Glossary
Aging population
A demographic trend where the median age of a population rises due to increasing life expectancy and/or declining birth rates. This leads to a higher proportion of elderly individuals.
Example:
Japan's aging population puts a strain on its social security and healthcare systems.
Alla pari
An Italian phrase meaning 'on equal terms' or 'equally,' often used to describe the increasing equality in roles between men and women in modern Italian families.
Example:
Many young Italian couples strive to have a relationship alla pari, sharing both financial burdens and childcare duties.
Allargato/a
Italian term meaning 'expanded' or 'extended,' often used to describe an extended family that includes relatives beyond the nuclear unit.
Example:
During holidays, the famiglia allargata gathers, including aunts, uncles, and cousins, making for a lively celebration.
Assistenza sanitaria
Italian term for 'healthcare,' a crucial factor influencing where elderly Italians choose to live, often closer to cities for better access.
Example:
Many grandparents prefer to live near urban centers to ensure easy access to assistenza sanitaria when needed.
Broader Definition (of family)
An inclusive understanding of family that encompasses all individuals linked by blood relations or marriage.
Example:
La définition plus large de la famille inclut les grands-parents, les tantes et les oncles.
Casa di riposo
Italian term for 'nursing home' or 'retirement home,' which is less common for elderly care in Italy compared to family-based care.
Example:
Unlike in some other countries, it's less common for Italian families to send their elderly relatives to a casa di riposo, preferring to care for them at home.
Changing gender roles
The evolving expectations and responsibilities of men and women within society and families. In Japan, traditional roles are shifting with more women entering the workforce.
Example:
The changing gender roles in Japan mean more fathers are now involved in childcare.
Condiviso/a
Italian term meaning 'shared,' often referring to shared responsibilities, values, or experiences within a family or community.
Example:
In modern Italian families, household duties are often condivise between partners.
Célibataire
Describes a person who is unmarried or not in a committed relationship.
Example:
Avant de se marier, elle était célibataire et vivait seule.
Divorcé.e.s
Describes individuals whose marriage has been legally dissolved.
Example:
Après des années de difficultés, ils sont finalement divorcés.
Filial Piety (Oyakōkō - 親孝行)
A core Japanese value emphasizing respect, care, and devotion towards one's parents and elders. It involves fulfilling duties to ensure their well-being.
Example:
Many Japanese families practice Oyakōkō by having adult children live with and care for their elderly parents.
Hataraku (働く)
The Japanese verb meaning 'to work' or 'to labor'. It describes the act of engaging in employment or a task.
Example:
My parents Hataraku very hard to support our family.
Heya (部屋)
The Japanese word for 'room'. It can refer to any room within a house or building.
Example:
My favorite Heya in the house is the one with the big window overlooking the garden.
Hiragana
A phonetic Japanese alphabet used for native Japanese words, grammatical particles, and verb endings. It is one of the foundational writing systems.
Example:
When you write 'hello' in Japanese, you use こんにちは (konnichiwa), which is entirely in Hiragana.
Il badante
Italian term for 'caregiver,' often referring to someone who provides assistance to elderly or dependent individuals, sometimes from outside the immediate family.
Example:
When family members are unable to provide full-time care, an il badante might be hired to assist an elderly relative.
Il divorzio
Italian term for 'divorce,' which has become more common in Italy, contributing to changes in family structures and marriage rates.
Example:
The increase in il divorzio has led to a rise in single-parent and blended families in Italy.
Il matrimonio
Italian term for 'wedding' or 'marriage,' a traditional institution that has seen decreased rates and delays in Italy.
Example:
While il matrimonio remains a significant cultural event, many young Italians are choosing to marry later in life or not at all.
Inaka (田舎)
The Japanese word for 'countryside' or 'rural area'. It contrasts with urban environments.
Example:
After living in the city for years, I sometimes miss the quiet life of the Inaka.
Jinkō (人口)
The Japanese word for 'population'. It refers to the total number of people living in a specific area.
Example:
Japan is facing challenges due to its aging Jinkō and declining birth rate.
