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The Japanese writing system uses different letters for the same sounds, depending on their source - foreign languages and animal sounds use Katakana, not Hiragana. If it were intentional, it might be considered rude to foreigners to organize a language that way - grouping foreigners with the animals, based on their sounds.

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Well, but that's not too different from the use of Italics in English orthography, which also includes sound effects and foreign words:

> It made a distinct thunk as it hit the bottom.

> She's so blasé about HN comments these days.

> Well, but that's not too different from the use of Italics in English orthography, which also includes sound effects and foreign words.

True. But using italics with foreign words is not a de facto English language rule.

Please note that Japanese words themselves can also be written in katakana, sometimes as a sort of emphasis. Other reasons can be it being a brand/name, or because it is easier on the eyes, or because the kanji are too difficult. So it's not like every word written in katakana is a foreign one.

That said, most words written in katakana are probably foreign.

This is a nuance to Japanese I did not know. Thank you for educating me. :)

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