Kuchi ni Mitsu (91/07/01)
It is difficult for foreigners in Japan to distinguish
between the so-called "front" and "back" of people's speech,
to separate 'honne' from 'tatemae', to discern whether one is
speaking with the mouth or the stomach. The Japanese proverb,
'kuchi ni mitsu ari, hara ni ken ari', "honey in the mouth,
a sword in the belly", implies that lips and heart are not in
agreement. This problem is not peculiar to Japan. In many
cultures, it is especially evident in the religious life of
individuals whose religious words uttered on certain special
occasions do not necessarily agree with their inner thoughts.
In the Old Testament book of Isaiah, chapter 29, verse 13,
speaking for God, the prophet wrote: "this people...honour me
with their lips while their hearts are far from me". It seems
that the discrepancy between lips and heart is a perennial
problem in all cultures. (3625)
Weekends (91/07/02)
There are two different words pronounced 'wēk'. The one, an
adjective, spelled w-e-a-k, means lacking strength or power. It is the
opposite of strong. The other is a noun, spelled w-e-e-k, and denotes
a time period of seven days. Why are there seven days in a week?
According to the Old Testament story of creation in the first chapter
of Genesis, God created the universe in six days and rested on the
seventh. For this reason, the seventh day became a day of rest, a
sabbath, among the Jews. One of the Ten Commandments specifies that
the sabbath be kept holy and that no work be done on that day. The
Christian Church changed the holy day to the first day of the week in
commemoration of Christ's resurrection on that day. Pious Jews and
Christians continue to observe Saturday and Sunday as days of rest and
worship but others consider them days to relax, travel, play and do
other things which cannot be done on weekdays. Both Saturday and
Sunday are now included in the term "weekend" and at our listeners
meeting on Sunday, we talked about how we spend our weekends. That is
the suggested theme for this week for those listeners who write essays
which I correct for publication in "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is:
"Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463.
(3626)
Aurora Borealis (91/07/03)
In recent years, more and more Japanese have been travelling
abroad and the American state of Alaska has become a popular place to
visit. A major attraction is the heavenly display of northern lights,
or 'hokkō'. This beautiful natural exhibition of bright forms and
colors in the night sky are most clearly visible from this northernmost
state during long, dark winter nights. The Latin term for this
luminous sight, aurora borealis, meaning northern dawn, is also used in
English. Although the aurora occurs year-round, day and night, it is
visible only in the darkness. The spectacular sight of green, blue,
crimson and magenta streamers of light occurs when electrically charged
particles from the sun collide with air molecules. Depending on the
weather, these northern lights may be visible from Alaskan cities on
200 nights a year, compared to about 25 times from Seattle or Chicago.
Northeast of Fairbanks a glass-domed building has been erected to
permit pampered viewers to witness the display without going out into
the cold night air. The mysterious power and beauty of this phenomenon
gives new meaning to the words of the poet in the 19th Psalm: "The
heavens declare the glory of God, the vault of heaven proclaims his
handiwork." (3627)
Stars and Stripes (91/07/04)
Today is an important day in the United States--not because
it is the birthday of President Calvin Coolidge, composer Stephen
Foster or novelist Nathaniel Hawthorn, but because it is the
birthday of the nation. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence
from Great Britain was signed and a new nation was officially born.
The next year, a national flag was designated by Congress, consisting
of thirteen red and white stripes and a new constellation of thirteen
white stars on a blue field, representing the thirteen original states.
After the admission of two more states, two more stripes and two more
stars were added, but in 1818, the number of stripes was fixed at
thirteen with an additional star to be added for each additional
states. Each time a star is added, the arrangement is changed so
no particular star can be designated for a particular state.
The 49th star was added 32 years ago today for the state of Alaska
and one year later, on July 4, 1960, the fiftieth star was added for
Hawaii. Although the shape is different, Japan's flag has a star,
called the sun, in the center. Hopefully, both countries will
continue to cooperate to make the world a brighter place.
