Includes bibliographical references and index.

Those who already knew Dutch in Japan -- Learning Dutch in Tokugawa Japan -- The many uses of Dutch in Japan -- Language contact -- Interference in Dutch texts -- Translation from Dutch -- Lexical, syntactic and graphic interference by Dutch in Japanese -- Language shift and recession.

"In The Dutch Language in Japan (1600-1900) Christopher Joby offers the first book-length account of the knowledge and use of the Dutch language in Tokugawa and Meiji Japan. For most of this period, the Dutch were the only Europeans permitted to trade with Japan. Using the analytical tool of language process, this book explores the nature and consequences of contact between Dutch and Japanese and other language varieties. The processes analysed include language learning, contact and competition, code switching, translation, lexical, syntactic and graphic interference, and language shift. The picture that emerges is that the multifarious uses of Dutch, especially the translation of Dutch books, would have a profound effect on the language, society, culture and intellectual life of Japan"-- Provided by publisher.

Description based on print version record.