If I may venture my opinion, this is like calling a "violin" a "fiddle" or a
"guitar" an "axe" - let's not quibble over trifles.
There is an English equivalent of "sensei" - "teacher" or (if you're in a
David Carradine kind of mood) "master" - it seems to me strange for
non-Japanese speaking people to use a specifically Japanese word, but it's a
long-acquired habit, I'd guess from post-WWII popularization of martial arts
etiquette. Anyway, if people dig calling people "senseis" that's their
business, as far as I'm concerned. To me personally it smacks of
Orientalism, but oh well. There is no English equivalent of "shakuhachi"
(the Japanese word), other than "shakuhachi" (the English word, derived from
the Japanese word). Unless you'd prefer the very generic "flute" (a very
English word, not derived from any Japanese word, however very vague without
context). Again, let's not quibble over semantics, please ...
>From: Peter Ross <peteross@cloudhandsmusic.com>
>Reply-To: Shakuhachi@communication.ucsd.edu
>To: Shakuhachi@communication.ucsd.edu
>Subject: [Shaku] It's a shakuhachi, not a shak!
>Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 10:28:44 -0600
>
>Hey Rob,
>
> I don't have a problem with the ideas you express in your letter
>(below). I didn't read Brian's original letter, but it sounds like you're
>getting a lot from playing and studying the shakuhachi.
>
>I just wanted to point out that a lot of the players and teachers think
>it's really lame to say "shak" instead of "shakuhachi". It's real
>annoying in fact. It's not a shak; it's a shakuhachi. Just like you're
>teacher is a "sensei" and not a "sen" or a "sei". It's a type of "dumming"
>down of the tradition we all respect and love (obviously including you).
>
>Thought you and others might want to know this.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Peter
>
>>Hi Group,
>>I originally sent this only to Brian, but since I hear so often that shak
>>players can't afford our instrument. I thought I would post it to the
>>list. I hope you are not offended Brian.
>>
>>Hey Brian,
>>
>>Sometimes it's how you frame it. I have two fine shaks. Ronnie got them
>>both
>>for me. My wife used to hold the same beliefs till we had a good talk
>>about
>>it. My case:
>>
>>The Shak does nice things for me and for you, (honey)
>>
>>My blood pressure goes down when I play (documented) - a good thing.
>>
>>When I am finished playing - I am in a good mood - good for our
>>relationship.
>>
>>I become creative when I play and think of new business ideas - more
>>revenue
>>another good thing (documented)
>>
>>When I travel, I take my flute - Instead of going to bars or watching TV,
>>I
>>play, also good things.
>>
>>I play during breaks at corporate retreats e.g. Nike, Cigna, Pfizer etc.
>>and
>>all my lessons are tax deductible (my shaks are as well.) A good thing.
>>
>>Because of my playing we have expanded our circle of friends, including
>>Ronnie and Yoshio, people we would never have met. More good!
>>
>>Our daughter takes an active interest in music, and plays her violin with
>>me. She travels with me to my lessons and camps, and its our father /
>>daughter "talk time - a very good thing.
>>
>>You have something to tease me about - squeaky sounds etc. (good for you).
>>
>>When I travel to lessons, you have your own time. I choose early Saturday
>>mornings so she can sleep in! And I am back in time for fun with the
>>family.
>>Another good thing.
>>
>>The Shaks don't go down in value, and in fact they go up. Not true with
>>some
>>of our other investments (don't go here if inappropriate!) (very good).
>>
>>When Yoshio comes and plays a concert, all your friends get to come and
>>they
>>enjoy it and keep asking when he will return. Good for them and us.
>>
>>Because of a Yoshio concert, we raised enough money to demolish the old
>>Slaughterhouse where the teenagers used to do drugs, and you got to make
>>the
>>dedication of the park speech! (a very good thing).
>>
>>Lastly, buying flutes and paying for lessons helps keep this instrument
>>and
>>this wonderful music alive. If it weren't for us, an entire genre would
>>become extinct. We are all asked in many ways to support the arts by
>>making
>>charitable contributions etc. Why not support the art by being part of the
>>art?
>>
>>Now that I think of it, Yoshio has a great 1.6 for sale hmmmm.
>>
>>Yu didn't ask for this but here is some unsolicited feedback. Never begin
>>your thoughts with the word "unfortunately." I find it causes me to give
>>up
>>too quickly. You are not investing in an instrument, or a piece of bamboo,
>>you are investing in yourself, and making yourself better helps us all.
>>
>>Hope this helps.
>>
>>Rob McNeil
>
>
>--
>Peter Ross
>http://www.cloudhandsmusic.com
>APDO 542-4100
>Grecia, Costa Rica
>Central America
>011 (506) 494-5170
>_____________________________________________
>
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