日本語の勉強は。。。始めましょう！
(Saturday, September 27, 2008/12:36 AM)
Since this week is my study break, I thought I would have the free time to update my blog way before the week ends. Oh my, how wrong was I. (>.<) I knew that my holidays won't be smooth-sailing with a Java assignment hanging in the balance. Almost 20 hours clocked in cumulatively, and I've not finish coding that darn assignment.
Seems like I gotta go out of my way to kajiao *lol* my friend who's a genius at computing on Sunday. Friggin' Sunday, when most people are having fun and relaxing in town. He lives in... SERANGOON! How far is that place from Lakeside!? Sigh... The pressure and stress I'm getting from school don't seem to slow down. Not one bit at all. =(
Ok, end of rant. =) I've always promised Debbie that I'll teach Japanese on my blog, but I'm always putting it off. Here's my first feeble attempt in creating my first lesson!
Although u might be fooled at first sight that Japanese is a Chinese ripoff with similar characters and pronunciation of certain words, u'll be in for a shock if u seriously settle down and learn Japanese for real. Its difficulty is almost on par with Chinese, if not even more complex in certain contexts. The Japanese language is created in such a way, that u would use different expressions to imply similar meaning in different scenarios. This is done to properly reflect the hierarchy of the Japanese society and create a sense of responsibility of each individual's role in society.
For instance, when we do something wrong, if we use Chinese, we usually say "对不起". Of course, there are other variations such as "抱歉" but we seldom have to use it. In a similar situation, if we use Japanese, we may need to use "Sumimasen", "Suma", "Sumanakatta", "Gomen", "Gomen ne", "Warui", "Moshiwakearimasen", all of which will be probably used quite frequently. And these are just off the top of my head. There are probably plenty more ways in Japanese to just say a friggin' SORRY. =D
Hehe, hope I didn't scare u guys too much. =) But it is precisely this complex system which gives the Japanese language the unique flavour. Although what I'm learning now gradually gets harder, I'm enjoying myself! Here's some common phrases that will help u along if u decide to spend ur holidays in Japan. =D
Hajimemashite - How do you? (Used for first time greetings)
Watashi wa (insert name) - I am (insert name)
Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu - Please guide me along/Nice to meet you
Onamae wa...? - May I know what's your name?
Sumimasen - Sorry
Sumimasen ga... - Excuse me... (follow up with request)
Toire wa doko desu ka? - Where is the toilet?
(insert place) wa douyatte ikimasu ka? - How do I go to (insert place)?
Arigatou gozaimasu! - Thank you!
Oh man, I'm darn bad at teaching. But I suppose those were a few key phrases for beginners. When I was in Japan, even at my level of proficiency, I realized that I kept using these basic sentences instead of showing off my newfound prowess in Japanese. But u'll come to realize the pressure of speaking in a public context, where ur receipient expects u to be fluent, is much more tough than u might think! Thus, simple sentences are the way to go. We should feel confident speaking simple sentences, and they feel at ease understanding what we're speaking *lol*.
When in doubt, "Sumimasen" is a darn good word to use. If u get tongue-tied and feel ashamed to carry on the conversation, just utter a quick "Sumimasen" and make ur quick escape! Rofl... =D Try not to use "gomen ne", although I realize how most Singaporeans are influenced by J-Dramas haha! As I mentioned, words may bear similar meaning but different connotations in various scenarios. "Gomen ne" is usually used between friends who are comfortable with one another. As a stranger, using "Sumimasen" is much safer.
Hope u get an inkling about the link between language and societal roles and context. This is sooo important than u might think of it on first impression. Alright, that's it for now. In the meantime, I shall think of a better way to conduct my Japanese lessons *lol*!
Seems like I gotta go out of my way to kajiao *lol* my friend who's a genius at computing on Sunday. Friggin' Sunday, when most people are having fun and relaxing in town. He lives in... SERANGOON! How far is that place from Lakeside!? Sigh... The pressure and stress I'm getting from school don't seem to slow down. Not one bit at all. =(
Ok, end of rant. =) I've always promised Debbie that I'll teach Japanese on my blog, but I'm always putting it off. Here's my first feeble attempt in creating my first lesson!
Although u might be fooled at first sight that Japanese is a Chinese ripoff with similar characters and pronunciation of certain words, u'll be in for a shock if u seriously settle down and learn Japanese for real. Its difficulty is almost on par with Chinese, if not even more complex in certain contexts. The Japanese language is created in such a way, that u would use different expressions to imply similar meaning in different scenarios. This is done to properly reflect the hierarchy of the Japanese society and create a sense of responsibility of each individual's role in society.
