Has anyone been in the same position?
How long will it take me to get some Japanese?
I leave next week, for at least one year.
2007-07-05 16:07:24 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Twice I've moved to countries where I didn't speak the language (Taiwan and Poland). It's never been a problem. You'll be surprised at how much you can pick up just by hand motions and tone of voice and direction of gaze and stuff. DEFINITELY bring a good phrasebook with you. I highly recommend the Lonely Planet series of phrasebooks because they've never let me down, but you might find that a different phrasebook is better for Japanese. Also, bring an English-Japanese / Japanese-English dictionary with you. If you have a Passport Health center near you, stop by and get one of the free credit-card-sized picture cards they have for travelers (provided by Master Card). The cards have pictures of specific essential things (needle and thread) and things that you might need in a hurry (toilets, both asian-style and western-style) or might not want to pantomine (like condoms).
When it gets tough, smile and remind yourself that you're the guest. Be friendly to strangers, be humble when seeking help, be grateful to those who help you. You'll find that there are suddenly plenty of people who want to make your stay very pleasant and easy. If you've got a dictionary, a phrasebook, patience, a sense of humor, and a willingness to learn and adapt and go with the flow, you will be FINE. I promise.
2007-07-05 16:25:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scared? No, not really. You won't starve or anything not speaking Japanese. Most Japanese speak a (very) little English, and can handle reading and writing a little better. But things will be hard, especially since you haven't studied much if at all. Unless you're really in the middle of nowhere, there will be SOMEONE around who really speaks English.
If you can get it delivered before you leave, I'd suggest ordering a copy of "Supplementary Grammar Notes to An Introduction To Modern Japanese" by Mutsuko Endo Simon. It's the best grammatical reference I've seen in Japanese, and a very good way to get the basic grammar down. You'll need this before you will be able to learn by immersion.
I'd have recommended you study for a couple of months before you go, but you should still get on it ASAP. Learn Hiragana and Katakana. You should be able to start to get a grip on those by the time you leave. Learn some basic vocab, and some basic grammar, and that will be enough for you to start learning naturally.
I've known people in Japan and Korea who lived there for YEARS and never really learned to speak the language useably. One of them lived in a small town (near a major city, so not THAT remote) You'll have more fun once you know the language, but it's not that bad if you don't.
2007-07-06 00:30:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be prepared for studying Japanese with unbending determination.
One year later, you would have been enjoying the life in Japan.
If you skipped studying the language, I'm sure you will regret when you leave Japan in the future.
To understand local culture, speaking local language is necessary in Asia.
Their way of thinking is totally different from the westerner's logic and feeling.
2007-07-06 02:00:23 · answer #3 · answered by Joriental 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
somewhat
Japanese is difficult to write Hiragana, Katagana, and dreaded KANJI
Take language classes and study alot on your own.
like what was said above be prepared to be stared at ALOT
personally when I go to japan and smaller towns it bothers me and i feel extremely awkward. Sorry I can't give better advice, but learning another language (especially one like Japanese) takes alot of discipline and hopefully you have good memory.
I'm trying to teach myself how to write in Nihongo and its not easy (and I'm only on the basics).
Enjoy!! Japan is a very beautiful country.
2007-07-06 05:58:58 · answer #4 · answered by orlundo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, be scared. Small town+no Japanese's knowledge equals you being stuck. But there is a good side to it. Since you will be stuck there you will have to learn Japs fast or go back home. I am in Tokyo and since I can go around with ENG and limited Japs, I am really not so crazy about learning. You will be....
It's a beautiful language and culture, do not hesitate, came over....
2007-07-08 07:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by Radovan P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will do fine. take a dictionary with you. Someone will speak a LEETLE English and they will become a friend. Just TRY hard to ask questions and get answers.
Take a phrase book too if you can. And love the people with genuine lvoe and it will stand you in good stead. Enjoy the pain and the blessings. there will be plenty of both.
2007-07-05 23:11:52 · answer #6 · answered by thisbrit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well that happened to me a couple of times like when i went to italy i had to talk with some of the ppl there. i had no idea what they were saying. I just nodded politely and smiled. well just hope that in Japan some of the people in that village know some kind of English. If I were you try to learn the language if you are going to be there for a year. best of luck!!
2007-07-05 23:11:22 · answer #7 · answered by Dec 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you seriousally need to take japanese language classes,
belive it or not they have some in japan and it will take a while! they have 3 diffrent writing systems and you'll need to learn those to! to be honest yeah you should be alittle nervous =/
i'm sorry
2007-07-05 23:11:02 · answer #8 · answered by rain 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Haha, you shouldnt be scared.
Usually in Japan and other countries, learning English is a top priority.
2007-07-05 23:10:40 · answer #9 · answered by Melanie A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