Peculiarities of the sound of Japan proverbs

Abstract

In this study, I examined the pronunciation and phonetic characteristics of Japan proverbs. The Japan proverbs examined were examined from the viewpoint of expression, phonetics, and phonology in the "Proverb Test Official Guidebook (Grades 1 to 6)". The results are as follows. By using a lot of numbers, Japan proverbs have a rhythm (e.g., Issekinicho（ kill two birds with one stone）). And by using expressions such as contrast, inversion, and repetition, Japan proverbs have a rhythm (e.g., Yo Ha Uta Ni Tsure Uta Ha Yo Ni Tsure（the world goes with the song, the song goes with the world）). And by ending with a noun (taigendome) or using literary expressions (nu, zu, zaru), Japan proverbs have a sound resonance. (e.g., s Maka Nu Tane Ha Hae Nu（seeds that do not grow do not grow）) These expressions are more common in Japan proverbs than in proverbs of other countries and can be said to be one of the characteristics of Japan proverbs. I would like to argue that it can be used as a tool to enjoy the beauty and fun of the sound of Japanese when teaching Japanese to foreigners.