The Japanese National Language Council's decision to discontinue the use of the hiragana character 'ぬ' marks a significant turning point in the evolution of language and societal change.
The decision is seemingly based on practical reasons, such as the decline in usage rates, but when considering the cultural and historical elements in the formation of language, the impact goes beyond the mere abolition of a character.
The statistics showing a decrease in the usage of 'ぬ' may reflect the natural transition of language, but language is not just a means of communication; it is also an element that forms cultural identity. Each character is rooted in the nation's literature, history, and the daily lives of its people, so its abolition could be seen as an act lacking respect for the past.
Furthermore, opinions that the shape of 'ぬ' is inappropriate and voices saying that it is difficult to use in word chain games raise important discussions from an educational perspective. Teaching children about the diversity of language and its proper use is essential for them to acquire a rich expressive ability. On the other hand, as language simplification progresses, the loss of expressive richness could diminish the charm of language.
As Mr. Numazu Goro, the chairman, commented, the phrase "to not count one's chickens before they hatch" suggests that this decision may only offer a temporary solution. While the change in language is inevitable, careful consideration is required to ensure that cultural values and historical significance are not lost in the process.
Finally, the same caution is necessary for the future plan to replace 'を' with 'お'. Language is a living entity, and its changes should be based on the consensus and understanding of the entire society. How the abolition of 'ぬ' will proceed without losing cultural diversity and depth under the name of language evolution is a significant challenge for the future