Travelling to another country to live and work, with only a limited knowledge of the language, is a brave and perhaps risky thing to do. However when the culture you’re choosing to embrace is one which is a polar opposite to your own, the shock to the system is immense. That’s what author Polly Barton did, and in a recent release from Fitzcarraldo Editions she tells the story of the time she spent in Japan using elements of the language as touchstones. The result is the fascinating and absorbing “Fifty Sounds”.
Barton moved to a Japanese island at the age of 21; here, she was employed as an English teacher and simultaneously was trying to learn the language. Her travels would lead her to periods in Japanese cities and eventually to a career as a translator from that language. In “Fifty Sounds” she tells the story of that journey, but in a clever and unusual way.
Immersion in a foreign language is a bombardment of sounds, until you decide that you’re going to actually do this thing and learn, and then it becomes a bombardment of imperatives: learn this, learn this, learn this.
The Japanese language is a complex one (and even after reading the erudite explanations in parts of the book, I’m not sure I completely understand its structure…) However, the book is built around onomatopoeic words, which are an important branch of Japanese, and Barton uses fifty of the ‘sound words’ to illustrate the sections of her life. So there will be a chapter entitled “koro-koro: the sound your teeny little identity makes as it goes spinning across the floor”; inevitably, this deals her struggles with the language, even when she was well into her study; and there’s “pota-pota: the sound of red dripping onto asphalt”, relevant when involved in a car accident; or, more darkly, “bishi-bishi; the sound of being struck sharply and repeatedly by a stick-like object, or (infrequently) of branches breaking”.
It’s a clever way to tell her story, and also in itself gives some hint of the diffulty of dealing with the Japanese language. Barton spends a long time in the country; during her tenure teaching on the island, she has an affair with an older, married fellow teacher, Y, which informs much of the narrative. The relationship adds another level of complexity to her feelings about Japan itself, and it did strike me that she was very vulnerable and young when she travelled to the country. The break with Y, moves to big cities, relationships with women and trips back to England do tend to undermine Barton’s stability, and she becomes clear towards the end of the book that she had desperately wanted to get away from her home country. However, despite her willingness to meld with Japan, that isn’t in the end so easy.
From the point of view of language, Barton’s attitudes are underpinned by her study of Wittgenstein and her knowledge of Barthes. The longer she practices and learns the Japanese language, the more she becomes aware of how it is near impossible to translate without a complete understanding of culture and nuance in both languages. This is probably more pronounced where you have countries and lifestyles that are very, very different; but again and again Barton finds herself stumbling and making basic errors when she thought she had a grasp of Japanese idiom.
Really, you are not just translating ‘two words’, but also a broader cultural heritage leading back decades or centuries which those two words conjure up, and about which the average Anglophone reader or listener knows nothing. In order to truly understand – in order to sense things slotting into place or ‘falling to your internals’ as they say in Japanese – you need more.
And despite her determination to become fluent in Japanese language and culture, she begins to become out of kilter with Japanese society, perceiving herself as large and loud compared to the country’s native population. Eventually Barton comes to the realisation that to completely assimilate would mean losing too much of herself, suppressing parts of her real nature to comply with the cultural requirements of Japanese society. The language is tied up with the bigger issues of cultural difference, and it finally comes as something of a relief to Barton to be with people who have the same expectations and understandings as her.
“Fifty Sounds” was a fascinating read on so many levels. As someone who is Anglophone and relies on translators to read much of the literature I love, I was absorbed by the discussions of the difficulties of complete understanding and the need to grasp those cultural nuances. And Barton’s story was also an engrossing one; her struggles on a personal and linguistic level, her need to belong somewhere, and her view of Japan always engaging. She doesn’t shy away from approaching the darker side of life in Japan, including oblique references to her own experiences, but is always discreet – and, in fact, the book is dedicated to Y.
So I found “Fifty Sounds” an immersive read from start to finish. The device of using the sound words was brilliant and so interesting to someone with no real knowledge of the Japanese language; the discussions of language itself fascinating; and Barton’s story, and view of Japan, quite unforgettable. Even if you aren’t particularly keen on linguistics, “Fifty Sounds” is a unique and absorbing book and I really recommend it. Barton won the 2019 Fitzcarraldo Editions Essay Prize for the book, and it’s not hard to see why.
(Review copy kindly provided by the publisher, for which many thanks!)
A Life in Books
Apr 29, 2021 @ 08:23:03
I love the sound of this, hopeless linguist though I am.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 10:32:40
I’m rubbish with languages (a few scattered memories of Grammar School French) so I admire anyone who can speak more than one! This was a fascinating read, though, especially seeing how much the culture and language were intertwined!
Lisa Hill
Apr 29, 2021 @ 09:05:09
I have a friend who, when she retired, went to China for a stint as a language teacher, when she didn’t know a word of Chinese. I thought this was really brave, but she got by all right!
