Educators' Awareness of Language and Formation of the "National Language," : Based on the "Iwate Gakuji Iho" in the Mid-Meiji Era

Abstract

This study clarifies educators' awareness of language and examines formation of the "national language", focusing on a particular area (Iwate Prefecture) and period (late 1890s to early 1900s). Through analysis of the "Iwate Gakuji Iho," parallel actions of gathering data, conducting organizational surveys of local educational associations, understanding actual conditions, and undertaking studies of individuals gradually, but effectively draw educators' toward the local language. Even though awareness of the language problem spread, the "national language" and standard language were not directly adopted by educators. Neither full denial nor full acceptance of language reformation was to be had, so the process of language reformation proceeded in an uneasy manner. It may be concluded that educators were not eager to eradicate the local dialect to form a "national language." However, their actions unintentionally lent a hand to formation of the "national language."