Glossary
Aka (赤)
Red color.
Example:
The Japanese flag features a prominent aka circle in its center.
Chitose-ame (ちとせあめ)
Long, thin red and white candy sticks given to children during the Shichi-go-san celebration, symbolizing longevity.
Example:
After the ceremony, the children eagerly received their colorful chitose-ame, hoping for a long life.
Customs and Ceremonies
Established practices, traditions, and celebratory events that are characteristic of a particular community or culture, often fostering social cohesion.
Example:
Customs and ceremonies like La Fête de la Musique strengthen community bonds and cultural identity in France.
Demandeur d'asile
A person who has sought protection as a refugee in another country but whose claim for refugee status has not yet been determined.
Example:
Chaque demandeur d'asile a le droit de voir sa demande examinée équitablement par les autorités du pays d'accueil.
Discrimination
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability.
Example:
Combating discrimination based on ethnic origins is essential for fostering inclusive and equitable communities where everyone feels valued.
Diverse communities
Groups of people living together, characterized by a variety of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds, often resulting from migration.
Example:
Paris is home to many diverse communities, enriching the city with a mosaic of global cultures and cuisines.
Déplacé interne
A person who has been forced to flee their home but has not crossed an internationally recognized state border, remaining within their own country.
Example:
Les catastrophes naturelles peuvent créer un grand nombre de déplacés internes au sein d'un pays, nécessitant une aide humanitaire urgente.
Egalitarian roles
A societal trend where responsibilities and opportunities are shared more equally between genders, moving away from traditional divisions.
Example:
With more women working, there's a growing shift towards egalitarian roles in Japanese households, where partners share chores and childcare.
Estructuras familiares
Se refiere a las diversas configuraciones y composiciones de las familias en las culturas hispanohablantes, que pueden incluir familias nucleares, extensas o monoparentales.
Example:
En muchos países latinoamericanos, las estructuras familiares suelen ser extensas, con abuelos, tíos y primos viviendo cerca o en la misma casa.
Extended families
A family unit that includes parents, children, and other relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, often living together or in close proximity, more common in rural Japan.
Example:
It's common in the countryside for extended families to share a large home, with grandparents helping raise the children.
Family Dynamics
The patterns of interaction, relationships, and roles within a family unit, which significantly influence individual and collective well-being.
Example:
Positive family dynamics, characterized by strong support and open communication, often lead to higher individual quality of life.
Filial piety
A deeply ingrained cultural value emphasizing respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and elders, particularly common in rural Japanese communities.
Example:
Showing filial piety is crucial in Japanese culture, often seen when adult children care for their aging parents.
Foulard
A piece of cloth worn on the head or around the neck, often for religious, cultural, or fashion reasons; a headscarf.
Example:
Le port du foulard est un sujet de débat dans certains contextes de laïcité en France, notamment à l'école publique.
Français de naissance
A person who is French by birth, typically through jus soli (right of soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood).
Example:
Un citoyen français de naissance a les mêmes droits et devoirs que tout autre citoyen, quelle que soit son origine.
Français par acquisition
A person who has obtained French nationality through naturalization or other legal processes after birth, often after living in France for a period.
Example:
De nombreux immigrants deviennent français par acquisition après avoir vécu et travaillé en France pendant plusieurs années et satisfait aux critères légaux.
Friendships (in Japan)
Social bonds often formed through shared activities, school connections, and hobbies, with school friendships frequently lasting into adulthood.
Example:
Many of my strongest friendships were forged during high school club activities, and we still meet up regularly.
Frontière
A line separating two countries, states, or administrative regions; a border.
Example:
Traverser la frontière entre la France et l'Allemagne est très facile en Europe grâce à l'espace Schengen.
Gender inequality
Unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender, often leading to disparities in opportunities, rights, and quality of life.
Example:
Addressing gender inequality in education is crucial for improving the quality of life for women in many communities worldwide.
Gokon (合コン)
A type of group blind date in Japan, typically arranged for young professionals to meet new people in a relaxed social setting.
Example:
My colleague invited me to a gokon last weekend, hoping we could meet some new friends and maybe even a romantic partner.
