Teaching of Japanese Language through Zoomorphic Metaphor

Abstract

In this article, the author proposes a method for the consistent acquaintance of Russian students studying the Japanese language by way of zoonymes and zoomorphic metaphors based on the example of the transcription of Aesop’s fable “The Dragonfly and the Ant”. In the Japanese transcription, instead of the zoonyme “dragonfly”, another zoonyme “grasshopper” is used. In addition, in Japanese linguistic culture, there are two versions of the fable. In one version, the ants refuse to help the grasshopper, and he dies. In another version, the ants help the grasshopper, and he lives through the winter with the ants and plays the violin. A type of entertainment that has existed for a long time in traditional Japanese culture is to listen to the sounds of insects. In modern-day Japan, there is a subculture of kirigirisu, the culture of street musicians, which entertain listeners. Besides, some even choose cosplay costumes in order to dress up as a grasshopper. The teaching method consists of several stages: - Introduction of a zoonyme (its meanings and spelling options); - Explanation of its significance in Japanese linguistic culture; - Descriptions of associations connected with this zoonyme in Japanese linguistic culture; - The use of the zoonyme in its direct meaning; - The use of the zoonyme as a metaphor in phrases, sentences and proverbs. The teaching of zoonymes and zoomorphic metaphors has both an applied and theoretical significance. In applied terms, it will help students who study Japanese learn more about Japanese linguistic culture; to get acquainted with the legends and traditions connected with these insects; to understand the associations that exist in Japanese society in connection with these insects; to learn the use of zoonymes in direct and figurative meanings in phrases and sentences, as well as to understand idioms in which the names of the insects are used. In theoretical terms, learning zoonymes will help students to understand Japanese linguistic culture and the essence of metaphorical meanings on the basis of examples of a non-native language. The proposed method can be used to get acquainted with any zoonymes and zoo-morphic metaphors.