[sumo] Re: How to translate "no"

[Earle Jones]

On Oct 4, 2006, at 7:59 AM, Mario Maiwald wrote:

>
>> Contrast carefully with the use of 'yes' in Japan, which
>> (depending on how, when and where it is said) can sometimes
>> mean maybe or even no
>> ;-)
>
> Especially when you consider that there is no word in Japanese that  
> means
> "YES" - there is only the word that is taken to mean 'yes'....
>
>
> marionoumi

*
We (western gaijin) tend to think of 'yes' and 'no' in some  
symmetrical way -- equally likely in informal conversation.  If,  
while in Japan, one listens (eavesdrops) on the subway or on the  
street, one will hear 'hai' (yes) about 100 times more frequently  
than 'iiye' (no).  No symmetry here, obviously.

I interpret 'hai' to mean, not 'yes' (in western understanding) but  
'I hear what you're saying' -- not that 'I agree', but more of a 'ok,  
keep going on with what you're saying'.

The expression 'iiye' seems to be used like 'it's OK' -- you bump  
into some one and say 'gomenasai' -- the response is 'iiye" -- very  
similar to the Spanish 'de nada' -- 'it's nothing.'

I am reminded of US ex-president Ronald Reagan, who visited Prime  
Minister Nakasone some years ago.  Reagan was there to discuss trade  
stuff, specifically the tariffs on US citrus fruit, etc.

When Reagan returned to the US, he had a press conference (naturally)  
to discuss the accomplishments of his visit.  He announced that  
"Prime Minister Nakasone has agreed that he will review our proposals  
in a positive way."

What Reagan thought he heard was 'yes' but what he really heard (and  
didn't recognize) was 'no.'

earle
*