Hakama (はかま)
Traditional Japanese trousers, often pleated and skirt-like, worn by men for formal occasions like Seijin Shiki or martial arts.
Example:
For his Coming-of-Age ceremony, he chose to wear a formal suit, but some of his friends opted for traditional hakama.
Hatachi (はたち)
Someone who is 20 years old; the age of majority in Japan.
Example:
When you turn hatachi, you gain the right to vote and drink alcohol in Japan.
Identité nationale
A sense of belonging to one nation, characterized by shared culture, values, and history, often reinforced by national symbols and celebrations.
Example:
Les célébrations nationales comme le 14 juillet renforcent le sentiment d'identité nationale parmi les citoyens français.
Jinja (神社)
A Shinto shrine, a sacred place of worship in Japan where families often visit for blessings and celebrations like Shichi-go-san.
Example:
During Shichi-go-san, families visit a local jinja to pray for their children's well-being.
Kau (買う)
To buy.
Example:
I need to kau some groceries before heading home tonight.
Kenkō (健康)
Healthy; referring to one's health or well-being.
Example:
Eating balanced meals and exercising regularly are important for maintaining good kenkō.
Kimono (着物)
Traditional Japanese clothing, often worn for formal occasions and cultural celebrations like Shichi-go-san and Seijin Shiki.
Example:
For the New Year's celebration, many people wear beautiful kimono to visit temples and shrines.
L'intégration
The process by which immigrants or minority groups become fully incorporated into the social, economic, and cultural life of a new society.
Example:
Une politique d'intégration réussie aide les nouveaux arrivants à s'adapter à leur environnement et à contribuer à la société.
Matices culturales
Son las diferencias sutiles pero significativas en las costumbres, valores, expresiones y comportamientos entre distintas culturas o regiones dentro del mundo hispanohablante.
Example:
Es importante entender los matices culturales al comunicarse, ya que un gesto que es normal en un país puede ser ofensivo en otro.
Migration
The movement of people across an international border or within a state, often driven by economic, social, or environmental factors.
Example:
Many people undertake migration in search of better economic opportunities or to escape conflict in their home countries.
Modern Shifts (in gender roles)
The ongoing changes in Japanese society where both men and women increasingly work outside the home and share household and child-rearing responsibilities.
Example:
The modern shifts in gender roles mean it's now more common to see fathers actively participating in school events and childcare.
Nagaiki (長生き)
To live long; longevity.
Example:
Eating healthy and staying active are often said to contribute to nagaiki.
Negau (願う)
To pray or to wish for something.
Example:
At the shrine, I closed my eyes and negau for good health for my family.
Nuclear families
A family unit consisting of only parents and their dependent children, common in urban areas of Japan.
Example:
Many young couples in cities prefer to live as nuclear families, focusing on their immediate household.
Origines ethniques
The cultural, national, or racial background from which a person or their ancestors originate, contributing to community diversity.
Example:
La diversité des origines ethniques enrichit la culture et les traditions d'une ville comme Montréal.
Otona (大人)
Adult; a grown-up person.
Example:
After Seijin Shiki, you are officially considered an otona in Japanese society.
Professional/Work Relationships (in Japan)
Connections built through networking, professional organizations, and industry events, where trust and reliability are paramount.
Example:
Building strong professional/work relationships in Japan often involves after-work dinners and social gatherings to foster trust.
Quality of life
The general well-being of individuals and societies, encompassing factors like health, comfort, happiness, and access to resources.
Example:
Access to good education and healthcare significantly improves a community's quality of life by providing opportunities and stability.
Relaciones familiares
Se refiere a los vínculos y dinámicas entre los miembros de una familia, incluyendo la comunicación, el apoyo mutuo y las jerarquías.
Example:
Las relaciones familiares en la cultura hispana suelen ser muy estrechas y valoran el respeto a los mayores.
Roles sociales
Son las expectativas de comportamiento y las responsabilidades asignadas a los individuos dentro de una sociedad o comunidad, a menudo influenciadas por el género, la edad o el estatus.