Jyūtakugai (住宅街)
The Japanese word for 'residential area' or 'housing district'. It refers to a neighborhood primarily composed of homes.
Example:
The new Jyūtakugai has many modern houses and a community park.
Kanji
Adopted Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system, each representing a concept or word. They often have multiple readings depending on context.
Example:
The character for 'mountain' is 山 (yama), a common Kanji you'll learn early on.
Kankyō (環境)
The Japanese word for 'environment' or 'surroundings'. It can refer to natural or social environments.
Example:
Protecting the natural Kankyō is crucial for future generations.
Katakana
A phonetic Japanese alphabet primarily used for foreign loanwords, onomatopoeia, and for emphasis. It has a more angular appearance compared to hiragana.
Example:
The word for 'computer' in Japanese is コンピューター (konpyūtā), written using Katakana because it's a loanword.
Kazoku (家族)
The Japanese word for 'family'. This term encompasses the various members and structures of a household.
Example:
My Kazoku is very important to me; we always eat dinner together.
Kodomo (子ども)
The Japanese word for 'child' or 'children'. It is a general term used to refer to young individuals.
Example:
The park was full of happy Kodomo playing on the swings.
L'anziano
Italian term for 'elderly person' or 'senior citizen,' highlighting the significant role and respect given to older generations in Italian society.
Example:
L'anziano often shares wisdom and stories, acting as a living bridge to the family's history.
La famiglia alla pari
Italian term for a family where both parents have equal rights and responsibilities, reflecting a modern, egalitarian approach to family roles.
Example:
Many young couples aspire to create a famiglia alla pari, where both partners contribute equally to household chores and childcare.
La famiglia nucleare
Italian term for 'nuclear family,' consisting of a married couple and their dependent children, which is becoming more common in Italy.
Example:
While extended families are still important, la famiglia nucleare is now the most prevalent family structure in many Italian cities.
La famiglia patriarcale
Italian term for 'patriarchal family,' a traditional family structure where the father or eldest male holds primary authority and power.
Example:
In a famiglia patriarcale of the past, the father's decisions were often final for all family members.
La famille
The fundamental social unit, which can be defined in various ways, from a traditional nuclear unit to a broader group connected by kinship or alliance.
Example:
En France, le concept de la famille a beaucoup évolué au fil des décennies.
La famille adoptive
A family where children are raised by non-biological parents who have legally adopted them.
Example:
La famille adoptive offre un foyer aimant aux enfants qui ne peuvent pas vivre avec leurs parents biologiques.
La famille homoparentale
A family structure where children are raised by same-sex parents.
Example:
Grâce aux changements législatifs, la famille homoparentale est maintenant reconnue dans plusieurs pays francophones.
La famille monoparentale
A family structure where children live with only one parent, either the mother or the father.
Example:
De plus en plus de foyers sont des familles monoparentales, où un seul parent élève les enfants.
La famille nucléaire / la famille biparentale
A family structure where children live with both parents, who may or may not be married.
Example:
La famille nucléaire est la forme la plus courante dans de nombreux pays occidentaux.
La famille polygame
A family structure where a man is married to multiple wives, common in some specific cultures, particularly certain Islamic societies.
Example:
Au Mali, il est possible de rencontrer des familles polygames où un homme a plusieurs épouses.
La famille recomposée
A family formed when children live with one biological parent and a step-parent.
Example:
Après un divorce, il est courant de voir des familles recomposées avec des demi-frères et sœurs.
La famille traditionnelle
A family unit composed of a married couple and their biological children.
Example:
Beaucoup de films français dépeignent encore l'image de la famille traditionnelle avec deux parents et leurs enfants.
La famille tribu
A family structure characterized by multiple generations living together in the same household, such as grandparents, parents, and children.
Example:
Dans certaines cultures, la famille tribu est la norme, favorisant le soutien intergénérationnel.
La loi Taubira
The specific law enacted in France in 2013 that legalized same-sex marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, named after the Minister of Justice Christiane Taubira.
