Introduction to Kambun

Harvard FAS

In this course, students will learn how to read a variety of Japanese texts written entirely in Chinese characters, or kanbun. Specifically, we will practice the art of rendering both classical and quasi-classical Chinese script into Japanese syntax, a reading method known as kundoku or yomikudashi. After learning the basics via textbook, we will read texts from several different genres such as mythologies, histories, and official documents. By taking this course, students will begin…