(3628)
Patriotism in Japan (91/07/05)
Patriotism is defined as 'love of and devotion to one's country'. A surprising result of a recent survey was the comparative lack of patriotic feeling in Japan. The Dentsu Institute for Human Studies conducted the survey last year in Canada, Chile, Czechoslovakia, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Poland, South Korea, Spain and the United States. In each of these ten countries between 1000 and 2000 people were questioned about their views on politics, economy, religion and other subjects. According to the survey, just 10 percent of the Japanese polled said they would die for their country, far less than the second-lowest 47 percent recorded in Spain. Although 62 percent of the Japanese said they are proud of their country, this also was the lowest percentage, for all the other countries were above 80 percent. Japanese and Poles tend to identify themselves with their countries more than any of the others surveyed and while Japanese gave comparatively high marks to their legal system and mass media, they felt less confident about their schools, law-making body and labor unions. The survey also indicated that Japanese tend to rely on the government for security and that Americans are the most independent. (3629)
Exceeding The Speed Limit (91/07/06)
I was driving along a busy main street in southern Nagoya. I don't know how fast I was going but I do know that I was going at the same speed as the other cars in the flow of traffic. Suddenly, a policeman appeared and signaled me to stop. He directed me to a nearby policebox where I was informed that I had been exceeding the speed limit. I was told to sign a certain document and given a notice to go to the traffic court on a certain day to pay my fine. I refused to sign the document, however, because I did not know how fast I was going and because I was pulled out of a line of cars going the same speed. The officers said that, unfortunately, the radar could only catch about one car in five, but that because the computation was all done by machines there could be no doubt that it was accurate. They also said it would be to my advantage to sign the document when I appeared in court. Nevertheless, informing the policemen of the machine-made-mistake which had just been discovered in my telephone bills a couple of months previously, as related in last Saturday's telephone message, I still refused to sign the document and decided to continue my complaint of what I considered to be unfair treatment when I appeared at the traffic court. This story will be continued in next Saturday's message. (3630)
Vine and Branches (91/07/07)
When teaching crowds of common people or when giving special instruction to his close disciples, Jesus often told simple stories, called parables, or used symbolic language, or allegories, to illustrate spiritual truth. In one of his famous allegories, recorded in the 15th chapter of the Gospel according to John, he alluded to himself as the real vine and to his disciples as branches. He taught that the purpose of a branch is to bear fruit, that those that do so are pruned and those that do not do so are cut off. He emphasized that branches cannot bear fruit unless they are connected to and receive life from the vine. In verse 5, he stated, "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me." Sometimes Christians try to do good things in their own human strength but lasting spiritual fruit can only be produced as we are spiritually united with Christ through faith and engage in loving service as we are inspired by him. According to verse 16, Jesus "appointed his disciples to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures" and this should be the aim of his followers today. (3631)
Yome Tōme, Kasa no Uchi (91/07/08)
There is an interesting Japanese proverb related to the conditions when all women may appear beautiful--at night, at a distance and under a hat or an umbrella, 'yome, tōme, kasa no uchi'. I know of no English proverb with a similar meaning related to women, but there are sayings about the illusory appearance of birds, hills and cats. We may say that "Far fowls have fair feathers", that "Hills are green far away" and that "At night, all cats are grey". There are many things that seem beautiful or ideal at a distance or in our imagination but when they are seen up close, as they really are, we find them quite different. So we recall another proverb that "Appearances are deceptive", 'hito wa mikake ni yoranu mono' and the Biblical saying in I Samuel 16:7, that "man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart". (3632)
Tanshin Funin (91/07/09)
The literal meaning of "bachelor" is an unmarried man, but in Japanese society there are many men living like bachelors even though they are married. They are the salaried employees who have been transferred to distant places and live apart from their families. The Labor Ministry reports that there are nearly half a million men in this "field office bachelor", or tanshin funin category. A recent newspaper article included the comment, "That so many families can live apart for years at a time--with little increase in the nation's low divorce rate--says something about how distant husband and wife are in a normal Japanese marriage", and this quotation from a 16-year-old girl: "When my father got his transfer, my first reaction was, 'Daddy always comes home so late anyway, what's the difference if he doesn't live here?'" Reasons men do not take their families with them are concern for their children's education, reluctance to sell their homes and a recognition that they can work harder apart from daily family obligations. What are your thoughts about tanshin funin? What are its causes, advantages, disadvantages and results? I will correct essays on this theme sent to me and publish them in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. My address is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (3633)