Example:
La loi Taubira a permis à des milliers de couples homosexuels de se marier en France.
Le casalinghe
Italian term for 'housewives,' traditionally referring to women whose primary role was managing the home and caring for the family.
Example:
While fewer women are exclusively le casalinghe today, this role was once very common in Italian society.
Le mariage pour tous
The term used in France to refer to the law that legalized same-sex marriage.
Example:
L'adoption du mariage pour tous en 2013 a été un moment historique pour les droits LGBTQ+ en France.
Le père social / la mère sociale
The non-biological parent in a same-sex family, who plays a parental role without being genetically related to the child.
Example:
Dans une famille homoparentale, le père social assume les responsabilités parentales au même titre que le parent biologique.
Legame
Italian term for 'bond' or 'tie,' referring to the strong connections within Italian families and communities.
Example:
The deep legame between siblings is a cherished aspect of Italian family life.
Les structures familiales
The various organizational forms that families can take, reflecting societal and cultural changes.
Example:
L'étude des structures familiales révèle la diversité des ménages dans le monde francophone.
Low birth rate
A demographic trend characterized by a significant decrease in the number of births per woman. This can lead to a shrinking and aging population.
Example:
The low birth rate in Japan is a major concern for the country's future workforce and economy.
Machi (町)
The Japanese word for 'town' or 'street'. It is smaller than a city but larger than a village.
Example:
Our Machi has a charming shopping street with many small businesses.
Marié.e.s
Describes individuals who are legally joined in marriage.
Example:
Mes parents sont mariés depuis plus de trente ans.
Maru (°)
A small circle diacritical mark placed on characters in the 'ha' row (は, ひ, ふ, へ, ほ) to change their pronunciation to a 'p' sound.
Example:
When you add a Maru to 'ha' (は), it becomes 'pa' (ぱ), as seen in words like 'pan' (パン).
Mental health
A person's psychological and emotional well-being. In Japan, there's a growing awareness and need for support regarding mental health issues, including high suicide rates.
Example:
Discussions around mental health are becoming more open in Japan, encouraging people to seek help.
Mixed families
Families formed through remarriage or with members from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds, reflecting a more diverse society.
Example:
With increased immigration, Italy has seen a rise in mixed families, bringing together different traditions and languages under one roof.
Modern Italian family
Contemporary Italian family structures that are typically smaller, with more women working outside the home and increased equality in roles.
Example:
Today, a modern Italian family might consist of a couple with one child, where both parents work and share household responsibilities.
Monogenitoriali
Italian term for 'single parent' families, indicating households led by one parent.
Example:
The number of monogenitoriali families in Italy has increased due to various social changes.
Obāsan (おばあさん)
The respectful Japanese term for 'grandmother'. It can also be used to refer to an elderly woman.
Example:
My Obāsan always bakes delicious cookies when I visit.
Occuparsi dei figli
Italian phrase meaning 'to care for the children' or 'to look after the children,' a responsibility increasingly shared by both parents.
Example:
In modern Italian families, both parents often occuparsi dei figli after work.
Ojīsan (おじいさん)
The respectful Japanese term for 'grandfather'. It can also be used to refer to an elderly man.
Example:
My Ojīsan tells the best stories about his youth.
Okāsan (お母さん)
The respectful Japanese term for 'mother'. It is commonly used to address one's own mother or another person's mother.
Example:
I always ask my Okāsan for advice when I have a problem.
Otōsan (お父さん)
The respectful Japanese term for 'father'. It is used to address one's own father or another person's father.
Example:
My Otōsan taught me how to ride a bicycle when I was little.
Sacrificare
Italian term meaning 'to sacrifice,' often referring to the willingness of family members, particularly women, to give up personal desires for the well-being of the family.
Example:
Many Italian mothers are willing to sacrificare their careers to ensure their children receive the best care.
Shigoto (仕事)
The Japanese word for 'job' or 'work'. It refers to one's occupation or tasks that need to be done.
Example:
After graduating, I hope to find a fulfilling Shigoto.
