Hello everyone how are you doing? Today’s theme is “Hiragana“, following “Let’ learn Japanese language (Nihongo). including Kanji
What’s difference between Hiragana and Kanji?
Hiragana is the most frequently used component of the Japanese writing system. It’s distinguished by its many curved lines and rounded shapes shown below.
This syllabic script was developed by aristocrats about 1,100 years ago in the Heian period. It eventually evolved into an art form that vividly embodies the Japanese sense of beauty.
Before hiragana was created, kanji characters imported from China were used as the sole method of writing Japanese.
Japan’s oldest historical text, Kojiki（”Record of Ancient Matters”）was witten in the 8th century.
As you can see, it’s entirely in kanji which is shown the below image. But how was it possible to write Japanese using Chinese characters?
Japanese people at that time came up with the idea of using kanji characters with pronunciations that approximated Japanese sounds.
After the start of the Heian period, some people began writing these kanji in a radically simplified way. And then, towards the end of the 9th century, the altered version became Japan’s own script, hiragana.
The development of hiragana owes much to the ladies of the Imperial Court. Back then, the main focus of education was to study Chinese classics.
However, that kind of education was considered unneccesary for women, which actually gave them the freedom to modify and simplify kanji characters and use them to write poems and letters.
The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, a female authour of the Heian period. It’s an epic novel depicting romantic dalliance between the protagonist, Hikaru Genji, and number of women. It’s believed to have been written almost exclusively in hiiragana.
There are many scenes in which the hero tries to figure out a woman’s personality based on her handwriting. One of the most important things a woman could do to make herself more attractive to a man was to write neatly.
Eventually, hiragana was elevated to an art form, and calligraphic works came to be appreciated much like paintings. This one from the 11th century is entitled Koya-giri. It’s been called a masterpiece.
Hiragana looks very elegant when it’s written in a cursive style with the symbols joined together.
A calligrapher can create thick lines and thin lines by varying the pressure he or she applies to the brush, and this generates an overall impression of dynamic beauty.
Hiragana, Japan’s original syllabic script, is not merely a set of symbols used for written communication, it’s also a form of art embodying Japanese history and aesthetic ideal.
If you can read Hiragana, the basic word of Japanese, you would be much more interesting to see anything in sight during your stay in Japan.
So let’s start learning Hiragana, first, shall we?
At the same time, we have “How To Write Hiragana No.2” that are recommendable to enjoy visiting, Arigato (thanks)
