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Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Haley C. — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:22:19 -0000

I want to learn Japanese because I simply love languages. In high school I went up to spanish 5 and for awhile I could read spanish almost perfectly without a dictionary to help me. I also took one class of French in HS because I wanted to see how similiar the two languages were and if I could learn it easier being that I have already been taught another language. I'm starting college soon and they offer Japanese and I think it would be something new to try. My greatest wish would to be able to be fluent in a couple of languages, I'm not sure if it will ever happen, but it would be fun to try. Also, the only anime type show that I like is Avatar:The Last Airbender, so I am definitly not doing it to watch shows without subtitles :P

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

GJB995 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:03:15 -0000

sadly anime is what got me into japanese culture, but then I started learning about languege, culture,ect and now I'm kinda adicted

and there is a lot to learn at the speed I am going I will probably sound like a todler in a few decades

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

USaverageguy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:18:30 -0000

Are you kidding? Why do I want to learn Japanese? It's the women. They are beautiful!!! I know that is a shallow reason but I love the way they look and the way they act. But the truth is, every Nihonjin I have met, male or female, has been generous and kind to me. Japanese culture is so beautiful and I want to learn more about it. How can you learn about someone unless you can speak with them? Is there a better way to learn about Japan than to learn the language then spend time in Japan? If there is please let me know.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Henke — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:19:41 -0000

I've worked in the video game industry for over twelve years and have had a great deal of exposure to this particular aspect of Japanese culture during that time. Some colleagues actually worked briefly with Shigeru Miyamoto!

However, whilst the Sega, Nintendo and Sony influence has always been there, it was probably a fascination with Japanese toys that sowed the seed of wanting to learn the language. Sure, I watched some anime, loved Gojira - heck, I even build Gunpla now and again and I'm in my 30s but a real desire didn't germinate properly until about eighteen months ago when I became quite interested in the woodblock artists Hiroshige, Hokusai and others of the same period. I found the simplicity quite beautiful compared to Western art of a similar timeframe.

This appreciation also quickly transferred into the architecture and other aspects of Japan and Japanese life. I liked the old co-existing quite happily with the ultra new. One of my favourite websites for vicariously "living" the modern Japanese experience is dannychoo.com. He deals with your standard otaku stuff but also provides very informative and detailed articles on what life is actually like for him in Japan. Occasionally, Mr. Choo offers up a motivational piece and it was one such blog entry which asserted "What's stopping you learning Japanese?" that I could only truthfully answer with "nothing".

The supposed "impenetrability", the obvious "difficulty" and the sheer "alien" nature of the Japanese language to a native English speaker were all excuses I had used in the past, even though a nagging yearning to at least be able to decipher some of those "funny" symbols remained.

So about six months ago, I started to learn with the ultimate goal to see Mount Fuji, Sakurajima and the Inland Sea in the flesh at some point in my life and actually feel confident enough with the language so I could appreciate the surroundings rather than worry about navigating myself round the country. Whilst many people do this, and I'm sure the Japanese would be very helpful to a wandering foreigner, the thought of not having a clue fills me with a bit of dread!

I don't have much time to study and I'm doing it by myself but even though complex Japanese sentences are a bit of mystery to even look at , as long as I had three trusty books that I've been using as study aids with me, that apprehension would be greatly diminished. Given ten minutes or so, I can work out things to a standard that is acceptable to me at this point. My learning isn't really structured - particularly when It comes to Kanji, I tend to learn about the symbols that interest me rather than ploughing through the JLPT lists for example but often this overlaps. Making sense of Japanese place names is my favourite approach at present - I find it curiously satisfying!

However, I stumbled upon this page after a search for particle help and finding the handy chart!

Anyway, that's my story. Apologies for the length.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

BarbJ — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:49:06 -0000

I grew up near San Fransisco and was exposed to some Japanese culture as a young child. I remember I had a beautiful doll about 10" tall on a wooden stand. She was a lovely Japanese lady in a silk kimono and she had a box of about 8 or 10 wigs to change her look. I loved that doll, unfortunately my parents let me bring her to a Bowling Alley and someone stole her.

In fourth grade we had a Japan Festival at school and I loved that too. First time I had kamaboko and I couldn't get enough!

Now I'm quite grown up, bordering on old, lol. I love Japanese food, and have learned to cook some. I make a good miso soup with fresh dashi.

Also I have gotten into the hobby of Nishikigoi and some day would like to go to Japan to visit some Koi breeders. It would be nice to be able to talk to them with out sounding like an idiot. Plus I could then tell if my guide is really telling me what the breeder is saying. heh.

Learning a new language is great for keeping the mind sharp and I also like the way Japanese sounds. I've been doing IKnow online now for a while, and plan to take a course at the local junior college this summer.

I do like some anime too, I really like stuff from CLAMP. Most is more entertaining than what's on my local TV. Plus I like the original voice actors, they seem to be better actors.
Why is it when an anime is dubbed into English they pick voice actors who sound like surfer dudes on Valium? lol.

