We compared the Ainu database with the Golden Kamuy database to determine the amount of matching words. The language is a unique linguistic treasure, with its roots in the culture and history of the Ainu people of Japan. Meanwhile, the manga series weaves elements of the culture into its narrative, including the language. Analyzing the first database with the vocabulary used in the second one is an interesting exploration of how real-world language is incorporated into fiction. In the Ainu database, you'll find words that are authentic to the language, reflecting their daily life, traditions, and beliefs. These could include words from the natural world, like the names of plants, animals, and natural phenomena, but also cultural ideas, family ties, and expressions of appreciation or respect. However, Golden Kamuy uses the language to give the story more depth and authenticity. The Ainu words and phrases used in the manga's dialogue and narration are frequently explained or given context for readers who might not be familiar with the language. These words are typically used in situations where characters are discussing aspects of the culture, such as rituals, traditions, or interactions with nature.
We firstly did this by using the PivotTable in Microsoft Excel to create the comparison. We asked ChatGPT for help since we did not find the exact formulas to activate pivoting. PivotTables are incredibly versatile and can help you make sense of large datasets with minimal effort, so at first we did not want to give up, but we didn’t have much time left. After brainstorming for a long time and with the help of the teacher, we decided to take a different approach. We asked ChatGPT to put the corresponding words from the Golden Kamuy database and the Ainu database into a third table, but it doesn’t accept files yet. However, you can describe the structure of the tables, including the columns they contain. Once you provide that information, ChatGPT can assist you in writing a script to compare the tables and generate our desired results. After all that was sorted out it left us with the script of the two tables. We had to replace "table1.xlsx", "table2.xlsx" and "common_words.xlsx" with the filenames we used for our tables. We moved the script to the app sublime text to give us a better view. Afterwards, with yet another assistance from the teacher and encoding, we were able to transfer the script to the Terminal app to give us the result.
The overlapping words of the two databases were found and were less than we thought. They are especially words that were related to common themes in Ainu life and culture. However, there are also a lot of differences, as Golden Kamuy is a work of fiction and may take creative ways in its use of language to suit the needs of the story. Additionally, the manga introduces new words or expressions that are not found in traditional Ainu vocabulary but are used within the context of the narrative. Overall, comparing the Ainu database with the vocabulary of Golden Kamuy offered an opportunity to appreciate how language shapes storytelling and how fiction can serve as a gateway to learning about real-world cultures and languages.