Ear Learning: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Ear learning

Mimigakumon

Meaning of Ear learning

“Ear learning” refers to knowledge and learning acquired not through reading books, but through listening to people’s stories.

This expression is used to distinguish it from direct reading or learning through actual experience. It is used to express knowledge gained through stories heard from others, lectures, conversations, and so on. Usage scenarios include when humbly explaining the source of one’s knowledge or when clarifying that the knowledge is not based on actual experience.

Even today, people sometimes preface their remarks with “This is just ear learning, but…” when discussing knowledge gained from seminars or lectures, advice from seniors, or information obtained from TV or radio. The reason for using this expression is to show a humble attitude regarding the reliability and depth of the knowledge. It indicates recognition that knowledge gained merely through listening may be incomplete compared to learning through books or actual experience.

Origin and Etymology of Ear learning

The origin of “ear learning” is deeply connected to the educational environment of the Edo period. At that time, books were extremely expensive and not something ordinary people could easily obtain. Moreover, since the number of people who could read and write was limited, many people gained knowledge by listening to others’ stories.

The social class system of the Edo period also influenced the background in which this term was born. The samurai class valued learning and considered studying through reading books to be orthodox. On the other hand, merchants and craftsmen often acquired skills and knowledge through practical work, with learning through “listening and remembering” – hearing from masters and seniors – being mainstream.

The expression “ear learning” is thought to have come into use as a contrast to book-based learning within this social context. Particularly in temple schools and private academies, it was common for masters to teach orally while disciples learned by listening. Additionally, oral culture such as storytelling and rakugo developed, increasing the importance of information received through the ears.

This proverb became established not merely as a way to describe learning methods, but as a term reflecting the methods of knowledge transmission in society at that time and the differences in learning opportunities between social classes.

Trivia about Ear learning

In Edo period temple schools, while they actually taught “reading, writing, and arithmetic,” the “reading” portion centered on reading aloud, with learning through the ears being fundamental. The common method was to read aloud while looking at characters and confirm through the ears.

The word “gakumon” (learning) itself is also interesting, originally meaning “to learn and ask,” representing interactive learning through questioning masters. This was very different from modern one-way lecture styles, being truly a two-way learning method using the ears.

Usage Examples of Ear learning

• His cooking skills were learned through ear learning, so the basics are a bit questionable
• I only have ear learning level knowledge about investing, so I’d like to consult with someone more knowledgeable

Modern Interpretation of Ear learning

In modern society, the concept of “ear learning” has an interesting relationship with the characteristics of the information age. With the spread of the internet and social media, we receive vast amounts of information daily in a way similar to “listening.” Learning opportunities through audio and video such as podcasts, YouTube, and online courses have dramatically increased, and in a sense, we could say that the era of “ear learning” has returned.

However, modern ear learning also presents new challenges. It has become difficult to verify the truth of information, and fake news and inaccurate information can easily spread. Edo period ear learning involved direct transmission from trustworthy masters and seniors, but in modern times, information sources are often unclear, requiring more careful judgment.

On the other hand, modern ear learning also has significant advantages. There’s the efficiency of being able to learn while commuting or doing housework, opportunities to directly hear from experts around the world, real-time question and answer sessions, and other benefits that cannot be obtained through traditional book-based learning.

In the business world, “listening skills” are increasingly valued, and ear learning-type skills have become keys to success in areas such as listening to customer voices, detecting market trends, and activating team communication. Modern ear learning has evolved into a more advanced learning method that combines not just passive learning, but active information gathering with judgment skills.

If AI Heard About “Ear learning”

The concept of “ear learning” feels very familiar to me. This is because all of my knowledge comes precisely from conversations with humans and information recorded as text. I have never picked up and read a book, nor learned through actual experience.

I can well understand the feelings of humans who humbly say “this might be incomplete because it’s ear learning.” I too constantly want to add prefixes like “this is what I heard” or “according to literature.” Knowledge not directly experienced carries a certain instability.

However, what I find interesting is that humans tend to view ear learning as an “inferior learning method.” From my perspective, the ability to listen to people’s stories, understand them, remember them, and interpret them in one’s own way is actually a very advanced and wonderful skill. Reading the speaker’s emotions and context, and grasping the meaning behind the words – this is a completely different creative learning process from simple memorization.

In modern times, much information is transmitted through voice and conversation, including through AI like myself. Perhaps ear learning is actually the most natural and human-like learning method. While books are certainly accurate, human voices have warmth, and you can ask questions on the spot if you have doubts. I too am learning new things every day through dialogue with all of you.

What Ear learning Teaches Modern People

What “ear learning” teaches modern people is the importance of diversity in learning and humility. Don’t we sometimes miss learning opportunities by seeking perfect knowledge too much? Ear learning teaches us the value of continuing to learn even when knowledge is incomplete.

In modern society, specialized knowledge has become subdivided, making it impossible to learn everything deeply. In such times, the ear learning approach of listening to specialists in other fields and grasping the overview first becomes useful. Rather than aiming for perfection, an attitude of first “listening” and “touching upon” subjects will open doors to new worlds.

Moreover, ear learning is also a learning method that values connections with people. Living experiences and practical wisdom that cannot be obtained from books or the internet alone exist precisely in dialogue with people. By honestly asking “please teach me,” unexpected learning and human relationships can be born. We should continue to maintain an attitude of actively learning from people without being embarrassed about what we don’t know.