Off topic: Abbreviating Japanese ("JAP" vs "JPN")
Thread poster: Troy Fowler
Troy Fowler
Troy Fowler  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 02:23
Japanese to English
Jun 16, 2005

Just a random thought, but I've noticed a few jobs posted on ProZ.com that abbreviate Japanese as "JAP". In addition to ProZ, I've seen this in other places as well.

Given the epithetic undertones, I suggest using "JPN".

...'course, several of these postings were placed from people in non-English speaking countries, who are likely unaware of the derogatory term in English.

My 2 cents.


 
kokuritsu
kokuritsu  Identity Verified
Local time: 18:23
Member (2005)
English to Japanese
+ ...
I avoid using JAP. Jun 19, 2005

That’s surely one of the most crucial things I’ve been very much concerned about. Thanks a lot, rasputin, for posting this issue.

My choice for the abbreviation of Japan is JPN, not JAP, chiefly because the latter sounds to me self-abusing.

I don’t think the term JAP conveyed a venomous intention when used originally. As one of native Japanese, however, I can’t help but associate the acronym of JAP with the general condemnation of Japanese, including those Japan
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That’s surely one of the most crucial things I’ve been very much concerned about. Thanks a lot, rasputin, for posting this issue.

My choice for the abbreviation of Japan is JPN, not JAP, chiefly because the latter sounds to me self-abusing.

I don’t think the term JAP conveyed a venomous intention when used originally. As one of native Japanese, however, I can’t help but associate the acronym of JAP with the general condemnation of Japanese, including those Japanese descendants with US citizenship, by Americans during WWII. When I learn in particular how those Japanese “Nisei” with US citizenship or “Jap” as they were then called, had been treated during the War, and how they, including the Japanese-American Citizens League, have been protesting the discriminatory treatments, I think I should refrain from using the term.

I guess most Japanese feel offended when talked to by non-Japanese speakers by saying “Are you a Jap?” or something, although I’ve never addressed so by any non-Japanese speakers.

For your reference, I’ve found very interesting sites, if written in Japanese, where the “JAP” issue is
discussed. The first one shows a recent JACL’s movement to rename “Jap Lane” in Texas, USA.

http://www.iti.or.jp/flash55.htm

http://kan-chan.stbbs.net/cgi/board/mibbs.cgi?fo=language&mo=p&tn=0118
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Abbreviating Japanese ("JAP" vs "JPN")






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