For instance, when we do something wrong, if we use Chinese, we usually say "对不起". Of course, there are other variations such as "抱歉" but we seldom have to use it. In a similar situation, if we use Japanese, we may need to use "Sumimasen", "Suma", "Sumanakatta", "Gomen", "Gomen ne", "Warui", "Moshiwakearimasen", all of which will be probably used quite frequently. And these are just off the top of my head. There are probably plenty more ways in Japanese to just say a friggin' SORRY. =D
Hehe, hope I didn't scare u guys too much. =) But it is precisely this complex system which gives the Japanese language the unique flavour. Although what I'm learning now gradually gets harder, I'm enjoying myself! Here's some common phrases that will help u along if u decide to spend ur holidays in Japan. =D
Hajimemashite - How do you? (Used for first time greetings)
Watashi wa (insert name)
Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu - Please guide me along/Nice to meet you
Onamae wa...? - May I know what's your name?
Sumimasen - Sorry
Sumimasen ga... - Excuse me... (follow up with request)
Toire wa doko desu ka? - Where is the toilet?
Arigatou gozaimasu! - Thank you!
Oh man, I'm darn bad at teaching. But I suppose those were a few key phrases for beginners. When I was in Japan, even at my level of proficiency, I realized that I kept using these basic sentences instead of showing off my newfound prowess in Japanese. But u'll come to realize the pressure of speaking in a public context, where ur receipient expects u to be fluent, is much more tough than u might think! Thus, simple sentences are the way to go. We should feel confident speaking simple sentences, and they feel at ease understanding what we're speaking *lol*.
When in doubt, "Sumimasen" is a darn good word to use. If u get tongue-tied and feel ashamed to carry on the conversation, just utter a quick "Sumimasen" and make ur quick escape! Rofl... =D Try not to use "gomen ne", although I realize how most Singaporeans are influenced by J-Dramas haha! As I mentioned, words may bear similar meaning but different connotations in various scenarios. "Gomen ne" is usually used between friends who are comfortable with one another. As a stranger, using "Sumimasen" is much safer.
Hope u get an inkling about the link between language and societal roles and context. This is sooo important than u might think of it on first impression. Alright, that's it for now. In the meantime, I shall think of a better way to conduct my Japanese lessons *lol*!
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
Mid term liao ah? So fast?
(Saturday, September 20, 2008/12:06 AM)
I was pleasantly surprised when I got wind of the news that recess week is next week instead of the following week. I thought we are always behind NTU's schedule by a week. =)
Couldn't come more timely than that. I have 2 projects which I've not yet started. A stupid Java networking assignment which I have no clue how to go about doing, and it's due the following week. -_-" I think I gotta meet my project mates from NM3216 Game Design to formally start on our computer game creation (I rested merely a few days after my presentations for the board game hmph...). A film analysis paper of 2000 words for Japanese Studies due end of this month. And... 3 mid term exams right after the break. >:(
Seems like my 'break' will be burned doing all these stuff. After the study stress and anguish (gahhh...) I've been through in JC, I thought university will be much more flexible. I've come to realise that it's so similar to JC afterall. Breaks aren't technically breaks at all. Whilst my JC holidays were spent on tuitions and mugging, my university holidays are spent on projects and assignments. Pretty much as stressful. Just in a different context.
Our dear little princess in W429, Terri, seems to be suffering the same circumstances as me. I really feel for her, cos' I know what it's like. Similarly, when I meet my friends each and every day, I try my best to hide all these personal problems within me, cos' I guess nobody loves to hear a rant. =S But sometimes, it shows, so dear friends, please forgive me if that happens. =) And in the meantime, please try to understand and refrain from stressing me with other stuff too! =D
Anyways, really looking forward to a probable 'lao jiao' (my JC clique) gathering next week. We're really starting to catch up on lost time (esp. during NS) and start reaffirming our friendship bonds. My lao da, Yong Loong, also seems open-minded in coming to our Youth'Em event this Sunday! Hoping that nothing last minute crops up for him. =)
On a side note, I've finally completed my Japanese Intermediate classes! Getting in a 2 week break before I start gearing up myself in preparation for JLPT3 in December. Here are the great peeps from my class...
Yeah... That's very few people for a mass class, but they're great friends whom I can get along well with. So I guess that's all it matters! One step closer to fulfilling my dreams of working in Japan... Slowly but surely... For now, I gotta get a good degree! =)
GTG to bed now... Cya guys around!
