A question about the translation of this sentence.

[Razahia]

山下先生の専攻は歴史でした

I have read that the translation is (Yamashita sensei's major was Japanese history)

Is this inferred by knowing his name? Kind of forced upon no? Should it not be.

山下先生の専攻は日本の歴史でした


Maybe I am incorrect or missing something. Any help?

Thanks

 

[nahadef]

I think you can know it culturally. If an American says (in English) their major is history, the truth is it's actually Western history, as opposed to world history or Asian history, etc. Don't you think so? In that case, wouldn't the same be true for Japanese as well?

 

[Razahia]

Ahhh yea. Thanks for your input.

 

[Mike Cash]

Japanese usually clarify by saying 日本史 or 世界史 so I share the OP's question about the translation involving some 思い込み or 決めつけ. It should have been just "history".