I went to Indonesia to finish off my qualifications in an intensive course at the university, and although in many ways I had a great time, I experienced the same feelings of alienation. I was disgusted by the Indonesian attitude to ‘foreign women’ and the assumptions that they made, and I also felt relief when I returned home to a culture that, for all its flaws, has never made me feel that it was unsafe to go out alone after dark.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 10:31:40
It’s interesting, in these days when we consider the planet a ‘global village’ how different the cultural norms still are. I guess between some countries they would be less noticeable but I did find myself questioning Barton’s wish to assimilate so much, particularly when it seemed to go against her nature. She does mention being in therapy and I think there were underlying issues. A very interesting book.
janetemson
Apr 29, 2021 @ 09:13:31
I have this one to read. It sounds fascinating.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 10:26:50
It really is – the insights into the cultural differences and the linguistic difficulties were fascinating, as was her story!
Tony
Apr 29, 2021 @ 10:39:36
I wanted to try this, but unfortunately, I could only get an ecopy, and after one look, I just decided it wasn’t worth it (because PDF…). I may have to splash out and get it at some point as it sounds like an excellent read 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 13:31:07
I’m the same – hate e-reading… But I would recommend getting this if you can, because it’s absolutely fascinating!
mrbooks15
Apr 29, 2021 @ 11:53:48
This sounds like something I’ll enjoy especially since I am struggling with (but enjoying) learning Japanese.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 13:29:59
Well, I think you’re very brave – after reading this I don’t think I would have a chance with learning the Japanese language. But I do recommend this book!
MarinaSofia
Apr 29, 2021 @ 12:14:29
I am taking my time reading this one, because I enjoy it so much, but also because it is bringing back so much of my own experiences of learning Japanese and immersing yourself in a different culture. It’s so good, both honest and also very sophisticated. I love all the translation/anthropological observations, while a straightforward memoir would probably not have attracted me so much.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 13:29:20
It really is good, isn’t it? I loved all the linguistic touches, as this was all new to me. And the discussions of the cultural differences and how they affected her were, as you say, very honest.
Jane
Apr 29, 2021 @ 14:52:16
This sounds fascinating. As I try to read more in translation it becomes increasingly interesting about the translation and yes how do you try to incorporate those cultural nuances and is it ever possible (I think probably not). I must read this!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 15:44:35
It is. I think Barton’s conclusion is that totally accurate translation just can’t be done – what we get is a version, but the best versions are by those who *do* get a lot of the cultural nuances. Highly recommend it!
JacquiWine
Apr 29, 2021 @ 15:54:34
I’m not sure that this is a book for me if I’m being honest. That said, it does sound incredibly immersive for the right reader. One of the things I like about Fitzcarraldo is their willingness to invest in books like this – their list is fascinating in its diversity, spanning different types of fiction and non-fiction. Something to be valued, especially in today’s world…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 15:58:18
No, I’m not sure it is either, despite the fact that it’s so good! I think you certainly need a reasonably strong interest in Japan and translation! I found it fascinating, and I do agree about Fitzcarraldo – I love a publisher that spans so many different kinds of writing, and writing which often refuses to fit into a convenient category. As you say, to be valued when so many books nowadays seem to be churned out to fit a formula.
hopewellslibraryoflife
Apr 29, 2021 @ 16:03:21
Excellent review. I love the sound of this–no pun intended. I will probably buy it!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 16:05:26
Thank you! It’s a fascinating read – and a learned quite a bit about the Japanese language I didn’t know!
hopewellslibraryoflife
Apr 29, 2021 @ 16:57:30
It’s not out till August here. Meanwhile I sent it to a friend, too.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 18:24:39
Ah – well, it’s worth waiting for!
heavenali
Apr 29, 2021 @ 17:35:48
I can’t even imagine trying to learn Japanese, I can’t even speak any French despite hours of European dramas with subtitles and several years of French lessons at school. I have always thought Japan must be an amazing place to visit, so this really sounds fabulous.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 18:25:31
LOL, my languages are rubbish – schoolgirl friend, most of which has faded. But this was a fascinating read, and I am so envious of those with a facility for languages!
JosieHolford
Apr 29, 2021 @ 18:27:23
Very informative. Thanks.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 18:29:27
Most welcome! 😀
Denise
Apr 29, 2021 @ 19:43:51
I am having lessons in Cantonese, my mother tongue, but although I am now confident enough to talk to family, there is no way I understand enough for native speakers not to have to adapt for me. I am also learning a bit of Mandarin, which is totally new to me, but knowing some Cantonese helps. All this makes me totally, totally amazed to know that Westerners can learn Oriental languages. And, with a Chinese background, I find the social attitudes of Chinese and Japanese can be really difficult, whereas I really enjoy talking to Europeans about their different cultures.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 29, 2021 @ 20:12:37
Oh, that’s really interesting! Oriental languages do seem incredibly complex, which was one aspect of the book that was so fascinating – and I was mightily impressed that Barton went on to be a translator from Hapanese. But the culture and social attitudes are so radically differentt from those in Western countries that I can understand her problems in completely fitting in. Interesting that you find those attitudes difficult – could this be if you were brought up in a Western culture?
