i am looking for papers about the portuguese words that were left in Japan from colonial age. One that could search about the false cognates like miru and mirar.

To explore the fascinating topic of Portuguese words that have been left in Japan from the colonial era, particularly focusing on false cognates such as miru (見る) and mirar, there are several credible sources and papers you can refer to. Below, I will outline important aspects, relevant academic resources, and their significance in understanding the linguistic influence of Portuguese on Japanese.

Understanding Portuguese Loanwords in Japanese

During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Portuguese traders and missionaries had a significant impact on Japanese culture, especially in terms of language. The introduction of Portuguese words into Japanese resulted in a rich lexicon of loanwords, many of which have survived to this day. It's estimated that there were around 4,000 Portuguese loanwords at one time, with only about 100 persisting in modern Japanese usage 4.

False Cognates: A Key Area of Study

False cognates are words in two languages that sound similar and have similar meanings but differ significantly in etymology or usage. The case of miru (to see) and mirar (to look) is particularly intriguing because while they share a phonetic similarity, their meanings and origins diverge. Such examples highlight the complexities of loanword integration into different languages.

Relevant Academic Papers and Sources

1. List of Japanese Words of Portuguese Origin

This Wikipedia article provides a comprehensive catalog of Portuguese loanwords that have entered the Japanese language, including a section on false cognates. This resource is useful for identifying specific words and understanding their contexts 3.

2. Loanwords in the Taxonomy of Borrowing

This academic paper explores various aspects of loanwords, focusing on their classification and sociolinguistic implications. While it may not specifically address Portuguese influence on Japanese, it provides a foundational understanding of how loanwords function across languages, which can be useful for analyzing the specific Portuguese contributions 1.

3. Borrowing Words: Using Loanwords to Teach About Japan

An article discussing the pedagogical methods for teaching about the role of loanwords in Japanese, particularly those of Portuguese origin. It emphasizes the cultural significance of these words and their historical context 4.

4. Portuguese Loan Words in Japanese

This source delves into specific examples of Portuguese loanwords in Japanese and could contain discussions about their false cognates. Accessing this paper will provide greater insights into how these loanwords have been adapted and integrated into Japanese phonetics and semantics 6.

5. Reception and Representation of European Languages in Japan

This research focuses on how European languages, including Portuguese, were received and represented in Japan. This historical context may shed light on the evolution of specific loanwords and their significance as false cognates 8.

Conclusion

The study of Portuguese loanwords in Japanese, especially regarding false cognates like miru and mirar, offers a rich field for exploration in linguistics and cultural studies. Utilize the academic sources mentioned above to gain deeper insights into the lexical evolution between the two languages, and consider how historical interactions have shaped modern linguistic landscapes. If you're looking for further detailed analysis or specific case studies, these papers and articles will be valuable resources. If you have further questions or need additional resources, feel free to ask!