Comparing Direct and Indirect Communication in Folktales
This work will provide a comparison of two folktales, one of which is the Japanese story of a young pearl diver named Tokoyo and the East African story of the Maskini and the Tajiri. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to indirect and direct communication, which are provided in narratives. Hence, in the first folktale from Japanese culture, both these aspects are present.
An example would be the case described when Tokoyo was pleading to take the girl’s place, and the emperor promised her a reward. On the other hand, the East African story makes a more significant bias toward indirect communication. The main message and meaning are conveyed through the description and indirect speech, for example, when Tajiri orders to seize the Maskini and escort him to the village jail.
Comparing Ethnic and Racial Communication Patterns in Folktales
Another aspect that is also of value to consider when analyzing Japanese and East African stories is ethnic and racial patterns of communication. In this case, both narratives have similarities in that they do not reveal any ethnic or racial features of the main characters’ interaction with other folktale participants. At the same time, each of the stories mentions a particular tradition characteristic of each culture.
For example, in an East African folktale, it is noted that village elders make decisions in court (“An African folk tale,” n.d.). In Japanese history, it is mentioned that Tokoyo’s father unsuccessfully joked about the emperor, joking about which was considered a crime in that culture.
Comparing Age and Gender Communication Patterns in Folktales
The last but no less important aspect that needs to be compared within the framework of the discussed folktales is communication concerning age and gender communication. In both selected narratives, there is an apparent similarity in that the interaction takes place based on the age of its participants. In East African history, this role is played by communication between village elders and Maskini, and in Japanese, it is represented through Tokoyo and senior family members. Regarding gender communication, Tokoyo’s story shows a significant difference from the generally accepted female characters through the courage of the main character. On the other hand, there is no gender distinction in East African history.
Reference
An African folk tale. (n.d.). Riverton middle school. Web.