In the Japanese language, "Aizuchi" (Japanese: 相槌 or あいづち) are interjections during a conversation that indicate the listener is paying attention or understands the speaker. In linguistic terms, these are a form of phatic expression. "Aizuchi" are considered reassuring to the speaker, indicating that the listener is active and involved in the discussion.
In the same category we have the "Giongo" or Japanese, onomatopoeia (also called sound symbolic words or mimetic words). These are used a great deal to describe states of being, actions, or motions; many of which do not actually make sounds! Because of this, it may be helpful to think of these words as “sound effect” words.
Animate phonomime (擬声語, giseigo) words that mimic sounds made by living things, like a dog's bark.
Inanimate phonomime (擬音語, giongo)words that mimic sounds made by inanimate objects.
Phenomime (擬態語, gitaigo)words that depict states, conditions, or manners of the external world (non-auditory senses).
Psychomime (擬情語, gijōgo)words that depict psychological states or bodily feelings.
Join us in a fun conversation aiming to discover the use and the experience of learning this particular way of communication in Japan.
相槌と擬音語は、日本特有のカルチャーであり、英語圏よりも量が多く使い方も違います。 外国人の友達が体験してきた面白い間違いや、日本の外から来たからこそ感じている苦労や印象について聞いてみました！どうぞ英語の勉強も兼ねて聞いてみて下さい。
※日本語があまり上手くないので、会話の中で間違った表現や説明があると思いますがご容赦ください。
皆様の面白い体験や、リクエストがあればコメントお願い致します！！！！
