I am interested in going to do research with a particular lab in Japan. The problem is that I don't speak Japanese. The researchers in the lab speak English, so there should be no problem there, but will I be able to live on my own (i.e. go shopping, rent an apartment, go places) if I have very limited knowledge of Japanese?
2006-12-22 08:56:08 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Thanks for the great answers. I should have mentioned that I'd be going to a university in Okinawa. Would that be possible?
2006-12-23 09:54:17 · update #1
Okinawa has many Americans there, and many people in Japan speak at least a little English however, if you truly want to experience Japan or get to know Japanese people on a less superficial level, you should try to learn as much of the language as possible.
Four months is enough time to learn a lot while you are there, too. Good luck! (頑張って！）
2006-12-24 17:35:12 · answer #1 · answered by Rabbityama 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it will be a bit difficult if you don't know how to speak Japanese. Going shopping can be a problem, if you're not able to speak their language, unless you don't mind doing sign language and drawing pictures. Going out to visit should be of no problem as road names, and train stations have signs in English, but not sure abt small towns though.
If you can speak a few short phrases, maybe it would help you greatly.
Most younger generation Japanese can understand a little English, but to a lower extent.
It really depends if you are going to a major city or a small town.
So just bring along a guide book that has a section on useful phrases to enable you to do some communicating in Japanese.
2006-12-24 12:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by Wyn 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If in the cities, no problem. if the countryside, remember to pick up a good English-Japan dictionary or language translation guide... have fun
2006-12-22 14:05:55 · answer #3 · answered by alamak 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There shouldn't be that much problem. Depending on where you live there will be a different number of people who speak English and it also depends on if you are the type that gets "stressed out" about little things. If you are, you may not like it.
2006-12-22 11:19:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
You will be fine. Japan is a pretty big international destination and you will be surprised how quickly you can learn enough words to function in the culture.
2006-12-22 09:03:55 · answer #5 · answered by AN 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Japan has a lot of english speaking visitors every year. I wouldn't worry about it...mosty of the japanese people can understand english to an extent.
2006-12-22 08:58:46 · answer #6 · answered by Detroit Diva 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
It depends on where you live. If you live in Tokyo, Osaka or another big city, you'll be fine.
And if you are going for 4 months to do research, I assume you have a visa right? If you are going as a tourist, you WONT be able to rent an apartment on your own.
2006-12-22 12:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by Adam 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I went to japan once and spoke greek. boy everybody was scratching their heads because noone understood what i was trying to say. I must say, I didnt have a great time. I wonder why?
2006-12-22 17:52:11 · answer #8 · answered by West of Encino 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You'll be fine.
2006-12-23 03:34:14 · answer #9 · answered by Steeny 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes
it wil be awsome
2006-12-22 08:58:24 · answer #10 · answered by dee78002000 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