It's about 11:45 PM right now as I sit here and type this. I still have quite a bit of studying to do, but I decided to take the time to write this because as I was sitting here, reading through my friends' diaries here on mixi to improve my Japanese skill, I began to think. I was thinking about why I'm even learning to speak Japanese.
I started a little over a year ago, but over the last few months, I've been forgetting the real reason why I started to learn the language. Perhaps learning Japanese is useless now that I have forgotten my reason for learning it, but I still continue to do my best at studying it and I make the best of every opportunity I get to learn. Why? Well, I guess it's because I love the language. I love Japan and Japanese people. The more I learn, the easier it becomes to communicate. Japanese has become something that I am really fascinated by.
I created this topic because I'm interested to know why everyone is Learning either English or Japanese.
Now, my question to you is:
If you are learning English, what is your reason?
--OR--
If you are learning Japanese, what is your reason?
If you are studying another language other than English or Japanese, please state why. I think it'll be interesting to hear everyone's reason.
I started a little over a year ago, but over the last few months, I've been forgetting the real reason why I started to learn the language. Perhaps learning Japanese is useless now that I have forgotten my reason for learning it, but I still continue to do my best at studying it and I make the best of every opportunity I get to learn. Why? Well, I guess it's because I love the language. I love Japan and Japanese people. The more I learn, the easier it becomes to communicate. Japanese has become something that I am really fascinated by.
I created this topic because I'm interested to know why everyone is Learning either English or Japanese.
Now, my question to you is:
If you are learning English, what is your reason?
--OR--
If you are learning Japanese, what is your reason?
If you are studying another language other than English or Japanese, please state why. I think it'll be interesting to hear everyone's reason.
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コメント(36)
Well, I am not learning any of those two, so perhaps I wouldn't be suitable to be the first to reply to this thread, but I am in fact learning a foreign language now, which is Chinese.
The reason I am learning Chinese is because of business. I am establishing a company in China at the moment and most of my business partners prefer to use Chinese instead of English for negotiations. I could hire a translator (which in fact I did a couple of months ago), but I really think I should learn this language as soon as possible so that I can interact more with my suppliers and distributors, without having to rely on a translator all the time.
The reason I am learning Chinese is because of business. I am establishing a company in China at the moment and most of my business partners prefer to use Chinese instead of English for negotiations. I could hire a translator (which in fact I did a couple of months ago), but I really think I should learn this language as soon as possible so that I can interact more with my suppliers and distributors, without having to rely on a translator all the time.
I think there is a big difference for Japanese people between learning English and other languages. We seriously learn English at school from 13 up to 22 years old in general, it's not a hobby at all (although it's still not enough for most people to speak very well), because there is a myth that ability to speak English promises your successful life.
I disliked that kind of situation that the worship of English is overwhelming in Japan. So young me chose to study French. It was at a level of hobby though, it was my small protest against the English oriented world. And then, my thorough anti-English attitude let me visit to France 6 or 7 times before my first visit to England in 2002.
But life is interesting. Now, I'm living in England with my native English speaking wife, so that I'm under the situation that I have to improve my English not French. Now, what I can do in French is only to count till 100.
I disliked that kind of situation that the worship of English is overwhelming in Japan. So young me chose to study French. It was at a level of hobby though, it was my small protest against the English oriented world. And then, my thorough anti-English attitude let me visit to France 6 or 7 times before my first visit to England in 2002.
But life is interesting. Now, I'm living in England with my native English speaking wife, so that I'm under the situation that I have to improve my English not French. Now, what I can do in French is only to count till 100.
I simply thought it would be so COOL to be able to speak English fluently and when I got the opportunity of studying in US for the first time, I just jumped on it! I wanted to be somebody different. Not so much of other people liking me because I can speak English but because I didn't want to be "one of them" if you know what I mean. A lot people study English as "a language" and even after studying it for so long they still face difficulties in communicating because they never had "real life" experience in using English. I refused to be one of those typical English studying student. I wanted to ENJOY English. I wanted not only to be able to communicate in English but I wanted to be able to laugh jokes and get angry and argue once in a while :) That was then, almost 14 years ago, now I am married to an American with two beautiful "half"s, life is great! I guess I don't look at English like a foreign language any more. It IS part of me and IS part of my culture.
