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Ryumicko
Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 37
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 Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 8:30 pm Post subject: Rational/Reasonable/Logical? |
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In the Japanese language are there words for all of these?
Reasonable
Rational
Logical
One of my conversation partners asked me what the difference is. Also I was asked the same thing by a Bhuddist monk when I was in Laos. I know when they should be used, and what the basic difference is, but how to explain to a Japanese person with limited english? |
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Zzonkmiles
Joined: 05 Apr 2003
Posts: 309
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| Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 11:47 pm Post subject: |
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Okay, I'll bite. I'm not using a dictionary here; this is basically how I would explain the differences between the words to an advanced student.
Reasonable has the nuance of "fair" or "what's expected," such as a reasonable price, a reasonable curfew, or a reasonable settlement. The antonym would probably be "wild" or "crazy" or "outlandish."
Rational has the nuance of "calm" or "well thought out" or "level-headed," such as a rational idea or irrational behavior. The antonym would probably be "rash" or "impulsive."
Logical has the nuance of "analytical soundness" or "fact" or "objectivity," such as a logical thinker or a logical conclusion. The antonym would probably be "subjective" or "flawed" or "incoherent."
Be prepared to face many more questions like this if you arrive here to teach. And if you don't answer such questions clearly and satisfactorily, your students (customers) may complain. And you can't use Japanese to explain these words either because Japanese is usually prohibited in the classroom. Also, I am not so sure this board is designed for these kinds of questions. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:24 am Post subject: Re: Rational/Reasonable/Logical? |
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| Ryumicko wrote: |
In the Japanese language are there words for all of these?
Reasonable
Rational
Logical
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Rational = risei (rational really simply sane or emotionally balanced rather than methodical or logical. e.g. he is calm and rational).
Reasonable = douri o wakamaeta (when speaking about people)
douri ni au (thought or actions)
The cost of the plane fare was reasonable. He is a reasonable man.
Logical = ronri, ronriteki. It is logical to take an umbrella when it rains.
Yes there are Japanese concepts for each of these English words.
By the way the same Kanji character is used for "ri" in each of these words so they do have similar nuances if not different meanings, as in English.
Last edited by PAULH on Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:56 am; edited 2 times in total |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 12:31 am Post subject: |
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| Zzonkmiles wrote: |
| OBe prepared to face many more questions like this if you arrive here to teach. And if you don't answer such questions clearly and satisfactorily, your students (customers) may complain. And you can't use Japanese to explain these words either because Japanese is usually prohibited in the classroom. Also, I am not so sure this board is designed for these kinds of questions. |
Usually I dont try and translate what the Japanese word is or get into semantic hairsplitting with students over grammatical usage. Most of my students carry electronic dictionaries and they can look up the word themselves. What you then do is give them examples where it may be used. Students then 'notice' the grammatical usage or syntax if they are ready to acquire that word. They wont get it if the context or vocabulary is too difficult for them.
You can tell them the meaning if you know how to, but I think your job is to show them how they can include it in their vocabulary or use it correctly in context. It really doesnt matter too much whether one says "rational" or logical" as long as the meaning is clear. |
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Glenski
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 12844
Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 8:15 am Post subject: |
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I run into problems like this a lot at my high school, thanks to the horrible Word Navi vocabulary book the kids use. Teachers, not students, come to me and as for explanations of such nuances. GOOD, FLUENT teachers.
Like Paul said, if they don't use a dictionary (which often doesn't help), you have to give examples that are on the nose to avoid confusion. |
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Ryumicko
Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 37
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| Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2005 11:42 am Post subject: |
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Thanks everyone!
I posted the quesiton here becuase the teacher forums didnt look anywhere near as busy. |
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