Today was an unusual day. I traveled to another location for work, about 45 minutes away. Whenever I go there, I listen to Japanese lessons since I'm alone and have no noisy distractions from the back seats. I'm listening to the newbie lessons right now, and I was surprised to find that I understood more of the dialog than I usually do. But the totally amazing thing is that I got home today and actually remembered quite a bit of the vocabulary! Woohoo!
So, if you need to know where in my house my computer is (nikai!), I can tell you! It's the little things in life that make me happiest, you know. Maybe one day I can move on to the beginner lessons :)
I only learned a few words and phrases in Japanese before I went to Tokyo. Still, we did okay. We were able to eat, find restrooms, navigate the transportation system, etc. Honestly, I just reflected on my experiences with non-English-speaking employees many years ago. We used a very simple method of single word questions/answers, lots of gestures and pointing, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating laughter. So, if anyone is postponing a trip to Japan, because they don't speak Japanese, don't. Everyone I met was very helpful and friendly, most likely because of my very earnest yet pathetic attempts to communicate using the native language. The word on the street is that Japanese friendliness is inversely proportionate to your language fluency. I hope to test that one day. But for now..."Hajimamashite. Watashi wa Kara desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
So, if you need to know where in my house my computer is (nikai!), I can tell you! It's the little things in life that make me happiest, you know. Maybe one day I can move on to the beginner lessons :)
I only learned a few words and phrases in Japanese before I went to Tokyo. Still, we did okay. We were able to eat, find restrooms, navigate the transportation system, etc. Honestly, I just reflected on my experiences with non-English-speaking employees many years ago. We used a very simple method of single word questions/answers, lots of gestures and pointing, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating laughter. So, if anyone is postponing a trip to Japan, because they don't speak Japanese, don't. Everyone I met was very helpful and friendly, most likely because of my very earnest yet pathetic attempts to communicate using the native language. The word on the street is that Japanese friendliness is inversely proportionate to your language fluency. I hope to test that one day. But for now..."Hajimamashite. Watashi wa Kara desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."
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