanings d) Creating mental images
Answers: 1 (b), 2 (c), 3 (c), 4 (a), 5 (b), 6 (c), 7 (c), 8 (b), 9 (b), 10 (c).
I loved this series, and the quiz!
I enjoy learning about linguistics generally, and also how linguistic concepts apply more specifically to Japanese, the language that I am trying to learn.
The funny thing is that without this series I would not have found you. I was looking for posts about a manga I like, アオハライド, or “Ao Haru Ride” / “Blue Spring Ride.” “Haru” led me to you.
I also found out through some other research that the title of this manga is a play on the kanji for “blue”/青 and “spring” / 春which come together to mean “youth” / 青春. Youth also has an element of “springing up” and “stretching” like you mention as concepts here!
Anyway, thank you for sharing. I look forward to more.