Maybe it's because I am used to the Aozora Bunka's policy that books must be 50+ years old, it is kind of surprising to see something that modern, with references to TV ^^"
Exactly! Sometimes you see references to radio in Kafu's works, which still surprise me sometimes. But understanding the technological circumstances in which a work was written also adds to our reading of it, at least that's how I feel.
I agree, that adds extra context to a book, so it feels like you are not a reader but an explorer~ ^_^
I'd say it is like this not only with technological stuff, but in general with historical and cultural references. I'd probably get bored if I had to read a book on historical events, for example, but when they are on the background of the main plot, it all becomes more memorable.
Like, I was reading a book by Ihara Saikaku, and there was a part there where a heroine went on the 7th of January to pick up seven first spring herbs to cook a porridge. And I was like "Herbs? In January? Seriously?", so I started terrorizing my Japanese friends with questions, and they said yes, that's a real thing, now you can buy those herbs in a shop and that 七草粥 is tasty ^^ It was just one sentence in the book, but because it was interesting I still remember about it~
Haha this is very recognizable. I've been guilty of the same kind of terrorism ;).
And what you're describing is the best way to learn a language quickly. When you have a story to a word (or a bunch of words) they stick in your mind a lot longer. It just takes more of an effort, but the returns in the long run make it worth your energy.
Maybe it's because I am used to the Aozora Bunka's policy that books must be 50+ years old, it is kind of surprising to see something that modern, with references to TV ^^"
Exactly! Sometimes you see references to radio in Kafu's works, which still surprise me sometimes. But understanding the technological circumstances in which a work was written also adds to our reading of it, at least that's how I feel.
I agree, that adds extra context to a book, so it feels like you are not a reader but an explorer~ ^_^
I'd say it is like this not only with technological stuff, but in general with historical and cultural references. I'd probably get bored if I had to read a book on historical events, for example, but when they are on the background of the main plot, it all becomes more memorable.
Like, I was reading a book by Ihara Saikaku, and there was a part there where a heroine went on the 7th of January to pick up seven first spring herbs to cook a porridge. And I was like "Herbs? In January? Seriously?", so I started terrorizing my Japanese friends with questions, and they said yes, that's a real thing, now you can buy those herbs in a shop and that 七草粥 is tasty ^^ It was just one sentence in the book, but because it was interesting I still remember about it~
Haha this is very recognizable. I've been guilty of the same kind of terrorism ;).
And what you're describing is the best way to learn a language quickly. When you have a story to a word (or a bunch of words) they stick in your mind a lot longer. It just takes more of an effort, but the returns in the long run make it worth your energy.