I originally took up Japanese because I was doing Jujutsu and I had enjoyed reading about samurai, zen and classical Japanese culture. Then I went to Japan, wandered around for a bit and came back. After that I changed my major to Asian Studies. And then after that I went to go live in Japan for a year and study at Kokugakuin.
I like reading and writing Japanese. As a scholar, I can say that Japan ahs produced a wide range of quality academic materials and being able to read and write Japanese is especially useful in obtaining access to such materials. It is a useful language. It is fun to speak. I like interacting with my Japanese friends and using a rather formal lexicon just for shits and giggles.
I like reading and writing Japanese. As a scholar, I can say that Japan ahs produced a wide range of quality academic materials and being able to read and write Japanese is especially useful in obtaining access to such materials. It is a useful language. It is fun to speak. I like interacting with my Japanese friends and using a rather formal lexicon just for shits and giggles.
Maaaan, I don't even remember, I don't even think I really had a reason to begin with...
I think maybe the reason i took Japanese in High School was because my friends were in the Japanese Class and I just wanted to be in the same class as my friends.. and it was a requirement to have 2 years of a 2nd language... So i took Japanese...
And kept with it for 4 years.. Even going to College and studying Japanese with my friends.. I even had a Japanese tutor for a year so i could keep my skills above that of my friends.
Of course through the course of learning Japanese, I made a lot of Japanese friends....
So I guess you could say that's my main pushing force to keep studying Japanese to this day...
Besides, It would be a waste of 8 years of my time, If i were to just stop now, right?
Besides, I always think it's good to know more than just one Language... Haha, I don't really have any exciting reasons... Japan isn't the only interesting country out there..And not just the only language i would like to learn... It just happens to be the language I started with and have been studying for so long.
I think maybe the reason i took Japanese in High School was because my friends were in the Japanese Class and I just wanted to be in the same class as my friends.. and it was a requirement to have 2 years of a 2nd language... So i took Japanese...
And kept with it for 4 years.. Even going to College and studying Japanese with my friends.. I even had a Japanese tutor for a year so i could keep my skills above that of my friends.
Of course through the course of learning Japanese, I made a lot of Japanese friends....
So I guess you could say that's my main pushing force to keep studying Japanese to this day...
Besides, It would be a waste of 8 years of my time, If i were to just stop now, right?
Besides, I always think it's good to know more than just one Language... Haha, I don't really have any exciting reasons... Japan isn't the only interesting country out there..And not just the only language i would like to learn... It just happens to be the language I started with and have been studying for so long.
as for me it started when i saw anime for the first time 
i began learning more about Japan, i started watching anime and doramas in japanese with russian or english subtitles, and after that i really fell in love with Japanese,so now i'm trying to learn it hard, but it's so difficult !
as for english which is my major actually, i've been learning it since i'm 8, cuz in Russia it's a must to learn English from childhood but it's not necessary to actually know it perfectly, it's just me who wanted to do it, so now i can speak it fluently ^_^ but i want to speak Japanese fluently too 
i have some Japanese friends and they teach me sometimes, it's so much fun!
i began learning more about Japan, i started watching anime and doramas in japanese with russian or english subtitles, and after that i really fell in love with Japanese,so now i'm trying to learn it hard, but it's so difficult ! as for english which is my major actually, i've been learning it since i'm 8, cuz in Russia it's a must to learn English from childhood but it's not necessary to actually know it perfectly, it's just me who wanted to do it, so now i can speak it fluently ^_^ but i want to speak Japanese fluently too i have some Japanese friends and they teach me sometimes, it's so much fun!
Speaking English means I can go almost everywhere in the world.
Also, speaking other languages is very cool, and useful for jub hanting.
Those are the main reasons why I'm studying English & Chinese.
My university is foreign language university (関西外大).
I entered this university because I didn't wanna study any other language. Honestly speaking, I couldn't choose one maijor course because I had lots of subjects I wanted to learn. I mean if I chose another university's business course, I can't learn politics and English a lot.
So, I entered this university & I maijor in English & study business & plitics, too.
Also, speaking other languages is very cool, and useful for jub hanting.
Those are the main reasons why I'm studying English & Chinese.
My university is foreign language university (関西外大).
