Yamagata Local Languages
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| Japanese Hiragana-script "Ke" | Japanese Hiragana-script "Ku" |
Yamagata local languages in Japan are divided roughly into two categories, Shonai and Nairiku languages. I think languages spoken in Yamagata-shi, as a behalf of the Nairiku languages, include the shortest words over the world, which represent lots of meanings. For example, we use the words "Ke" and "Ku" when taking a dinner.
The word "Ke" means "Please take it." The word "Ku" means "Thank you so much. I'll take it."
The reason why such short words develop in the Yamagata district has been believed to avoid any energy loss under low temperature conditions throughout the winter months (really?).
Copyright 2002 Masato Hasumi, Dr. Sci. All rights reserved.
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