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*!
posted by MightyFlameboy.
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