Problems with the reading of the surnames of Okinawan karate masters

 https://note.com/motoburyu/n/n5d139e9bb05e

Motobu Ryu  January 30, 2024 3:35 AM

 

Okinawa has a unique surname that is not found on the mainland. For example, surnames like Nakijin or Nakamura. In addition, there are examples of very different "readings" in dialects even on the mainland. Examples like Tamagusuku and Tomigusuku Castle.

How do we write the "reading" of these Okinawan surnames? Basically, after the abolition of the domain, I think it is common to write it in the common language (Japanese). In the case of Haji Asahihide, it is common to write it as "Hanejichoshu", and not in the dialect as "Hanijichoshu".

However, there are some examples where the common language notation is not standardized. For example, Tamaki Asakaru is generally read as "Tamagusukucho-kun" and not "Tamaki" or "Tamashiro".

I don't know if there are any standards for this kind of discrepancy in Okinawan studies or Okinawa Prefecture. My impression is that it has been done in a customary manner.

What about karate practitioners? In the case of karateka, it is also common to write in the common language. Matsumura, Matsumora, Itosu, etc.

However, if the dialect reading is important, we may also write the dialect reading. For example, Matsumura and Matsu Shigera are both pronounced "machimura" in dialects. There is a case where Motobu Asaki misheard "I learned from Matsumura in Shuri" as "I learned from Matsumura in Tomari", and in such a case, I will write it in the sense of calling for caution. Motobu Asaki used the "Shuri'sSuinuorNightsTomainuHowever, some of the disciples on the mainland may not have understood the distinction well.

In addition, both Soeishi and Sueyoshi are pronounced as "shishi" in dialects, but there are cases where the two seem to be confused in the kata of Kobudo, so I have taken up such cases as a matter of dialect reading.

However, it is too cumbersome to write all surnames in both the common language and the dialect, so they are usually written in the common language.

However, even in modern karate books, there are a few examples of characters who are not unified in the notation of common language and dialect. For example, Shiroma Mashiro is written as "Shiroma Shinpan" or "Gusuku Mashinpan".

Kinjo Sanyoshi is also "Kinjo Sanra" or "Kanagusuku Sanra". Personally, I think that there are many examples where castles are written as "gusuku". In addition to "Gusuku", it may also be written as "Gusuku" or "Gusuku", which is confusing.

Tatsuo Shimabukuro of Isshin-ryu is also commonly written as "Shimabukuro Tatsuo" in Japan, but "Shimabukuro Tatsuo" is also used overseas. In fact, I recently read that there is a debate among overseas karate practitioners over whether "shimabukuro" or "shimabuku" is correct.

From my point of view, it doesn't matter. As mentioned above, it is common to read the common language when writing in books, but there is no problem with reading dialects.

In fact, there have been cases where the same person used two different things. One of my relatives was named Nitta, but on the mainland, he introduced himself as "Nita", and in Okinawa, he said "Arata". Until the Showa era, when people came out on the mainland, even if it was not discriminatory, they didn't like to be looked at strangely, saying, "It's a rare surname," and some people dared to introduce themselves in the mainland-style reading. I don't know if Dr. Shimabukuro used them differently, but there are such cases, so I think that either one is fine.

There is also a concern that too much emphasis on dialect reading will lead to inconsistencies in notation. If you start reading the dialect, Mabunin will be "Mabui", Miyagi will be "Myagushiku", and Higashi-Onna will be "Fujaunna".

People on the mainland can't read it, and even in Okinawa, the younger generation can't read it. Of course, some people may stick to dialects, and there is a possibility that the trend will change with the changing times.

In a few hundred years, the headquarters may be written as "Mutobu" and the Tomina-waist may be written as "Fukashi", but that is a story that should be chosen by the people of that era. Therefore, although the writing of a common language is common in modern times, my position is that if there are people who insist on dialect notation, I will not stop it.

In the case of Japanese, how to write in kanji is important, and "shimabukuro" and "shimabuku" are the same as shimabukuro, but in foreign countries, Shimabukuro or Shimabuku are written differently, so there may be a gap with the sense of Japan.