As with all languages, Japanese has some distinctive traits. One of the traits is its gendered language. The easiest gendered words to explain are the 1st person pronouns (like me or I in English) . Those are Watashi (わたし), Boku (ぼく), Ore (おれ), and Atashi (あたし). Watashi is gender neutral but is the preferred pronoun for women. Atashi is very cute while Boku and Ore have masculine connotations.

There are also certain particles used to sound either blunt or soft. The particle “wa” makes a sentence softer and “da” makes the sentences blunter. Most textbooks categorize “wa” and “da” as female and male; not soft and blunt. By doing this, the textbooks make these particles seem strictly male and female while they are not. Women and men can choose which particle to use depending on the situation.

Here's a little history lesson. Japan hasn't always had gendered language. Some Japanese schools try to convince the students that gendered language has been around since the fourth century. In reality, gendered language was developed in the 1800s. Initially, male scholars disapproved of feminine language. They called it vulgar and blamed its existence on lower-class Japanese citizens. During the Meiji Era (1868-1912) feminine language was beginning to become accepted. A new philosophy arose called ryosai kenbo; translated it means good wife or wise mother. Ryosai kenbo was promoted by the government and appeared in many women’s magazines in order to promote this ideal woman to the middle class. Feminine language became widespread. Another factor in the sudden existence of gendered language was the quick Westernization happening during this time. Japanese citizens wanted to hold on to traditions. Japan wanted to stand apart from the West so one tradition they grasped was feminine language.

For a westerner learning Japanese 200 years later, I have had to learn what gendered language is basically on my own. Most Japanese language textbooks either ignore gendered language or portray office scenes where the woman is the secretary and the man is the boss. Modern Japan is simply not this way. More and more young and old women alike are using gendered words such as 'boku' and the particle 'da.'

The common and modern solution to gendered language is to let the individual pick which pronoun or particle they want to use. In my Japanese class, we are taught both ways when repeating drills but when it is time for us to comprise conversations of our own, we are given the freedom of choice.