[SURPRISING TRANSLATIONS - JAPANESE TO AMERICAN ENGLISH AND TWO OTHER LANGUAGES!].

あめりかことバ おろ志やことバ いぎりすことバ. [Amerika kotoba. Oroshiya kotoba. Igirisu kotoba].
[Kawaraban Vocabulary Lists for Japanese and Foreign Languages, Including American, Russian and British].

[Japan]. Late Edo, early Meiji. Stock ID #216798

Black and white wood block print with three illustrations on right of sheet, 22.4 x 30cm. Small brown mark at foot of print but otherwise very good.

This kawaraban features comparative vocabulary lists showcasing Japanese alongside three foreign languages: American English, Russian, and British English. Accompanying each list is a small portrait of a "typical" man from each country, with the respective capital noted. For instance, an American soldier is depicted holding a gun, with Washington identified as the capital, while a Russian officer, holding a sword, is paired with St. Petersburg, transcribed as Petoruku in Japanese.

The vocabulary lists are challenging to interpret, suggesting that some entries might be fabricated or inaccurately represented. However, the American section includes a few recognisable words, such as "silver" and "coin," transcribed phonetically into Japanese, offering a glimpse of early efforts at linguistic comparison and cross-cultural representation.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 216798.

Price: $675.00 AU

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