Couldn't come more timely than that. I have 2 projects which I've not yet started. A stupid Java networking assignment which I have no clue how to go about doing, and it's due the following week. -_-" I think I gotta meet my project mates from NM3216 Game Design to formally start on our computer game creation (I rested merely a few days after my presentations for the board game hmph...). A film analysis paper of 2000 words for Japanese Studies due end of this month. And... 3 mid term exams right after the break. >:(
Seems like my 'break' will be burned doing all these stuff. After the study stress and anguish (gahhh...) I've been through in JC, I thought university will be much more flexible. I've come to realise that it's so similar to JC afterall. Breaks aren't technically breaks at all. Whilst my JC holidays were spent on tuitions and mugging, my university holidays are spent on projects and assignments. Pretty much as stressful. Just in a different context.
Our dear little princess in W429, Terri, seems to be suffering the same circumstances as me. I really feel for her, cos' I know what it's like. Similarly, when I meet my friends each and every day, I try my best to hide all these personal problems within me, cos' I guess nobody loves to hear a rant. =S But sometimes, it shows, so dear friends, please forgive me if that happens. =) And in the meantime, please try to understand and refrain from stressing me with other stuff too! =D
Anyways, really looking forward to a probable 'lao jiao' (my JC clique) gathering next week. We're really starting to catch up on lost time (esp. during NS) and start reaffirming our friendship bonds. My lao da, Yong Loong, also seems open-minded in coming to our Youth'Em event this Sunday! Hoping that nothing last minute crops up for him. =)
On a side note, I've finally completed my Japanese Intermediate classes! Getting in a 2 week break before I start gearing up myself in preparation for JLPT3 in December. Here are the great peeps from my class...
Yeah... That's very few people for a mass class, but they're great friends whom I can get along well with. So I guess that's all it matters! One step closer to fulfilling my dreams of working in Japan... Slowly but surely... For now, I gotta get a good degree! =) GTG to bed now... Cya guys around!
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
Flameboy's weekly rant!
(Monday, September 15, 2008/1:16 AM)
For friends who are concerned about me, just to tell u guys, I've not recovered from my headache bouts yet. Gotta get back to my specialist soon for a checkup. Hopefully, nothing's wrong with me... Sigh... Darn university is stressing me out... >:(
Anyway, I signed up for Citibank Clear credit card on Saturday cos' I feel guilty making my friend buy my sinus medication online again. So, I may as well apply for one myself and stop troubling them anymore. =)
Another reason is cos' I'm tempted by the lure of online shopping la. Singapore's fashion is so boring and one kind. Unless ur entire wardrobe is from AX with every piece of clothing flashing a huge AX logo (cos' I think their designs aren't anything special either. Feels like we're paying $100 over bucks for the brand name alone), u wouldn't stand out from the Singaporean crowd.
I intended to purchase some of HBK's new t-shirts at WWEShop (don't flame me please =D) cos' they seem really nicely designed and doesn't reek of "IMA WWE FANATIC AH!" kind of vibe. WWEShop is really stepping up with their approach with their merchandises. The t-shirts have nicely weaved medieval embroidery kind of design with Christian crosses and quotes to reflect HBK's devout beliefs.
I was gladly anticipating the arrival of my credit card in 2 weeks time so I can commence my first online shopping experience. Then, I saw the shipping criteria and conditions. They freaking don't send it to Singapore! Grrr... >:( Now, I gotta look for other websites...
Anyone has good recommendations of nice online clothing store which is trustworthy and not too expensive? 'Affliction' is one consideration. Alot of the church leaders wear stuff from 'Affliction', including my brother. I feel it quite weird that they chose this apparel brand cos' although the shirts are superbly designed, they reflect a gothic and *slightly* demonic theme for certain pieces. Lol oh well...
So yeah... Please let me know if u know any good websites! Gotta rest up for NM3216 presentation tomorrow!
Anyway, I signed up for Citibank Clear credit card on Saturday cos' I feel guilty making my friend buy my sinus medication online again. So, I may as well apply for one myself and stop troubling them anymore. =)
Another reason is cos' I'm tempted by the lure of online shopping la. Singapore's fashion is so boring and one kind. Unless ur entire wardrobe is from AX with every piece of clothing flashing a huge AX logo (cos' I think their designs aren't anything special either. Feels like we're paying $100 over bucks for the brand name alone), u wouldn't stand out from the Singaporean crowd.
I intended to purchase some of HBK's new t-shirts at WWEShop (don't flame me please =D) cos' they seem really nicely designed and doesn't reek of "IMA WWE FANATIC AH!" kind of vibe. WWEShop is really stepping up with their approach with their merchandises. The t-shirts have nicely weaved medieval embroidery kind of design with Christian crosses and quotes to reflect HBK's devout beliefs.
