Obasan
by Joy Kogawa

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Obasan: Dialect 1 key example

Key Examples in Obasan

Chapter 23
Explanation and Analysis—Konbanwa:

In Chapter 23, a brief exchange at the bathhouse illustrates the rhythms of the Japanese Canadian community’s dialect in Slocan:

 ‘Kon-ban-wa,’ Nomura‑obasan calls. ‘Good evening. The water is still fine.’

‘Go-men na-sai,’ Sachiko apologizes. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you. I will come later.’