Hot Springs (91/07/10)
The English language contains a large variety of springs. One kind of spring is the season of the year between winter and summer. Another kind of spring is an elastic device which retains its original shape after being compressed or extended. Yet a third kind of spring is a natural flow of water. Not surprisingly, when this water flowing from the ground is hot, it is called a hot spring. Due to its location on a volcanic belt, there are many hot springs in Japan, some of which contain minerals considered beneficial in the treatment of certain illnesses. Hot springs have always been popular places for relaxation and refreshment. These days, public bathhouses have been disappearing from Japanese cities, but the city of Osaka is beginning to reverse that trend with the opening of newly-developed hot springs. More than twenty hot springs have been drilled there over the past few years, replacing the artificially heated water of traditional bathhouses with natural hot water containing sodium and calcium chloride which are said to be effective against skin disease, illnesses of the digestive tract and constipation. Japanese people are known for their cleanliness but we should all remember that minds and spirits need to be cleansed as well as bodies. --Clark Offner (3634)
Uncovered "Treasures" (91/07/11)
Stephen and Patricia Grossbart moved to a house in Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A., about one year ago. Their 8-month-old, mixed-breed dog, named Howard, enjoys romping around their yard. Like most puppies that age, Howard likes to dig holes in the ground. In the past, he often uncovered such 'treasures' as old pull-tabs of beer cans, but last month he uncovered a different kind of treasure in the back yard. Although Howard didn't appreciate the difference, his owner did when he picked up a gold diamond ring and part of a gold necklace. Two days later, Stephen rented a metal detector and went looking for more treasure in the same area. And what do you think? He found six more pieces of jewelry, including two diamond rings, a diamond and ruby ring, gold chains and pendants. Mr. Grossbart said he has no idea about who buried the jewelry or why or when. He has turned it over to the police who are trying to determine if it was stolen. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verse 44, Jesus told a story about a man who happened to find treasure hidden in a field. He implied that some people discover the Good News of God's Kingdom and of God's love for all people in such fortuitous manner--which may happen while listening to a telephone message like this. --Clark Offer (3635)
Cricket (91/07/12)
What does the word "cricket" bring to your mind? One of the characteristic sounds of summer in the countryside is the chirping of crickets. Crickets are insects with long antennae and strong hindlegs with which they hop from place to place. Male crickets rub parts of their forewings together to produce a shrill, chirping sound. Another kind of cricket is an outdoor game popular in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries. This game is played with teams of eleven players each, using a ball and paddle-shaped bats. In cricket, one inning can last a long time so it may take several days to complete a game. The first cricket match held in Japan was in 1864, at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, between teams of the British Army and Navy stationed in Yokohama. Later, the Yokohama Cricket club was founded and, beginning in 1888, annual cricket tournaments between expatriates in Yokohama and Kobe were held for many years. Two years ago, the Japan Cricket Association was formed and there are now fourteen clubs throughout Japan. The word "cricket" also denotes good sportsmanship and fair conduct. Thus, we may say it's not cricket to bribe a judge, cheat in business or gain admission to a university by unethical means. -- Clark Offner (3636)
Traffic Court (91/07/13)
After being stopped for speeding, I went to the traffic court on the appointed day to retrieve my drivers license, which had been taken from me, and to face the charge brought against me. The waiting room was crowded with many other culprits accused of traffic violations. When my number appeared on the large electronic panel, I was directed not to the window to pay my fine but to the office of a uniformed man who asked why I had refused to sign the document which had been presented to me. I explained that I did not know how fast I was going at the time I was stopped and thought it unfair to be singled out of a line of cars moving at the same rate of speed. Then, I was sent to another office where I repeated the explanation. After that, I waited until my number again appeared on a panel of a different waiting room and was directed into a courtroom. With others, I sat on one of the long, wooden benches similar to a church pew and waited. We were all ordered to stand when the black-robed judge appeared and took his place on his bench. The men who were tried before me had been involved in serious accidents which had caused injuries or property damage. Then my name was called and I stood alone before the bar of justice as I continued my scrutiny of the Japanese legal system. (To be continued in next Saturday's message.) -- Clark Offner (3637)