I entered this university because I didn't wanna study any other language. Honestly speaking, I couldn't choose one maijor course because I had lots of subjects I wanted to learn. I mean if I chose another university's business course, I can't learn politics and English a lot.
So, I entered this university & I maijor in English & study business & plitics, too.
I started learning Japanese beause I wanted to know what the heck CHEMISTRY and EXILE were singing about (but most of the time I still don`t understand what they`re singing 
). Plus in college Japanese classes were for 5 credits; most of the other languages were only 4. And I love the looks I get when I tell people I can speak some Japanese. LOL yep I have pretty shallow reasons for learning Japanese.
). Plus in college Japanese classes were for 5 credits; most of the other languages were only 4. And I love the looks I get when I tell people I can speak some Japanese. LOL yep I have pretty shallow reasons for learning Japanese.
I learn English cuz it is the easiest language for me.
I've also learnt French for 3 years but it is really difficult for me compared with Englsih. (probably because I've learnt English for 11 years including a year in Aus.)
But the most important reason is jst because as my interest and kinda hobby.
I'm interested in knowing what people say in their own languages.
Any languages are Okay for me to learn it.
I've also learnt French for 3 years but it is really difficult for me compared with Englsih. (probably because I've learnt English for 11 years including a year in Aus.)
But the most important reason is jst because as my interest and kinda hobby.
I'm interested in knowing what people say in their own languages.
Any languages are Okay for me to learn it.
I'm learning Japanese for mainly my future career path (my major is International Relations focusing on East Asia), though I suppose Chinese would be more useful and I'll learn later on. And, I am already fluent in Korean. But also and more importantly, I have family in Japan, whom I'd love to get to know better and be close to. My great-uncle especially, since he seems like such an interesting person, and yet I don't know a single thing about him because of our language barrier.
Well, Ok.. Since you asked.
I think It's kinda silly to be living in beautiful Japan and not learn the local lingo... It's kinda required for everything, from keeping upto date with local news and activities, also useful for daily communication with natives and therefore it's an essential requirement. Is this a good enough reason?
I think It's kinda silly to be living in beautiful Japan and not learn the local lingo... It's kinda required for everything, from keeping upto date with local news and activities, also useful for daily communication with natives and therefore it's an essential requirement. Is this a good enough reason?
I'v ben learning English for more than 20years, so I'm close to 50years old. The other day I visited Canada, where my son lives for more than 3years. If I know many other foreign languages, it's fun to communicate with people in other countries not only communication but shopping, visiting the famous places and so on . If the guides show around me,it's not a lot of fun. That's why I've ben learning other languges
It's my sister's fault, really.
Back in 1986, or maybe it was 1987, an exchange student from Japan came to her high school, and she became fascinated with Japan because of him. Eventually, she convinced my parents that we should have an exchange student. That really got the ball rolling for my family. Now, over 20 years later, you're likely to find my mom watching Japanese dramas on TV, my sister riding the Jouban line to visit Mito, and me TA'ing Japanese classes at the local university. My dad says "Ikimago" (his version of 行きましょう) and "Excuse me masen" (his version of すみません). My Nephew just got back from a trip to Okinawa as part of a missionary exercise.
Strangely, I had no interest in Japan, during my college days. I was very interested in China, and studied Chinese for several years. Enrolling at Fudan Daxue (university) in Shanghai, I looked forward to spending a year there in intensive study. Unfortunately, there was civil unrest that peaked in June of 1989 with the events of Tiananmen square. I was seen on national TV protesting the Chinese government, and everyone warned me that it would be dangerous for me to go. At the same time, I had been developing an interest in Japan through the several exchange students who had stayed with us.
A penpal of mine from Japan wrote, "why not come to Japan instead?"
Hmmmm......
Needless to say, I ended up going, and stayed for two years. After coming back, I worked for a Japanese company, and went on several business trips to Japan, eventually transferring to the Yokohama office, working as a contractor for NttData Communications.
This kind of close involvement with Japan ended in 1997, when I came back and started working for AOL. But I still studied, watched anime, and listened to JPop.
Now, I am very thankful for the opportunities I've had over the years, and for how much the world has expanded for me with the Japanese language. Being able to perceive the thoughts of someone who would otherwise be inscrutable, gives me great pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. I don't think I'll ever give up studying.