I was gladly anticipating the arrival of my credit card in 2 weeks time so I can commence my first online shopping experience. Then, I saw the shipping criteria and conditions. They freaking don't send it to Singapore! Grrr... >:( Now, I gotta look for other websites...
Anyone has good recommendations of nice online clothing store which is trustworthy and not too expensive? 'Affliction' is one consideration. Alot of the church leaders wear stuff from 'Affliction', including my brother. I feel it quite weird that they chose this apparel brand cos' although the shirts are superbly designed, they reflect a gothic and *slightly* demonic theme for certain pieces. Lol oh well...
So yeah... Please let me know if u know any good websites! Gotta rest up for NM3216 presentation tomorrow!
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.
My head... HURTS!!!
(Friday, September 5, 2008/10:28 PM)
I think I'm letting all these stress get to me. Nasty tension headaches are back in full force, and there are some days where I just feel like abandoning all my work and shut my eyes to coax myself to sleep cos' the only time the headache isn't affecting me is when I've drifted off to dreamland.
I'm also getting rather short-tongued recently. For some unknown reason, I keep stumbling on certain words and lengthy sentences. Hope it isn't related to this headache. Perhaps I'm just getting a little more self conscious cos' every NUS student seems to be so articulate during tutorial discussions. That's all... I hope...
Sigh... I feel like I'm in the worst shape of my entire life. Eversince I got this series of illnesses since the end of NS, it feels like the beginning of a series of neverending nightmares. But I can't fall now... Not when so many people are depending on me for projects in uni. I gotta keep moving on. Just gotta rely on God right now to see me through these tough times.
Anyways, I went to JP today to meet up with my JC econs teachers and JC clique. It's kinda rare for Eric to take initiative and organise an outing, so despite my nagging headache, I knew I had to go. My teacher actually forgot my name! But anyhow, we got that out of the way, and we had a nice time catching up with one another.
It feels great to maintain close contact with my JC clique recently. Eversince I went to NS and lost contact with most of my old cliques, and more so especially currently in the terrible hi-bye environment of NUS, I felt as if a part of me was missing. Now I know what I need. I need friends who I feel comfortable with, who can tolerate my antics, whom I can share my problems with. Not needing to put on a facade and act as someone I'm not.
Oh well, I hope I'd not rant on this blog every other week! Cos' it's inevitable that uni life will be miserable. Each and everyday of it. If u intend to waste ur time socializing and organising parties instead of studying, u'll fail ur exams. If u intend to mug and get good grades, dun expect ur life to be anything interesting. It's terribly hard to balance these 2 aspects. I'm still trying darn hard.
Alright guys, I guess u guys heard enough of my rants! I'll be returning with more interesting stuff!
I'm also getting rather short-tongued recently. For some unknown reason, I keep stumbling on certain words and lengthy sentences. Hope it isn't related to this headache. Perhaps I'm just getting a little more self conscious cos' every NUS student seems to be so articulate during tutorial discussions. That's all... I hope...
Sigh... I feel like I'm in the worst shape of my entire life. Eversince I got this series of illnesses since the end of NS, it feels like the beginning of a series of neverending nightmares. But I can't fall now... Not when so many people are depending on me for projects in uni. I gotta keep moving on. Just gotta rely on God right now to see me through these tough times.
Anyways, I went to JP today to meet up with my JC econs teachers and JC clique. It's kinda rare for Eric to take initiative and organise an outing, so despite my nagging headache, I knew I had to go. My teacher actually forgot my name! But anyhow, we got that out of the way, and we had a nice time catching up with one another.
It feels great to maintain close contact with my JC clique recently. Eversince I went to NS and lost contact with most of my old cliques, and more so especially currently in the terrible hi-bye environment of NUS, I felt as if a part of me was missing. Now I know what I need. I need friends who I feel comfortable with, who can tolerate my antics, whom I can share my problems with. Not needing to put on a facade and act as someone I'm not.
Oh well, I hope I'd not rant on this blog every other week! Cos' it's inevitable that uni life will be miserable. Each and everyday of it. If u intend to waste ur time socializing and organising parties instead of studying, u'll fail ur exams. If u intend to mug and get good grades, dun expect ur life to be anything interesting. It's terribly hard to balance these 2 aspects. I'm still trying darn hard.
Alright guys, I guess u guys heard enough of my rants! I'll be returning with more interesting stuff!
posted by MightyFlameboy. shoot me? | 0 shot me.