Attitude Toward Strangers (91/07/14)
The old Japanese name for this seventh month of the year is 'fuzuki' or 'fumizuki,' which may be translated "Letter Month." A large part of the New Testament consists of letters written by important leaders in the early Church to churches or individuals. The two shortest letters, found near the end of the New Testament, are called the Second and Third Letters of John. The writer refers to himself as "the Elder." The third Letter is addressed to a man named Gaius, who is praised for the hospitality he shows to fellow-Christians who are on a journey, even when they are strangers. An important visible evidence of a person's faith is the attitude displayed toward strangers, including those strange people called foreigners. It is true that some strangers may shock us or stimulate doubts in our minds because of their strange appearance or mannerisms, but especially when we discern a common faith or honest spirit in them, we should show kindness and understanding. This letter includes the admonition: "My dear friend, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. Whoever does good belongs to God: whoever does what is bad has not seen God" [11]. Our relationship to God may be seen by the way we act toward strangers. -- Clark Offner (3638)
Tit for Tat (91/07/15)
If we speak of selling and buying words, it sounds like we are talking about writers or publishers, but the Japanese proverb, 'urikotoba ni, kai kotoba', has a more general meaning. It denotes a response of the same character as the initial statement. If the first statement expresses anger, it will invite an angry response. It is a kind of verbal retaliation. In English we may say "tit for tat", which means "repayment in kind", a kind of 'shippeigaeshi'. The Old Testament law endorsed exact retaliation, "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". Jesus, however, in Matthew 5:38-42, taught his disciples not to take revenge on those who wrong them, but to return good for evil. The statement in Proverbs 15:1 is similar to the 'uri kotoba ni, kai kotoba' concept. There it is written: "A soft answer turns away anger, but a sharp word makes tempers hot." --Clark Offner (3639)
Vending Machines (91/07/16)
The word "vend", spelled v-e-n-d, means to sell. A vender is a person who sells, a vendee is a buyer and a vending machine is a machine that sells. Japan is said to be the vending machine capital of the world with 5.41 million vending machines, one for every 23 people, almost double the ratio in the United States which is one machine for 42 people. Vending machines in Japan take in $4.15 billion a year and sell not only soft drinks, candy and noodles, but roses, lingerie, pearl necklaces, fresh eggs and Bibles as well. They also sell tobacco, hard liquor and pornographic magazines. Since there are so many of them, they are both convenient and difficult to control. Some machines are required to have labels stating "for adults only" and others are required to be inoperative from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., but such rules are often ignored. What do you think of vending machines? Do you often make use of them? Generally speaking, do you think they have a greater positive or negative effect on society? How can their negative influence be lessened? Essays on this theme sent to me will be corrected and printed in the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes. This is: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (3640)
Sekandobaggu (91/07/17)
When foreigners complain that Japanese is difficult, often they are referring to the written language and to the numerous Chinese characters, in particular. However, sometimes words derived from English that are written in katakana are also confusing to native English speakers. For example, the other day, I read in a Japanese newspaper that a lady's sekandobaggu was snatched from her as she was walking down the street. I asked my wife if she knew what a "second bag" was and she replied that she had never heard of it. Checking a dictionary, first I discovered that the unit of time equal to 1/60th of a minute is written sekondo in Japanese while others kinds of "seconds" are written sekando. Then I discovered what a sekandobaggu was. In English, purses used by women may be called pocketbooks or handbags. A smaller purse may be called a billfold, a wallet or a coin purse, but none of the American ladies I asked had heard of a "second bag". They suggested that it may signify an evening purse, a clutch purse or, simply, a small purse. In any case, sekandobaggu is a purely Japanese word that would not be understood in the United States. Actually, the many gairaigo in their katakana forms that are seen everywhere in Japan are probably a greater hindrance than a help in developing an understanding of English. --Clark Offner (364)
