Amae and Mardy A Comparison of Two Emotion Terms

摘要

The Japanese term amae, referring to a need to receive affection, is compared to a Midland English dialect word, mardy, meaning soft or spoilt. An interpretative phenomenological analysis conducted within the framework of the componential model of emotion indicates areas of overlap and divergence between these two terms that reflect the attitudes toward dependence within the two cultural contexts. Antecedents are similar, as are some of the elements of subjective experience and emotional expression. Both are more or less appropriate in similar relationships. However, mardiness is less acceptable than amae: The former may be universal, but it is considered childish and therefore unacceptable; the latter may be childish, but it is considered human and is more often treated sympathetically.