Anyway those are some of my reasons. Mostly because I want to visit Japan someday soon.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

qwerty123 — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:38:52 -0000

lol

i don't remember why i started to learn japanese. i know only one thing, i really hate manga and anime, because of their retarted reality. i like to watch japanese doramas. i think its one of the best way to see how japanese society is built. now, when i asking myself why i'm learning japanese i often understanding that the main reason are japanese people, their inner world, thoughts. sounds maybe a kinda stupid, but its true.
/sorry for my english ;(

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

the answer — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:44:29 -0000

you FOOLS!

eroge and nasu, the main story writer for type-moon!

IT'S GIVEN ME ENOUGH OBSESSIVE DRIVE TO SPEND MORE THAN 3 HOURS A DAY STUDYING KANJI USING MNEMOSYNE PROJECT

GO NOW!

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

That guy, over there >> — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:00:02 -0000

I grew up in a rural town, and went to school in what my town calls the "county" district. So basically, I went to a school that most of the denizens of a HICK town considered poor, backwards, and rustic. So, of course, I didn't get the opportunity to learn Japanese as a second language in high school. I do intend to learn Japanese, though. I got into Japanese culture the same way that most kids did.

Pokémon.

Unlike other kids, I stayed interested in it, and used what little resources I had in a poor town to learn about aspects of Japan's culture OTHER than Death Note and Naruto. I'm currently attending a classes at my town's community college, trying to get enough basic credits to go to the University of Oregon, so that I can get into U of O's Japanese language program. I'd like to go to Japan, and I've heard that one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get there is by teaching English. SO, according to my current plans, my reason for learning Japanese in the future is to be able to go to Japan, and learn first hand what it is like to live there. Anime is cool, and videogames are fun, but culture has substance.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

koichi — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:00:30 -0000

You should take a look at eduFire for classes - really great for folks who
aren't near big cities and the like

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

facebook-1519867835 — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:44:26 -0000

why i´am learning japanese ?..mmm exceleten question...

Well like every one else here,, they have there reasons...
And these are my reasons of why i´am learnign japanese...

1.- I love the japanese culture, food, anime,history. music ..( and no is not becouse of anime that i began with japanese lessons )

2.- Sense i can remember I always had much interest by the country of the raising sun.

3.- i want to go to Japan.. to see by my self that beutiful country, to enter that sugoi !! atmosphere..
( at list to feel that i´am almost japanese lol)

4.- Japan is the most funniest country in the world.. love people, and love the shows
so extravagant !!

5.- becouse it gives me such a heritage to know such greatest country.

Anyway.. yes I´am a Japan lover jhahahaha !!
So that is my reasons .. and yes i study every day ..and no not with anime .. with really books..
Really i think is really amaizing your videos and you website..
I really appreciated you shear such passion ^^

Arigatou Gozaimasu ^^
Yoroshiku

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

jennifer — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:29:16 -0000

Grrr. yes, it was manga that made me think of Japanese. is it really all that bad? I'm a 22 year old girl who loves F.M.A., Death note and more.
But that's not the only reason- though i giver manga most credit because without it, i wouldn't be learning it at all. I also fit in with all your top reason list- but the manga! oh the manga!!!

and though i love you videos and blog, i have to admit, I'm learning on my own. i have no teacher or class to get it from. (I live in Tillamook, no one teaches anything but Spanish and they butcher it...)
and i know you don't agree with that- heck I'm with you, i wish i had the cash and time to go to a class a few hours away- but could try to love us fools who still try hard without them? My one year old son and I listen to c.d.'s and so much more its so fun to spend time with him learning! and now when i watch anime i don't always need to read what they are saying!!! ...oups, let that one slip.

well- i guess I'm the sort of person that bugs you. i love manga- and i learn on my own, and i use 5 min. a day Japanese c.d.s (even though we all know it takes way more then that- i just use it to help me along with what i do)
but even if i bug ya- i still love your videos! keep it up please!!!

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

facebook-1444219730 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:16:54 -0000

I have a couple reasons:

1. I lived in Japan when I was between 10 and 13 years old. I feel I wasted my time there because I was too young and stubborn to appreciate it. Over the years that appreciation has grown and now I want to at least make it up to myself for not becoming more involved in the culture surrounding me at the time.

2. I want to travel to Japan again and be able to interact without being a complete idiot. I want to be able to communicate and at least make it look like I've made an effort to learn rather than just be the baka gaijin that thinks everyone else should speak my language.

3. I want to be able to see Naruto and Sasuke make hot hot steamy love without any subtitles blocking the way of their naked children bodies.

Ok, that one isn't entirely true. But, as someone that likes anime and manga I'd like to be able to watch without subs and read without corny English translations.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

V.S. — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:11:28 -0000

My reason for learning Japanese? Like the Himalayas: Because it's there, and because the view from the top is breathtaking (i.e. actually being to understand what you've admired for so long).
What can I say? It just seems to make sense to me, artistically, esthetically; It feels like one of those expensive pairs of eel-skin shoes ($500) that look gorgeous, and FEEL amazing.