Nattō (91/07/18)
While many people these days regularly indulge in so-called fast foods which are not so nutritious, others are increasingly concerned about eating healthful, well-balanced meals. One man who advocates the consumption of healthful, natural foods is Toshio Fujimoto, of Chiba Prefecture. Five years ago, Mr. Fujimoto began growing food in his garden in Kamogawa without the use of chemicals. He in now producing 'nattō' from Chizuka soybeans grown in Ibaraki Prefecture. 'Nattō' is a peculiar Japanese food made from steamed soybeans naturally fermented by special bacteria. Traditionally prepared in Buddhist temples for vegetarian monks, it is low in cholesterol, rich in proteins and contains vitamins, fibers and minerals. Mr. Fujimoto considers it an ideal food and three years ago established Natto International, an organization to promote the enjoyment and nutritional value of fermented soybeans. He maintains that growing soybeans and producing 'nattō' could help prevent starvation in Africa. A Zen Buddhist priest has recently published a book of recipes for 'nattō' cooking in English which includes a "Nattō Sandwich" and "Nattō Pizza". Maintaining good physical health is important, but it is more important to have healthy minds or spirits. --Clark Offner (3642)
Wimbledon Tennis (91/07/19)
The English word "tennis" is derived from a French word meaning "receive". This game began as an indoor sport for French royalty in the 14th century. Originally, it was played only by French kings and their close associates. In England, it developed into an outdoor activity called "field tennis." In the first book of rules for tennis, published in England in 1873, the tennis court was in the shape of an hourglass, wide at both ends and narrow at the net. The headquarters of tennis in England is in the residential suburb of Wimbledon, southwest of London. Until 1967, participants in the international tournaments on Wimbledon's grass courts were amateurs, but from the following year, it was opened to professional tennis players. At the 105th annual Wimbledon tournament a couple of weeks ago, daily rain showers not only upset the tournament schedule. They upset the tennis players and their fans as well. Just 114 years ago today, on July 19, 1877, the first men's Wimbledon tennis final took place. It was won by Spencer Gore. Some years ago, an American educator wrote, "one man in a thousand can play tennis through his fifties, but the rest of us must drop it early or it will drop us with a bang." Many of us old men, however, doubt the validity of his ratio. -- Clark Offner (3643)
Before the Judge (91/07/20)
When my name was called, I rose and stood before the blackrobed judge in the courtroom. Before the charge against me was read by the clerk, I asked the judge, in my most polite Japanese, why I had been directed to the courtroom while most of the others accused of traffic violations were not required to appear there. Seeming a bit frustrated by my impertinence, he asked if I understood Japanese, which, of course, was the language I used to ask the question. After I replied that I had a fair understanding of the language, he explained that serious cases or those with extenuating circumstances were brought before a judge. I was asked to explain the circumstances surrounding my arrest, which I did for the third time that morning and the judge delivered his verdict. I was ordered to pay a fine and was informed that I had 30 days in which to file an appeal. I mulled the possibility of appealing the sentence to gain further insight into the Japanese legal system but decided that an entire morning spent in the Traffic Court was sufficient for the time being. I paid my fine, which I later discovered was the lowest fine which could be imposed rather than one calculated according to how much the speed limit had been exceeded. My conclusion is that the verdict was fair and that I was just one of the unlucky speeders who got caught. -- Clark Offner (3644)
Liberty (91/07/21)
One of the historic relics of the United States is the Liberty Bell which is on display in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. This bell was rung in July 1776 to proclaim America's Declaration of Independence. Engraved on the bell is this inscription from the Old Testament book of Leviticus, chapter 25, verse 10: "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof." The basic American concept of liberty has its roots in biblical thought. The liberty, or freedom, taught in the Bible, however, is not primarily political but spiritual. Jesus' well-known words in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 32 are: "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Human beings are set free from spiritual bondage to greed, lust and other selfish desires as well as to false ideas, superstitions and social customs by knowledge of the truth. However, freedom is also a dangerous concept and if pushed to an extreme can be very destructive. Thus we are warned, in the 5th chapter of the Letter to the Galatians, not to turn freedom into license for self-indulgence. Rather, as free people, we are advised to serve one another in a spirit of love, "for the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'" -- Clark Offner (3645)
