It has been pointed out that Japanese names in recent years are difficult to read correctly (as given by the name) at first glance, even for those whose native language is Japanese.However, how difficult it is to read correctly and how difficult it is have not been fully examined using actual name data.
Therefore, this time, Assistant Professor Yuji Ogiwara of Tokyo University of Science comprehensively investigated about 2004 actual names of newborns born between 2018 and 8,000, and analyzed the number of types of readings and their ratios of each notation. We systematically and empirically examined the difficulty of reading Japanese names correctly.
As a result, for example, there are at least 435 types of readings for 18 newborns with the notation "Daisho" and 259 types for 14 newborns with the notation "Yuiai", and the readings are pronunciation and length. Now, it turns out that the meanings are very different.The reading patterns include "a pattern that gives a reading associated with the meaning and image of the kanji", "a pattern that is not read because only the meaning and image of the kanji are added even if the kanji is added", and "the pattern of the kanji". There are "patterns that shorten general reading" and "patterns that read the meaning of Chinese characters in a foreign language (English, Latin, French, etc.)", and it was found that unique naming is performed.
Unlike other countries, in Japan there are no restrictions on the reading of Chinese characters that can be used in names, and the fact that they are given free reading makes it difficult to read names correctly.In fact, newborn names in recent years, even in general notation, have many choices, including unique readings of Chinese characters, so it is best to read them at first glance as given to the namer. It was shown to be difficult.
This knowledge is expected to contribute to understanding the characteristics of names and naming habits not only in Japan but also in Kanji cultural spheres such as East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Paper information:[Humanities and Social Sciences Communications] I know the name well, but cannot read it correctly: Difficulties in reading recent Japanese names
