What We (Don’t) Talk about When We Talk About Literature: The Visual Representation of Language & Why it Matters

Presented by the PSU Center for Japanese Studies

Co-sponsored by the PSU Department of World Languages and Literatures

A lecture by Professor Christopher Lowy, Carnegie Mellon University

The Japanese writing system has developed in interesting ways that enable authors to intentionally create visual representations of language that become integral to the reading experience. In short, the visual representation of language itself – the way words appear on paper or the computer screen – doesn’t just convey a story, but it is the story. In his talk Dr. Lowy will introduce the characteristics of the Japanese writing system that make such representation possible and he will introduce examples from a variety of sources that demonstrate just how significant the aesthetic of Japanese script can be.

Christopher Lowy is an Assistant Professor of Japanese Studies at Carnegie Mellon University. His work focuses on two main topics: the role of written language in Japanese literature and early cultural responses from Japan to the AIDS crisis. He regularly publishes essays in Japanese journals, and is currently co-authoring an essay series on the architecture of written Japanese with Konno Shinji.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Portland State University’s Superb Japanese Language Program: Where People in Greater Portland Come to Learn Japanese.