Denise
May 01, 2021 @ 09:41:05
I host a variety of nationalities of students and the college says that most hosts have difficulty with aspects of Oriental behaviour. I thought I was quite intolerant, but as I have a half understanding of why they behave like that, I apparently find it easier than most hosts. I also talk to the students about how they can modify their behaviour – not to change themselves so they can’t fit in when they go back, but to get a better reaction from Westerners.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 01, 2021 @ 12:09:49
That’s so interesting. It must be very, very different spending time in a culture so at odds with the one which formed you. Assimilating is definitely not as easy as might be thought!
Denise
May 01, 2021 @ 16:24:35
Oh gosh, and talking to my mum today, I’d forgotten how much Cantonese people love to talk about how cheaply they can buy everything, which can be horrifyingly embarrassing in Western company.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 01, 2021 @ 16:28:34
Wow, really? I mean, we brag about a bargain in my neck of the woods, but that kind of thing would be considered a bit insensitive I think…
Denise
May 01, 2021 @ 17:31:57
My husband found it really crass when he first met them. When I brought it up with my parents they got huffy and said “if we are going to be family, we should be free to talk about anything”. It wasn’t a good start.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 01, 2021 @ 18:51:10
Wow….. Yes, can’t have been easy…. 😦
WordsAndPeace
Apr 29, 2021 @ 21:00:28
Totally the type of books I enjoy, thanks for presenting it!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 30, 2021 @ 11:36:35
Most welcome! 😀
WordsAndPeace
Jan 18, 2022 @ 19:39:20
See, I’m sure I added it to my 2021 TBR thanks to you. Will hopefully get to it soon
kaggsysbookishramblings
Jan 19, 2022 @ 15:23:55
LOL, I hope you enjoy it!
Julé Cunningham
Apr 30, 2021 @ 02:14:49
Exploring a culture through its language is always an interesting method and Japan’s is fascinating. When working for a Japanese company I was quite surprised to learn that non-Japanese male speakers of the language sound odd to Japanese ears because their teachers are almost always female and there are definite differences in the way women and men speak!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Apr 30, 2021 @ 11:36:25
That’s so interesting! There seem to be so many miniscule and complex cultural norms and nuances for Japan!
1streading
May 01, 2021 @ 15:10:03
The ideas on language and culture sound interesting but I’m not sure I’d be as keen on the personal aspects of the book. Any reader in translation has to admit that thye are not experiencing every nuance, but that’s also true of reading anything set before your adult lifetime.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 01, 2021 @ 15:51:49
Good point – I guess even something written in a language I understand may have all kind of meanings and undercurrents I don’t see. That’s the fun of being a reader and exploring books, I suppose…
Liz Dexter
May 01, 2021 @ 15:54:35
This sounds fascinating and one I think I’d enjoy. Matthew spent some time trying to learn Japanese and would like to go there. I’m quite good at languages but need to up my Spanish learning from the app I’m using; need to get out there and get immersed!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 01, 2021 @ 16:14:48
It’s very interesting – a clever mix of autobiography and thoughts on translation and belonging. I’m now pretty certain I could never learn Japanese!!
madamebibilophile
May 01, 2021 @ 18:13:07
This does sound such an interesting approach to biography and describing the learning of another language. I wish I was good at languages!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 01, 2021 @ 18:50:40
It is – her exploration of the language really informs her reaction to the culture so it was fascinating. And I wish I could do languages too..
Simon T
May 10, 2021 @ 10:46:33
Oh this sounds wonderful. When I was choosing which Fitzcarraldos to buy, I was a bit put-off in case this one went too academic, but it sounds like a really personal perspective – which I am much more into. One for the list!
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 10, 2021 @ 11:02:38
It’s really good, Simon. She *does* talk about the structures of Japanese language etc at times, and I didn’t always get that, but the majority is a very personal take on her life and experiences with Japan and the language. Fascinating!
buriedinprint
May 13, 2021 @ 22:05:35
This sounds very interesting. Will definitely keep that in mind (along with most of the Fitzcarraldo catalogue–still so glad you brought them onto my reading radar). Banana Yoshimoto’s Kitchen was the first work I read in Japanese translation, I believe; she was definitely the writer who made me want to learn Japanese. I bought the language books and had a friend check my early work and she laughed so hard at my early attempts that I never tried again. LOL I’m kidding…I did set it aside, but because I felt like I needed to get my French in proper order (with the stepkids being in immersion) and didn’t have time for both, but apparently I do draw my characters worse than any toddler learning, and when the time comes, I will, at least, not make them so damn oversized.
kaggsysbookishramblings
May 14, 2021 @ 10:13:37
It’s fascinating! I have read a good number of Japanese works in translation (many pre-blog) but they’re mainly from the 20th centrury. It’s a fascinating and obviously very complex language – and as someone who can’t draw for toffee, I imagine my attempts at the characters would be laughable. I would have more chance with French, because I did it at school!