Language Log

Origins of Japanese

This makes a good match for Bob Ramsey's "The Japanese language and the Japanese people" (12/30/25).

Just how yuniku ユニク ("unique") is Japanese?

Selected readings

Jason said,

January 2, 2026 @ 12:59 pm

Hardly a new concept of course. Near-synonyms include "go-slow" (used to be a common form of industrial action in Australia), "time-serving", "minimum effort", "bare-compliance", and the "illusion of activity".
Philip Taylor said,

January 2, 2026 @ 1:14 pm

Possibly wrong thread, Jason ?
anon said,

January 2, 2026 @ 7:45 pm

What is going on with the Internet's hyperobsession with Japan? A lot of indigenous languages are dying meanwhile.