Learning Nihonggo

Luke and I just got out of the doctor's clinic the other day when a young lady approached me, and asked for some directions. Here's how our conversation went:

Lady: Sumimasen. Ario wa doko ni arimasu ka?
Me: (quite surprised) Ario?
Lady: Hai.
Me: (still thinking of the right words to say) Ah, masugu itte hidari desu (motioning my hand toward the direction she needed to take)
Lady: Ah, hidari desu ni. Arigatou gozaimashita.
Me: Do ittashimashite.

Wow! And another Wow! I could not believe it. My Japanese has improved! Little did the lady know that I am still in Grade 1 when it comes to Japanese, or probably nursery eh. But, with that, I am proud of myself.

Normally, when someone asked me about something, I usually answer "Wakaranai". Or before I could really answer, the person asking me could already tell from my facial expression that "I don't understand what he said" or "I don't know." But now, I understand the question and can respond too! Isn't this great? ;)

In order to survive in Japan, you have to learn its language. This is the first and foremost rule. In my case, I did not do this because there's no need, at least when I first came here. My former job didn't require me to understand Nihonggo, and I turn to my husband when the situation requires it. But since I came back here last year, I felt the compelling need to learn, but still resisted. Only a few months ago when I finally got the interest and motivation to learn Nihonggo. So, I am making efforts to this end.

There are many ways to learn Japanese. You can do all or any of the following:

• enrol in a language school
• attend classes in the Universities (there are classes for spouses of students)
• attend classes held by voluntary civic organizations organized by your Ward/City
• buy books or study materials and study on your own
• have many Jap friends to practice your Jap language with

The first one is the most expensive way, but there are many foreigners willing to spend, just as many Japanese willing to spend in order to learn English. The second one is popular among wives or husbands of foreign students, especially in big daigaku (universities). The third option is open to anybody who wants to learn, and it is very cheap, almost free. I once planned to join one of these in my Ward, but it remains as a plan until now. (click here to know the various classes offered in my Ward). If you do/have the last two options, I'd say you're lucky.

And I'd say I am lucky too! Because I have an ample collection of study materials which I use -- not only books, but also audio and video materials (all these c/o hubby). I prove these to be very helpful. But nothing beats the real life. For a person as "young" as I am, memorizing those sentences is kinda tiring. So, now, as part of my rigorous language training, I have started to engage in a language exchange with a friend of mine who lives nearby. She'll teach my Japanese and I'll teach her English. Isn't this really great?

So, if you're a newbie here, my advice is to jumpstart with your Jap language lessons, no matter how you want it to be. You'll never regret it. For me, how I wish I have started it long ago. But I can never turn back the time, so I am making up for it now.

Good luck!

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English version of the dialogue:
Lady: Excuse me. Could you please tell me where Ario is?
Me: Ario?
Lady: Yes, that's right.
Me: Ah, just go straight ahead then turn left.
Lady: Ah, left. Thank you very much.
Me: You're welcome.