Which of the following is a Japanese word for foreigners?
Gaijin ("outsider", "alien") is a Japanese word for foreigners and non-Japanese citizens in Japan, specifically non-East Asian foreigners such as white and black people. The word is composed of two kanji: gai ("outside") and jin ("person").
Some feel the word has come to have a negative or pejorative connotation, while other observers maintain it is neutral. "Gaikokujin" ("foreign-country person") is a more neutral and somewhat more formal term widely used in the Japanese government and in media.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
12 Comments
William Laughlin
Doris Dallaire,
Why so reactive?
It's not necessary to erase history. That would be a gross error. What is necessary in a multiracial, multicultural, global society is to be mindful of others in the way we choose and use words. It's a matter of respect. It's that simple.
Pat Wells
Surprisingly, I knew the other three words, so I chose Gaijin and lucked out. Good question.
Shirley Campbell
This question made my day. I learned something new today, thanks Lilly.
Howard Groopman
William Laughlin, I knew from some Hawaiian friends that "haole" is negative, and now I see in the text that this word too has that connotation.
William Laughlin
Howard Groopman,
Generally the word is used pejoratively.
Stewart Bradley
It’s said a lot in Tokyo drift
Ken Putnam
Bob Gorby,
QC don't care
I've had them say this when I did NOT in fact miss a day
No appeal process exists
bina sarmah
William Laughlin, Too much pc is killing the vibe.
bina sarmah
Bob Gorby, One time I went out for 2 days and didn't log in, I lost almost 500 points.
Howard Groopman
I more or less knew what the other 3 words meant, so that made it easier.
This expression reminds me of the Hawaiian word Haole to denote a foreigner (non-native).
Bob Gorby
Hey, what is this "You lost your streak"?! What I LOST was my cell phone. So, when we took a 4-day trip to Big Bear Lake, CA, I didn't lug my PC along [my Only access to my email until I get a replacement cell phone].
dmarkc
Sticks and stones.