Relationship between Chinese Confucianism and modern Japanese language: taking I am a cat as an example

Abstract

Confucian thought provides guidance on social structure and political governance. It was introduced to Japan as early as the fourth century AD (Anno Domini) and has been deeply imprinted in Japan’s history and culture for thousands of years. This article takes I am a cat as a specific example to analyze the specific Confucian ideas reflected in Japanese relational language. I am a cat is a classic work by the famous modern Japanese satirist Soseki Natsume. From the specific reflection of I am a cat, Japanese relational language includes Confucian concepts of superiority and inferiority, loyalty and filial piety, harmony and gratitude, as well as the concepts of propriety, benevolence and righteousness. It also reflects that Confucian philosophy has penetrated into Japanese related language. In such research, Japanese learners can gain a more intuitive understanding of the impact of Confucianism on modern Japanese relational language to improve the learning effectiveness. It also helps to develop the understanding of the influence of Confucian culture on Japan.

Keywords

• Chinese Confucianism
• Modern Japanese
• Superiority and Inferiority
• Loyalty
• Filial Piety