Alternative History

The Karafuto dialect (樺太弁 Karafuto-ben), also known as Karafuto Japanese, is a group of 2 dialects of Japanese spoken in the Karafuto and Taichou prefectures of Japan. 

Introduction[]

A unique part of the Karafuto dialects is that fact that they use Russian loan words in their vocabulary. It also borrows from the Hokkaido and Tohoku dialects as well. 

Vocabulary []

As the Karafuto dialects have loanwords from Russian, some words from Russian replace the traditional words that standard Japanese has due to cultural mixing and also ease of conversation. 

Differences in vocabulary from Hyōjungo[]

Karafuto Hyōjungo Meaning(s) Notes
づら dzura ばか baka Idiot, fool From the Russian word "дура" (dura) meaning "fool"
すたしゃ sutasha 高校 kōkō High school From the Russian word "Старшая" starshaya, meaning "senior"; "Старшая школа" starshaya shkola (lit.Senior school) means High school in Russian.
ぶいい buii あなた anata You From Russian "вы" vy meaning "you"

Sub-dialects[]

The Karafuto dialects can be broken down in 4 dialects spoken in the Karafuto and Taichoushima prefectures, respectively

  • Karafuto Prefecture
    • Karafuto-ben
    • Chishima-ben
  • Taichoushima Prefecture
    • Taichoushima-ben
    • Kita-chishima-ben