Language Journal: December 6th 2018
Well, there you have it. 2 years. I'm not sure of the exact day, but it was definitely the first or second week of December 2 years ago.
This has been, and I'm sure will continue to be one crazy journey.
I haven't in my conscious life attempted to tackle something so big. And I've failed to stick with much simpler goals in the past.
I admit, this was an even bigger challenge than I ever thought it would be. Japanese for an introverted Canadian living in Canada is a big challenge. Any language is a big deal. But, languages from that far abroad with different writing systems, and entirely different grammar and concepts and when native language materials are nearly inaccessible... makes it MUCH harder than say, French or Spanish.
Not to dissuade anyone. If you want to learn a language, I don't care which one; don't be deterred. It is one of the most valuable things you'll ever do for yourself. Simply knowing 2 languages is an employable skill. And, it can get you job in just about any country, especially any where either of the two is a national language. Not that everyone wants to be a translator... but, it also makes you more employable in other careers depending on the business. It is a marketable skill.
Beyond that, there is the value to your mental health. Just go studying... there is a wealth of scientific studies on the topic. If you want to keep your brain young, it is one of the best things you can do. It offers a stronger delay against Alzheimer's than any other treatment available. And, in this connected age you can do it for free* if you have the motivation (I mean, if you don't own a computer or a smartphone or something like that, you may need to make some investment). But, generally, you can choose to stick to free material if you so choose.
It will likely teach you much about your own language. Before learning Japanese I didn't pay much attention or even care much about the details of the language I spoke. I've learned a lot along the way about both Japanese and English.
It will give you a new perspective on the world. Different languages approach things differently. Usages of certain common verbs, or ways of describing things. These open up whole new ways of taking in the world.
Supposedly it makes you more open and considerate. Gives you a better understanding for other people.
It opens up a world of possibilities. At this point, I could probably go to rural Japan and not die! And since one of my life goals is to go to rural Japan and not die... well, that is pretty huge.
It opened me up to new music. New books. New TV shows. Honestly, some of the best music I've ever heard in my life is Japanese. And, it probably just feels better/more profound because it is new to me. But, I wouldn't have had that experience without this journey.
Honestly, even if I never go to Japan, and never use what I've learned in any meaningful capacity... I wouldn't think it a waste. And for something I've spent 2 years on, easily a half hour every day, or roughly a total 365 hours minimum, that is pretty incredible. But, yeah, I have goals tied to my language learning, and they are pretty damn enjoyable goals. I've read about a dozen Manga. I've watched a few Anime in Japanese without subtitles. I read the news in Japanese. I translate songs. All of these were little milestones along the way.
As I said above, my big goal is to go to Japan. I want to spend at least a month there. And visit rural Japan as much as (well, more actually than) I want to visit Tokyo. I want to visit somewhere relaxing and unburdened by hoards of tourists. And I want to be able to converse at least well enough to get shelter and food and see the sights. I don't need to be fluent or impress anyone. I'd just like to experience the culture and lifestyle a bit. Experience something so totally different from my own lifestyle.
But, that is really a perk. For me, the whole thing hasn't been about Japan or even Japanese. It has been about continuing to learn. Not stagnating. Not giving up myself. Not accepting the person I am as the final and best version of me. 僕の自分のイメージが上がっていますね？
This has been, and I'm sure will continue to be one crazy journey.
I haven't in my conscious life attempted to tackle something so big. And I've failed to stick with much simpler goals in the past.
I admit, this was an even bigger challenge than I ever thought it would be. Japanese for an introverted Canadian living in Canada is a big challenge. Any language is a big deal. But, languages from that far abroad with different writing systems, and entirely different grammar and concepts and when native language materials are nearly inaccessible... makes it MUCH harder than say, French or Spanish.
Not to dissuade anyone. If you want to learn a language, I don't care which one; don't be deterred. It is one of the most valuable things you'll ever do for yourself. Simply knowing 2 languages is an employable skill. And, it can get you job in just about any country, especially any where either of the two is a national language. Not that everyone wants to be a translator... but, it also makes you more employable in other careers depending on the business. It is a marketable skill.
Beyond that, there is the value to your mental health. Just go studying... there is a wealth of scientific studies on the topic. If you want to keep your brain young, it is one of the best things you can do. It offers a stronger delay against Alzheimer's than any other treatment available. And, in this connected age you can do it for free* if you have the motivation (I mean, if you don't own a computer or a smartphone or something like that, you may need to make some investment). But, generally, you can choose to stick to free material if you so choose.
It will likely teach you much about your own language. Before learning Japanese I didn't pay much attention or even care much about the details of the language I spoke. I've learned a lot along the way about both Japanese and English.
It will give you a new perspective on the world. Different languages approach things differently. Usages of certain common verbs, or ways of describing things. These open up whole new ways of taking in the world.
Supposedly it makes you more open and considerate. Gives you a better understanding for other people.
It opens up a world of possibilities. At this point, I could probably go to rural Japan and not die! And since one of my life goals is to go to rural Japan and not die... well, that is pretty huge.
It opened me up to new music. New books. New TV shows. Honestly, some of the best music I've ever heard in my life is Japanese. And, it probably just feels better/more profound because it is new to me. But, I wouldn't have had that experience without this journey.
Honestly, even if I never go to Japan, and never use what I've learned in any meaningful capacity... I wouldn't think it a waste. And for something I've spent 2 years on, easily a half hour every day, or roughly a total 365 hours minimum, that is pretty incredible. But, yeah, I have goals tied to my language learning, and they are pretty damn enjoyable goals. I've read about a dozen Manga. I've watched a few Anime in Japanese without subtitles. I read the news in Japanese. I translate songs. All of these were little milestones along the way.
As I said above, my big goal is to go to Japan. I want to spend at least a month there. And visit rural Japan as much as (well, more actually than) I want to visit Tokyo. I want to visit somewhere relaxing and unburdened by hoards of tourists. And I want to be able to converse at least well enough to get shelter and food and see the sights. I don't need to be fluent or impress anyone. I'd just like to experience the culture and lifestyle a bit. Experience something so totally different from my own lifestyle.
But, that is really a perk. For me, the whole thing hasn't been about Japan or even Japanese. It has been about continuing to learn. Not stagnating. Not giving up myself. Not accepting the person I am as the final and best version of me. 僕の自分のイメージが上がっていますね？
Comments
Post a Comment