The Better Part of Valor (91/07/22)
A number of Japanese proverbs begin with the word 'kunshi', which may be translated as a true gentleman, a man of honor, a noble, virtuous, wise or superior man. One such proverb is 'kunshi ayauki ni chikayorazu', a wise man does not approach danger. Some foolish people try to show their bravery by taking dangerous chances, but a wise man will try to avoid perilous places or hazardous undertakings. In English, we say, "Discretion is the better part of valor". Discretion means prudent, careful or wise and valor is another word for courage or bravery. The person who courts or flirts with danger is not a wise man. Another English saying that is also found in Greek and Latin has a somewhat similar thought related to a warrior: "He that fights and runs away may live to fight another day." While courage is better than cowardice, caution is better than rashness. --Clark Offner(3646)
'Doyō' Customs (91/07/23)
In English, the hot, sultry period between mid-July and September is called "dog days" from a Latin expression meaning "Dog Star days", for at this time of year the Dog Star, or Sirius, rises and sets with the sun. In Japan, this hottest time of year is called 'doyō' and traditional customs in this season include lighting firecrackers, watching fireworks and eating eel. You are invited to write an essay on one or more of these topics for the next issue of "Daily Word" Echoes which I will correct before its publication on the fifth Sunday of September. At the 42nd meeting of "Daily Word" listeners on the fifth Sunday of June, people came from such distant places as Fukushima, Tokyo, Kobe and Tsuyama, to attend. One man reported making a call to "Daily Word" from Ireland a couple of weeks earlier. If you wish to receive the current or a recent issue of "Daily Word" Echoes please remit ¥400 to cover the cost, including postage. You may also receive a printed copy of these telephone messages by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope plus ¥60 in stamps for each week of messages desired to: "Daily Word", Post Office Box 30, Moriyama Post Office, Nagoya 463. --Clark Offner (3647)
Butterflies (91/07/24)
This month a butterfly sanctuary was opened in London. About three-quarters of the 59 varieties of butterflies in Britain 150 years ago have declined in numbers as their traditional habitats have disappeared. Four are now extinct and seven are threatened with extinction. Consequently, a two-hectare park just two kilometers from the Tower of London has been designated a butterfly sanctuary to try to save the country's dwindling population of butterflies. Reading that news item, I wondered why such insects are called butterflies. One theory is that the word came out of a medieval belief that witches in the form of butterflies stole butter in the dark of the night. Then I wondered why, in Japanese, both 'chō' and 'chōchō' are used for that bug with the pretty wings but I didn't find an answer. In English, "butterfly" is also used for a brightly-dressed person mainly interested in frivolous pleasure. A butterfly flitting from place to place or person to person may be an enjoyable sight, but it is not enjoyable to have "butterflies in the stomach". This expression signifies a feeling of unease or nausea caused by nervousness or fearful anticipation. Permit me to suggest that the best way to get rid of these butterflies is to have a healthy faith in God. --Clark Offner (3648)
Puerto Rico (91/07/25)
Ideally, in a commonwealth, the wealth, happiness or welfare of people is shared equally, but actually, it is another name for a republic in which there is self-government. A number of former colonies of Great Britain are members of the British Commonwealth of Nations and a few of the older states of the United States of America have this word in their legal title. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico officially came into existence 39 years ago today, on July 25, 1952, so today is a legal holiday there. Puerto Rico, meaning "rich port" in Spanish, is one of the larger islands in the West Indies which separate the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea. Approximately half the size of the Japanese island of Shikoku, it has a population of over 3 million. Following the visit of Columbus in 1493, the island was governed by Spain until the Spanish-American War in 1898, when it was ceded to the United States. The present commonwealth is a kind of compromise between full American statehood and complete independence. Citizens of Puerto Rico hold U.S. citizenship but they are exempt from federal taxes and do not vote in U.S. presidential elections. Hopefully the time will come when the whole world develops into a true commonwealth. --Clark Offner (3649)
The Maldives (91/07/26)
