Japanese Language @ MindSay

So where was I? Ended up in the Advanced level of the Japanese classes here at Keio. Me and a buttload of Chinese and Korean people who are totally in to anime.. ah well.  The level of the classes feel just right though and I'll probably end up learning a lot over the coming, what, 9 months?

The Japanese educational system still is obsessed with the thought that memorization=learning. Which, as anyone in the west will tell you, is total bullshit. Thus we've spent 2/3's of each class listening to an article about the geography of Tokyo and then repeating what is being said to the letter. It's not about, let's say - using our skills to independently reproduce basically what is being said; no what they want is the whole thing down to the last comma..

If you've ever wondered why Engrish exists - this is the reason. Through this method Japanese people usually know all kinds of words, know all the grammar and read just fine - they just suck at creating sentences by themselves and oh, actually using the language actively. The fact that they dub movies obviously also plays a part - but you just don't see this kind of stuff in Germany or France.

So if you happen upon a Japanese person who actually speaks decent English - be impressed.. that person has had to fight the antiquated and sometimes downright moronic Japanese educational system to reach that level.. and more than likely spent some time abroad.

Soundtrack: EGO-WRAPPIN' - 天国と白いピエロ

Recently I have become aware of certain processes that were previously foreign to me, with some minor reflections about this Japanese voyage.  For example, have you ever been aware that your thoughts occur in a certain language?  I mean, at the back of one's mind this is obvious, but it's never the sort of thing that one dwells upon.  Well lately in the half-hour or so before I drift off to sleep I've found myself attempting to compose little things to say, introductions and the like.  I don't know why, but I do.  (I know, I'm an odd duck.)  Well, as I know a whole two japanese words and a song, these little phrases find themselves translated into French!  Yes, French.  That being the only other language that I'm vaguely familiar with.  Fat lot of good that it will do me.

  

Anyways, that wraps up my bizarre and rather pointless ramble.

Well, so my pre-Japanese adventures begin.

 

I honestly have no idea how I'm supposed to prepare myself for a hyperpolite society, of which I know no nothing of the language, culture, customs, or even alphabet.  What am I getting myself into?  Seriously, what am I getting myself into?  Furthermore, how long will it take until people get sick of me talking about this.  I'm presuming not very long, so I'll rant while I can.:p

 

I've figured out the one location in the city where I can take Japanese lessons.  Unfortunately, it's on my onw sleep-in day.  I can tell this semester is going to be fuuuuuun!  (Do you detect a whiff of sarcasm?  No?)

 

Let me tell you why this semester will be so engaging.  I have Writer's craft, Data Management, Chemistry, and English, for starters.  Oh, and AP English for good measure.  Plus I have to finish that correspondence physics before I go, AND learn Japanese.  The Jr Leader program to finish up, piano still on the side . . .

 

Bah, I'm complaining.  Noone wants to hear that.  I could keep going, but it's not worth it.  I'd best get back to work, nose to grindstone, etc etc.  Ah well, the english essay is done, at least!

Today I met John. He's going to be my Japanese language tutor. I hired him for $15an hr for 2 hours a week. John's a 77 year old Japanese man who has been living in Hawaii most of his life. He used to teach Japanese classes at his electric company for when they had to deal with Japanese customers. John is a nice guy, very down to earth. I think this is going to work very well.