Re: [OoC] Discussion thread
Well, from where I stand, it has to do with something like this:
Americans whom tend to like the anime culture tend to pick up some japanese words just to sound cool and such. I saw blatant uses of that when I was playing MMORPGs and seeing people finish their sentences with "ne?" and such.
But then, I noticed that the japanese used english words to achieve the very same end. Which was: sound cool.
Therefore, japanese words are cool.
But english words are cool too.
...so, why bother using japanese words abundantly when the primary language we use to roleplay on Stararmy.com is english? We don't really need to add japanese words to make our stuff read in a cooler fashion when english is already cool. Besides, some uses of japanese languages are cumbersome anyways and not everyone can translate over them in their head.
"Hajimemachite"? Might as well say 'Pleased to meet you'.
"Yoroshiku gozaimasu"? Why the heck would I need to say that usually?
"Komban wa"? We're in space - does it really matter?
"Itadakimasu"? Bleh. People write that more for themselves in their own posts than to have other notice.
"Gouchisosama deshita"? Firstly, the spelling is pretty screwy-I'm willing to bet I got it wrong. Secondly, saying "Thank you for the meal" sounds more honest.
Despite the lack of need to write japanese words, we are still stuck playing characters whom supposedly follow a japanese culture... so, in essence, the best way to convey that easily without too much confusion to the reader is the honorifics. -san, -sama, -chan, -dono, etc...
But then again, the ranks often replace the honorifics too. What becomes tricky is when people not really understanding the structure of japanese start trying to bunch things together from having picked up the words on the way... but then try them out to show others 'look, I can use cool japanese words too!'... except the result is often rather overdone, goofy - like Kel mentioned - or horrific, even.
So, my tip: use japanese only if there's an important cultural feel you really need to put in your post - not to look cool. The most effective way of going by it is just putting in the honorific and leave everything else in english.