I found something rather interesting while I was researching season-based time systems for my novel, and it reminded me of something I had said in the Cars analysis thread.
I feel like I understand the Relationship Story fairly well because I once knew some non-English words to refer to relationships. In fact, from the experience I've had with the Japanese language, the respectful titles used when addressing someone actually carry meaning above and beyond the direct translated title alone. Inherent in the title is the relationship between the speaker and listener.
However, what I found just recently is quite interesting. The language seems to carry this idea of relationships further, even involving physical space as it relates to people. More astounding is the separation of the relationships into four kinds that seem to fit into a quad.
I don't know how accurate the article is, as I'm still a Japanese language neophyte. However, it is an interesting look at space AND relationships, so I present it here with a summary and my take on each. I will also provide a link to the article at the end.
Wa - "Relationship" Space. [Psychology]
As a culture, we usually only recognize this in the phrase, "You could cut the tension with a knife," or something similar. It isn't necessarily negative, though. It seems to represent the relationship among or between people in general. It's the gap for which English doesn't really have words.
Ba - "Synergizing" Space [Physics]
I'm not sure there's a word inherent in English to describe this space. The description in the article implies that this type of space is found in an open office, or when brainstorming ideas. What is required is a space where knowledge of different sources and subjects can connect.
Tokoro - "Physical" Space [Universe]
Unfortunately, the word "physical" doesn't seem to convey the entire meaning here. Yes, the space is a physical location, but included with it is the whole of its surroundings: physical, social, historical, etc. The best example I can think of would be Broadway.
Ma - "Mental" Space [Mind]
The way this is described seems to be rather meditative and/or contemplative. I suspect introverts instinctively recognize this kind of space. At least, I know I do. It's a place of calm and quiet, a separation from concerns in general. It's the place one goes to get away from the stress of modern life and society.
The various domains above are my best attempt, and might not be arranged correctly. Either way, the location set felt complete, and very much like a quad to me, so I wanted to share it. I also noticed that every type of space includes inherent within the meaning its relationship with people. I thought it might help with the Relationship Story, which I suspect is very much about the Wa between the Main and Influence Characters.
As a final, note: If you do read the article, you'll see that I chose different descriptions. This is intentional and reflects my effort to understand the content.
