A Study on the Communication Style of the Japanese Textbooks published in the Meiji Era : In the Case of the 1st and 2nd National Textbooks

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the style of communication applied as the model for children in the Meiji era, by comparing the two national Japanese textbooks. By analyzing them from the viewpoints of "linguistics" and "human relations", we can establish an outline of the style of communication in those days. As regards the "linguistics" viewpoint, three points are shown; more talks and debates appeared in the 1st textbook than the 2nd one. As regards the "human relations", four points become apparent, such as, in the 2nd textbook the style of communication was more strongly based on age and position than in the 1st one.