Literacy and script reform in occupation Japan : reading between the lines / J. Marshall Unger

Author: Unger, J. Marshall
Published: New York : Oxford University Press, 1996.
Physical Description: 1 online resource (x, 176 pages) : illustrations

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Language Note

English.

Contents

Transcription and Use of Japanese Words; 1. Introduction: Dreamers or Realists?; 2. Literacy in Japan up to 1945; 3. Script Reform from Within; 4. SCAP Steps In; 5. The Romaji Education Experiment; 6. Conclusion: The Most Literate Nation on Earth?; Appendix A: Halpern's Overview of the Romanization Issue; Appendix B: Trainor's Account of the Romaji Education Experiment; Appendix C: Calhoun's Key Memoranda on the Experiment's Results; Appendix D: Remarks on Archival Sources; Glossary of Japanese Terms; Notes; References; Index.

Summary

This book challenges the widespread belief that overzealous Americans forced unnecessary script reforms on an unprepared, unenthusiastic, but helpless Japan during the Occupation. Unger presents neglected historical evidence showing that the reforms implemented from 1946 to 1959 were both necessary and moderate. Although the United States Education Mission of 1946 recommended that the Japanese give serious consideration to the introduction of alphabetic writing, key American officials in the Civil Information and Education Section of GHQ/SCAP delayed and effectively killed action on this recom.

Subject(s)

ISBN

9780195356380 (electronic bk.)
0195356381 (electronic bk.)
9786610533695
6610533695
0195101669 (Cloth)
9780195101669
1280533692
9781280533693

Bibliography Note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 159-168) and index.

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