Asano-Cavanagh, Yuko (2014). Japanese interpretations of “pain” and the use of psychomimes. International Journal of Language and Culture, 1(2), 216-238.
DOI: 10.1075/ijolc.1.2.05asa
Abstract:
This chapter examines six Japanese psychomimes — ズキズキ zuki-zuki, キリキリ kiri-kiri, しくしくshiku-shiku, チクチク chiku-chiku, ヒリヒリ hiri-hiri, and がんがん gan-gan — that express subtle differences in pain-related states or sensations. It is generally recognized that many languages lack words with the same meanings as these Japanese psychomimes and that their meanings are difficult to capture precisely. The definitions in Japanese-English dictionaries, for example, are not sufficient to explain the exact meanings. There is also the problem that each Japanese expression can correspond to several English verbs.
This study uses NSM to explicate the meaning of the six psychomimes. The analysis indicates that each psychomime conveys a vivid metaphorical meaning. The quality of the pain is suggested by reference to an imagined scenario of something moving inside a part of the body or touching part of the body. This imagined something can be understood as something sharp or as something similar to fire or to metal. The use of psychomimes is an effective and efficient way for expressing and understanding pain in Japanese.
More information:
Reissued as:
Asano-Cavanagh, Yuko (2016). Japanese interpretations of “pain” and the use of psychomimes. In Cliff Goddard & Zhengdao Ye (Eds.), “Happiness” and “pain” across languages and cultures (pp. 87-108). Amsterdam: John Benjamins. DOI: 10.1075/bct.84.05asa
Rating:
Research carried out by one or more experienced NSM practitioners