Back in 1986, or maybe it was 1987, an exchange student from Japan came to her high school, and she became fascinated with Japan because of him. Eventually, she convinced my parents that we should have an exchange student. That really got the ball rolling for my family. Now, over 20 years later, you're likely to find my mom watching Japanese dramas on TV, my sister riding the Jouban line to visit Mito, and me TA'ing Japanese classes at the local university. My dad says "Ikimago" (his version of 行きましょう) and "Excuse me masen" (his version of すみません). My Nephew just got back from a trip to Okinawa as part of a missionary exercise.
Strangely, I had no interest in Japan, during my college days. I was very interested in China, and studied Chinese for several years. Enrolling at Fudan Daxue (university) in Shanghai, I looked forward to spending a year there in intensive study. Unfortunately, there was civil unrest that peaked in June of 1989 with the events of Tiananmen square. I was seen on national TV protesting the Chinese government, and everyone warned me that it would be dangerous for me to go. At the same time, I had been developing an interest in Japan through the several exchange students who had stayed with us.
A penpal of mine from Japan wrote, "why not come to Japan instead?"
Hmmmm......
Needless to say, I ended up going, and stayed for two years. After coming back, I worked for a Japanese company, and went on several business trips to Japan, eventually transferring to the Yokohama office, working as a contractor for NttData Communications.
This kind of close involvement with Japan ended in 1997, when I came back and started working for AOL. But I still studied, watched anime, and listened to JPop.
Now, I am very thankful for the opportunities I've had over the years, and for how much the world has expanded for me with the Japanese language. Being able to perceive the thoughts of someone who would otherwise be inscrutable, gives me great pleasure and a sense of accomplishment. I don't think I'll ever give up studying.
I started learning Japanese because I really enjoy the culture (I was introduced to it by anime, manga, video games and the Internet, haha). I would love to live in Japan one day and I would like to easily communicate with the people. I think the language is fun to learn, even though it is a bit difficult for me It's a sort of exciting challenge.
I have made some Japanese friends in college that are exchange students and they inspire me to keep learning. I'm really grateful for them!
It's a sort of exciting challenge.
I have made some Japanese friends in college that are exchange students and they inspire me to keep learning. I'm really grateful for them!
the first reason is that company which I want to go want to employ someone who is international person and global person.
so..Not only toeic grade but also speaking skill is getting important in society.(in korea)
second reason is personal reason. it is that I just want to talk with
variety persons. that make me think many thing and learn really many things ~ the reason why I learn japanese is that I have japanese friends.
I'd like to talk freely, I'd like to express what I think! that's my
most important reason
so..Not only toeic grade but also speaking skill is getting important in society.(in korea)
second reason is personal reason. it is that I just want to talk with
variety persons. that make me think many thing and learn really many things ~ the reason why I learn japanese is that I have japanese friends.
I'd like to talk freely, I'd like to express what I think! that's my
most important reason
It all started long ago back in the days of high school. My Japanese best friend homestayed with me when I was 17 years old and from that point on I decided to learn Japanese. I'm a junior in college now and my major is Japanese Studies. I've been studying the language and culture now for about 5 years. My whole reason for studying Japanese is basically because of my best friend. I can hold a conversation now in Japanese, but I really want to be fluent so one day, when I go back to Japan to meet her, we can communicate in one language instead of two.
Going further, my parents doubt what I'm going to do with such a degree (they studied medicine) and I'm sure they hoped I would change my major, but I've held fast and never have had any inclination to do so. That's my two cents.
Going further, my parents doubt what I'm going to do with such a degree (they studied medicine) and I'm sure they hoped I would change my major, but I've held fast and never have had any inclination to do so. That's my two cents.
I study Japanese because I need to know about this language as if I were native speaker being myself Japanese also.
I learn English cause I like the fact that in everywhere in the world English is needed. I like the pronunciation also,and communicating with someone who doesn't speak my own language is so exciting.
English is also needed at school and University.
These are the reasons I learn both Language.
I learn English cause I like the fact that in everywhere in the world English is needed. I like the pronunciation also,and communicating with someone who doesn't speak my own language is so exciting.
English is also needed at school and University.
These are the reasons I learn both Language.
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