Sociological View (of family)
The perspective that views family as a social institution governed by specific norms and rules that dictate relationships among its members.
Example:
D'un point de vue sociologique, la famille est un ensemble de règles qui structurent les interactions entre ses membres.
Sosen (祖先)
The Japanese word for 'ancestor'. It refers to a person from whom one is descended, typically more remote than a grandparent.
Example:
Many Japanese families visit their Sosen's graves during Obon to pay respects.
Séparé.e.s
Describes a couple who are no longer living together but are still legally married.
Example:
Ils sont séparés depuis un an, mais le divorce n'est pas encore prononcé.
Tenten (")
A diacritical mark (two small dashes) placed on certain hiragana and katakana characters to change their pronunciation from voiceless to voiced sounds.
Example:
Adding a Tenten to 'ka' (か) changes it to 'ga' (が), altering the sound significantly.
Tochi (土地)
The Japanese word for 'land' or 'plot of land'. It often refers to property or real estate.
Example:
Finding affordable Tochi in Tokyo can be very challenging due to limited space.
Tokai (都会)
The Japanese word for 'city' or 'urban area'. It refers to a densely populated and developed region.
Example:
Many young people move to the Tokai in search of job opportunities.
Traditional Definition (of family)
A classic understanding of family as a group consisting of a father, a mother (or one of them), and their children.
Example:
Selon la définition traditionnelle, une famille est souvent vue comme un couple hétérosexuel avec des enfants.
Traditional Italian family
Historically, a large family unit in Italy characterized by clearly defined gender roles, with men as breadwinners and women as homemakers.
Example:
In the past, a traditional Italian family might have included multiple generations living under one roof, with nonna always cooking pasta for everyone.
Un couple en union libre / vivre en concubinage
A couple living together in a committed relationship without being legally married.
Example:
De nombreux jeunes choisissent de vivre en concubinage avant de se marier, ou même sans jamais se marier.
Un couple marié
A pair of individuals who are legally bound by marriage.
Example:
Le couple marié a célébré son dixième anniversaire de mariage.
Un foyer
Refers to a household or a home, often emphasizing the living unit.
Example:
Le gouvernement offre des aides pour les foyers à faible revenu.
Un ménage
Refers to a household, often used in statistical contexts to describe a group of people living together.
Example:
L'INSEE étudie la composition des ménages en France.
Un.e concubin.e
A partner with whom one lives in a non-married, cohabiting relationship.
Example:
Son concubin l'a accompagnée à la cérémonie.
Un.e conjoint.e
A partner or significant other, a general term that can refer to a spouse, a PACS partner, or a cohabiting partner.
Example:
Le formulaire demande le nom de votre conjoint.
Un.e époux.se
A spouse, referring to either a husband or a wife.
Example:
Chaque époux a des droits et des devoirs au sein du mariage.
Une maison
Refers to a physical house or dwelling.
Example:
Ils ont acheté une belle maison à la campagne.
Veuf-veuve
Describes a person whose spouse has died.
Example:
Ma grand-mère est veuve depuis le décès de mon grand-père.
Wafū (和風)
The Japanese term for 'traditional Japanese style'. It describes aesthetics, architecture, or design elements characteristic of Japan.
Example:
The old inn had a beautiful Wafū garden with a koi pond.
Work-life balance
The equilibrium between personal life and professional responsibilities. In Japan, long working hours often make achieving this balance difficult.
Example:
Many Japanese companies are trying to improve work-life balance for their employees by promoting shorter workdays.
Yōfū (洋風)
The Japanese term for 'Western style'. It describes aesthetics, architecture, or design elements influenced by Western cultures.
Example:
Many modern Japanese homes incorporate Yōfū elements like Western-style kitchens and furniture.
Être pacsé.e.s / le PACS
To be in a Civil Solidarity Pact (PACS), a legal agreement in France offering some rights and responsibilities similar to marriage but with fewer obligations.
Example:
En France, de nombreux couples, y compris homosexuels, choisissent d'être pacsés comme alternative au mariage.