Here we have an example of Katakana wherein the representations include both loan words AND onomatopoeia. We see the PikaPika and Piyu words to represent the sounds the camera is making. The word "kamera" itself is represented in katakana.
McDonald's, or Makudonarudo Hambaagaa as it is known in Japan, is a classic example of a foreign loan word. I realize that this isn't the most complex example of Katakana, but I find it interesting nonetheless for the simple fact that, unlike here in America, they have to further describe the restaurant with the Japanese word for "hamburger." I wonder if we do similar things to Japanese words and products?
Pikachu is one of the most well-known and beloved characters from the "Pokemon" franchise. Incidentally, "Pikachu" is both the name of the adorable electric mouse and the onomatopoeic sound he emits when discharging electricity. Therefore, there is a bit of ambiguity as to whether or not this use of Katakana is strictly onomatopoeic or also used to emphasize Pikachu's name. According to Bulbapedia, Dodrio's link: http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Dodrio_(Pok%C3%A9mon) indicates that THIS Pokemon's name is written in Katakana as well. Is it a loan word? Not really, although the root "dodo" is indeed borrowed. Is it onomatopoeic? Nope. Pokemon, therefore, provides some very interesting uses of Katakana.
Impressive post. Interesting how you conflate pikachu's pokemon call with its name being written in katakana. That's an innovative angle to take on it. Also, I noticed we have the same McDonald's picture as an example. Rock on. I also like how you pose questions in your explanations. Nice post!
ReplyDelete-Elise