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Precis: " The Genbunitchi Movement. Its Origin, Development and Conclusion" (1978) by Nanette Twine

In Twine’s article, “The Genbunitchi Movement. Its Origin, Development and Conclusion” (1978), she explains the process through which the modern Japanese Language came to being after it struggled over years of criticism having been formed from what was then referred to as the colloquial style. She cites the important events that helped in the development and gave emphasis on the various discourses that it brought up, particularly between scholars, critics and political figures. The idea of a national language that was modern enough to incorporate new concepts while retaining its refined rhythm did not appeal to most critics until scholars began to put into the fore the developments and progress brought by such a “language” in other countries, in particular, the West. A language that would have been easily understood by all would mean that development would also follow, and this was rightfully portrayed when novelist began to use it for their works and proven its large following as well as the success of creating an understanding, having the appropriate language to fully document and portray life and the world. When the Genbunitchi Movement was finally approved after most of the Japanese had taken into it, the matters revolving the genbunitchi were then reduced to literary concerns about contextualising reality into written matter. Twine not only presented her discussion in a chronological view but also in varying perspectives from the different social spheres that would have strong influence over the genbunitchi matter. As presented, Twine wrote this article for a well-read audience who primarily studies linguistics and Japanese Literature.

(October 18, 2015)

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