To Introduce Appropriate Words or Expressions with Abstract Concepts:

How the Expression "Ugatta Mikata/Kaishaku" is Used

SUZUKI Tomomi

KEYWORDS: Words or expressions with abstract concepts, Intermediate or Pre-Advanced level,

                           Usage/Situation, Typical example usage, expression "Ugatta"

The purpose of this paper is to examine the best method to introduce words or expressions with abstract concepts to Japanese language learners by providing the typical usage situation and context. The provided examples should help learners to construct the schematic concept of the expressions adequately and then use the expressions in an appropriate context.

Some words and expressions with abstract concepts that appear in intermediate or pre-advanced level textbooks require additional usage explanations, including providing the appropriate situations and contexts in which the expressions are used. Ordinary dictionaries do not often provide the situations and contexts for such expressions.

In this paper the expression "ugatta mikata/kaishaku" which literary means "penetrating understandings" was selected as a case study. Comparing several dictionaries and actual usage examples in corpus, the following two points were found.

(1)  When this expression is used, the subject being discussed is generally accepted as supportive or agreeable.

(2)  The speaker reveals the circumstances behind the matter and point those out using this expression "ugatta mikata/kaishaku".

Based on these points, some examples to introduce typical and appropriate usage of the expression have been designed.

By examining more expressions, I would like to develop resources that Japanese language teachers, and learners who are interested in Japanese society and culture as well as language could access easily.