Abstract

This paper is a preliminary study of ‘linguistic-textual (stylistic) norms’ of early Meiji period (ca 1868 – 1892). Specifically, it analyses the Japanese language of translations of the period in terms of the extent of deviation from the standard or dominant Kanbun Kundoku (reading Chinese in Japanese, i.e. literal translation) style of translation language at that time. The criteria chosen are intrinsic phraseology of Kanbun Kundoku and auxiliary verbs. The paper deals with representative translated texts in both areas of social sciences and literature and suggests that the translations of those days shows a breakaway process from the gravitational pull of Sino-Japanese style. Future research direction is suggested.