Today is Independence Day in the Maldives, commemorating the day Britain recognized the independence of that sultanate 26 years ago. A sultanate is a Muslim state ruled by a sultan, but this sultanate officially became a republic three years after gaining independence. Do you know where the Republic of Maldives is located? If you do, you are exceptional. It is not in Africa nor the Middle East. Rather, it is a group of small islands in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. The almost 2000 islands and atolls which make up this nation are scattered over an area of 90,000 square kilometers, only about 200 of which are inhabited by about 200,000 people. Male, the capital, is located on the largest island with an area of about eight square kilometers. The national flag has a white crescent in the center on a green background which is on a larger background of red. The major natural resources of the Maldives are fish and coconuts. Like Japan, the main food of the islanders is rice, but unlike Japan, all of its rice is imported. As its major trading partner, Japan exerts a critical influence upon this poor nation and I hope it is a good influence that goes beyond what serves Japan's economic interests. -- Clark Offner (3650)
Writing in the Courtroom (91/07/27)
After my first experiences in a Japanese courtroom when I stood before the judge as a defendant, I have entered courtrooms on other occasions in a completely different capacity. Unlike the United States, in the courtroom of a Japanese high court, there is no jury box for jurors who determine the verdict. There is a long, high desk behind which three judges, who make the crucial decisions, sit. On a lower level, there is an open space in front of the judges in which there is a witness box from which witnesses give their testimony. To the right are benches for the prosecuting attorney or lawyers bringing charges and to the left are benches for lawyers representing the defendant. These two teams of attorneys sit facing one another before the judges. Opposite the judge's bench, beyond a bar, or railing, are benches for spectators, a part of which are reserved for reporters. My second visit to a Japanese courtroom was as a spectator. Since I was interested in the proceedings and wanted to remember them accurately, I took notes of what was going on until I was ordered to stop doing so by one of the security guards who informed me that only reporters have the privilege of writing in the courtroom. I still do not understand the reason for this prohibition which I consider but one of many unnecessary rules in the rule-laden Japanese society. -- Clark Offner (3651)
Bible Translations (91/07/28)
The Bible is the most widely-distributed book in the world and, presumably, the most widely-read. It has been translated, either completely or partially, into over 1,800 different languages. During this 20th century, many different English translations have also appeared. The classical English translation, known as the King James Version, with its beautiful, rhythmic cadences, loved by older people, was first published in 1611. One of the reasons for new translations is that a living language continues to change and some words and expressions of Shakespeare's day are not easily understood by people today. In I Corinthians 16:13, for example, the Greek manuscript contains four imperative verbs, which are translated as follows in the King James Version: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." In the modern English translation I use in my Bible Classes, all but the last verb have been altered to fit modern English usage. In this version, called the "Good News Bible" or "Today's English Version," the verbs are translated: "Be alert, stand firm, be brave, be strong." The New Testament was written in a common form of Greek that was understandable to common people and it is important that its translation be understandable to common people today. -- Clark Offner (3562)
The Tongue (91/07/29)
A number of Japanese proverbs include the word 'kuchi', meaning "mouth". In most cases, this word is used as a figurative expression for words or speech. Thus, the proverb, 'kuchi wa wazawai no moto', the mouth is the source of woe, means that our words cause trouble. In English, we tend to use the word "tongue" rather than "mouth" to signify words, so a "slip of the tongue" indicates an error in speech. In the 4th chapter of the New Testament Letter of James, much is written about troubles caused by the tongue. It is compared to a fire and even a very small flame can set a large forest on fire. According to this chapter, "Man is able to tame... wild animals and birds, reptiles and fish. But no one has... been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison" [7-8]. For James, the tongue is the source of much human-caused calamity. --Clark Offner (3653)
Weekends (91/07/02)
Aurora Borealis (91/07/03)
Stars and Stripes (91/07/04)
Patriotism in Japan (91/07/05)
Exceeding The Speed Limit (91/07/06)
Vine and Branches (91/07/07)
Yome Tōme, Kasa no Uchi (91/07/08)
Tanshin Funin (91/07/09)
Hot Springs (91/07/10)
Uncovered "Treasures" (91/07/11)
Cricket (91/07/12)
Traffic Court (91/07/13)
Attitude Toward Strangers (91/07/14)
Tit for Tat (91/07/15)
Vending Machines (91/07/16)
Sekandobaggu (91/07/17)
Nattō (91/07/18)
Wimbledon Tennis (91/07/19)
Before the Judge (91/07/20)
Liberty (91/07/21)
The Better Part of Valor (91/07/22)
'Doyō' Customs (91/07/23)
Butterflies (91/07/24)
Puerto Rico (91/07/25)
The Maldives (91/07/26)
Writing in the Courtroom (91/07/27)
Bible Translations (91/07/28)
The Tongue (91/07/29)
Japanese Morality (91/07/30)
A Pint (91/07/31)
Kuchi ni Mitsu (91/07/01)