Conversations with Okaasan
So...I just wanted to make a quick comment on the many conversations I've had with Okaasan. They are always interesting and always a strange mix of english and japanese. I think we always end up teaching each other a lot as well, which of course I love.
Last night we were talking about my family which led to a discussion on divorce. Because of my family situation it was interesting to see Okaasan's reactions. She was surprised to find out Dad and Mom are on such good terms and that My dad and stepmom live so close to mom. SHe was a little confused about the whole situation at first but I eventually got the point across. We talked about how its different in Japan and Okaasan thinks there are less divorces here than in America because Many women are housewives and don't really have a strong income of their own. Not only that but soceity doesn't really expect women to wokr past their thirties unless they are in a part time job and salaries for those are low...according to okaasan. The thing is my WOmen's history teacher had just said that day that the divorce rate was actually higher in Japan than in America. I don't know for sure but it may be harder to register divorce in Japan or something. Honestly I'm interested in finding out more about the topic but I'm not educated enough on it right now.
A couple nights ago I tried to explain sarchasm(sp?) to Okaasan. now, I'm not a person who usually gets sarchasm so it was definatly hard for me to explain. The topic came about because Okaasan asked me about the phrase "long time no see". She wanted to see if it had any time restraints. I explaineded that it didn't really. The sarchasm came when I tried to explain how someone might say it someone they see often in a sarchastic way. The word didn't seem to translate so I was trying to sort of show her what I meant. It was funny.
In any case...we have lots of nice little conversations which I enjoy. I usually learn a lot of new words whcih are often hard for me to remember but it's alright.
anyway...
Much love!
8 Comments:
"sarcasm" - a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual.
Anyway, I can only envy having that type of discussion... if only if effect that it would be with someone who is Japanese. -_-;; The many points of etiquette and propriety in our cultural differences are very interesting.
I love this! Your host Mom really sounds delightful :)
Love you tons!
Mom
So fun Jess. I love reading your blog. My mom started reading too! okk, love you!!
sara
oh jessica i love reading this. it's so interesting. i miss you. ps, think i find out about uga in like a week or two...i'll let you know! -caitlin
Oh one more thing, I ate at Utage last night and there were so many Japanese people, I kinda felt like I was in Japan. I looked for you, but surprisingly I couldn't find you...maybe next time! ha. Oh, p.s. today is much better than yesterday. Love you pookie!!
-honeybear
You know what I just remembered?! O-tsuki-mi! Whoa... I wonder if your family observes it???! That would be so awesome...
Jessie..Ill make sure to ask them about it...caitling-youd better tell me as soon as you know..sara-im glad today was better, if I somehow found a wormhole to the utage in athens you know Id hop in it...
Hey Jess! Back from Mexico with Chocolatl, Tequila and Books! Yours is on your way - not the Tequila silly! The book! You'll see what it is when you get it. Uploading pics will share when done!
Rache, Alec and Jesse, I got sumpin' for y'all also.
Love Dad!
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