My other reason beside culture would have to be the food. Simply put, even the most expensive and refined dishes taste homely. What other culture has high class food that LOOKS high class, but feels like good, healthy, home cooking (my favorite kind of cuisine).
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to polish off a few mochi.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

TannerGrovyle — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:46:34 -0000

The reason I started learning Japanese was because of how beautiful of a language it was. I just love how all the words seem to roll off the tongue. It's such a fun language to speak and I enjoy it! ^..^

Of course, I do have my bad reasons as well. I love watching anime in Japanese, but I only use the raw Japanese to test and suppliment what I already know.

That aside, I love Japanese because it's a fun and exciting language to learn! When I get certain honorifics, words, phrases and kanji well ingrained in my memory, it feels so rewarding! I enjoy learning Japanese because it's beautiful, I enjoy it, it's a fun language to learn, and then there's that wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you FINALLY get that important phrase or that kanji character memorized!

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

AnimeFan — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:42:09 -0000

I started learning Japanese so i am able to watch anime without English subtitles and to be able to play Japanese-language video games without waiting for the English version arrives. My knowledge of Japanese language might also come in handy if in the future i work at a company that has business with Japanese clients/companies.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Tomususan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:42:32 -0000

Why ?
1. To watch Anime in Raw version
2. To read Manga in Raw version
3.To tak to Japanese people in japanese
4. To travel to Japan
And Some others reasons ^^.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Samantha — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:00:27 -0000

Haha I saw you on youtube. I started learning Japanese because I have always been interested in the country and it's culture and I do hope to move there in the future.
It sounds like you dont want many people to learn the language because you think they are doing it for the wrong reason? Hmmm I say if you are interest in Japanese than why not?! So what if people learn it to "show off" I doubt them types will get very far with =]
I did find it easy when i first started but as i advanced it became really hard, I shall keep going though..
P.s I was wondering were you got that panda hat from?!

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Davitta — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:04:51 -0000

I started learning Japanese because of anime and manga. (Mostly DBZ and Tenchi Muyo) Hopefully I can progress more so I can be able to watch movies and anime without subtitles. I also started learning because of the music, fashion, and food. I just really like the culture and I think its a wonderful language. I hope to go to Japan someday. ^_^

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Danielle — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:48:41 -0000

My fascination with Japan actually started because of Gwen Stefani and her Harajuku Girls. I know that sounds incredibly lame, but I just thought that they looked so cool. I start learning the language though when my friend got me hooked on Korean and Japanese music. I just really love the culture and how different it is from everything else.

I was learning Spanish in school but I just was not into it at all. Its totally the opposite for me with Japanese. I get all excited when theres a special on Japan on the travel network, and I write hiragana all over the margins on my tests at school.

Ive been learning on my own for almost 6 months. I'm only in highschool and they only offer the same old languages that everyone else does T___T

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Irene — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:54:15 -0000

good reasons, bad reasons... who is there to judge what is good or bad? :p
as long as you are having fun doing it and being at least a bit serious about it. maybe even learning a few more words than baka and honto ni etc. otherwise you can hardly call it learning a language.
anyway, my reason... I wanna marry Oguri Shun! so I will have to be able to understand him first and then impress him with my skills ;)
honestly though, I wanna go into tourism, media, journalism or something like that (not 100% sure yet) abroad and the country/language/culture that was most appealing to me was Japan. I'm only in my 1st year of college so it'll take a while, but I got time :)

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Breiniak — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:01:22 -0000

I have everything it takes to become a NINJA. I have acquired every skill except for knowledge in the Japanese language. ^^

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Carcinogen — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:45:37 -0000

Narutofags and their "OMG KAWAII DESU NE?!?!?!" attitudes are so friggin' annoying. People like them are the reason I quit watching anime. I hope they choke on certain pieces of overrated pretzel candies that taste like sawdust =\

I myself want to learn a language that used another alphabet, and Japanese seems a bit more practical for the things I do. Could be beneficial as well, as learning all those characters will be great for improving my memory. Besides, I could learn a lesson or two from the culture.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

marisela — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:45:39 -0000

well, i like anime and dramas and all that good stuff but i love the culture from the eddo period to the current so i want to go to Japan and maybe teach english or something like that .....that is why i am learning japanese

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

lala — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:46:27 -0000

I dislike the fact that people believe there is such a large barrier between culture. To break the culture barrier i thought it might be necessary to learn some of the widely spoken languages in my region. Such as Japanese. However, that is not the reason, i'm really obsessed with Kanji, and they way the language works. It's quite fun to learn, but i have such a long way to go.

Re: Why are you learning Japanese? | Tofugu.com

Chris — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 21:52:16 -0000

When I was four, I met a Japanese woman while taking my cat to the vet, and we had an interesting conversation. Since then, I've been totally enamored with Japan. I can't really say that when I was younger I actively attempted to learn Japanese, but seeing as I want to live in Japan (or teach Japanese in America), I need to start learning, and now is a good time for me. Wish me luck!