Example:
Históricamente, los roles sociales en algunas culturas hispanas asignaban a las mujeres el cuidado del hogar y a los hombres el rol de proveedores.
Romantic Relationships (in Japan)
Dating and partnerships in Japan that often emphasize commitment, loyalty, and stability, sometimes starting with third-party introductions.
Example:
Unlike casual dating in some cultures, romantic relationships in Japan often begin with a more serious intent towards long-term commitment.
Rural families
Family units typically found in Japanese countryside, often adhering to traditional roles with extended families living together and a strong sense of community.
Example:
Life in the countryside often means rural families live together across generations, with farming or fishing as common livelihoods.
Réfugié
A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster and has been granted legal protection.
Example:
Le camp a fourni un abri temporaire à de nombreux réfugiés fuyant le conflit dans leur pays d'origine.
Seichō (成長)
Growth or development, often referring to a child's physical or personal growth.
Example:
Parents celebrate their children's seichō at every milestone, from walking to graduating.
Seijin Shiki (成人式)
The Coming-of-Age Ceremony held on the second Monday of January for individuals who have turned 20 years old, marking their transition to adulthood.
Example:
My older sister attended Seijin Shiki in her stunning kimono, officially becoming an adult.
Shashin (写真)
Picture or photograph.
Example:
We took many shashin during our trip to Kyoto to remember the beautiful temples.
Shibuya (しぶや)
A major commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo, known for its vibrant atmosphere and as a popular spot for Seijin Shiki celebrations.
Example:
After the official ceremony, many young adults head to places like Shibuya to continue their Seijin Shiki celebrations.
Shichi-go-san (七五三)
A traditional Japanese rite of passage celebration held on November 15th for children aged three, five, and seven, to pray for their health and growth.
Example:
My cousin looked adorable in her kimono during Shichi-go-san, celebrating her seventh birthday at the local shrine.
Shiro (白)
White color.
Example:
The snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is a beautiful shiro against the blue sky.
Takai (高い)
Expensive or high (in height/price).
Example:
That designer bag is very takai, so I'll have to save up for it.
Tanoshimi (楽しみ)
Excitement, enjoyment, or pleasure; also used to express looking forward to something.
Example:
I have a lot of tanoshimi for the upcoming summer festival.
Tradiciones familiares
Son las costumbres, rituales y prácticas que se transmiten de generación en generación dentro de una familia, a menudo ligadas a celebraciones, comidas o eventos culturales.
Example:
Una tradición familiar común en España es la siesta después del almuerzo, especialmente los fines de semana.
Traditional gender roles
Societal expectations where men are primarily breadwinners and women are homemakers, historically prevalent in Japan.
Example:
In the past, traditional gender roles meant men focused on work outside the home, while women managed the household.
Urban families
Family units typically found in Japanese cities, often characterized by nuclear structures where both parents work and there's a strong emphasis on education.
Example:
In Tokyo, many urban families rely on grandparents for childcare while parents focus on their careers.
Valeur laïques
Secularist values; principles that advocate for the separation of state and religious institutions, promoting neutrality and freedom of conscience.
Example:
En France, les valeurs laïques sont fondamentales pour l'organisation de la société et de l'éducation, assurant l'égalité de tous.
Valores sociales
Son los principios y creencias compartidos por una sociedad que guían el comportamiento de sus miembros y definen lo que se considera importante o deseable.
Example:
La solidaridad y el respeto a los ancianos son valores sociales muy arraigados en muchas comunidades hispanas.
Vida comunitaria
Describe las interacciones, actividades y la organización social dentro de un grupo de personas que comparten un espacio geográfico o intereses comunes.
Example:
La vida comunitaria en un pueblo pequeño de México a menudo gira en torno a la plaza central y las festividades religiosas.
Zōri (ぞうり)
Flat, traditional Japanese sandals typically worn with a kimono.
Example:
She carefully chose a pair of elegant zōri to match her vibrant silk kimono.
Étranger
A person belonging to a foreign country; a foreigner, often referring to someone who is not a citizen of the country they are in.
Example:
L'étranger doit souvent obtenir un visa pour pouvoir travailler légalement dans le pays et s'y établir.