Noun Clauses
(Noun Clauses that are used as a direct object, and have the following pattern: S + V + question word + S + V)
間接疑問文 （かんせつぎもんぶん） このパータンを使う：S + V + 疑問詞 + S + V.
FUN FACT: "All pilots on international flights identify themselves in English." (source)
DEFINITION: In more simple terms, this particular grammar point focuses on noun clauses. A noun clause is a clause which does the work of a noun in the sentence. These clauses must contain a subject and verb. Look at the sentences in the table below for clarification. Noun clauses, specific to the Japan's JHS English textbooks, begin with the following words: what, where, when, who, which, whose, how and why.
EXAMPLES: (The noun clause question word is in italics, while the noun clause is underlined.)
NEW HORIZON: I do not know what you mean.
ONE WORLD: I can't tell where my house was.
SUNSHINE: I know how you feel.
TOTAL ENGLISH: I know why Jim didn't come.
NOTE: In most of the textbooks, this particular grammar point is found around the Relative Pronouns and/or Relative Clause section of the textbook, which is why this grammar point was confusing to disect. I have been looking at this grammar point from a 'relative' standpoint, instead of a 'noun clause' standpoint. This particular grammar point I would define as a 'mathlish'. Meaning, the way Japanese grammar books define this pattern (S + V + 疑問詞 + S + V) looks more like a math problem than anything pertaining to the English language. Furthermore, the textbook writers took this 'mathlish' grammar point and made it even more confusing. Noun Clauses operate in many different ways in a sentence, but the textbooks only wish to focus on the ones that are used as direct objects, when the clause is preceded with a subject and verb. The way this whole grammar point has been approached, leaves me in wanting to follow in the Japanese footsteps and create my own wasei-eigo word: Jamamarlish. (Japanese + math + grammar + English). Seriously though, these textbooks will test your patience sometimes.
OFF-SITE DEFINITION: Opt 1 / Opt 2
