Japanese
I really want to learn how to speak Japanese. Like...fluently. So I can have unobstructed conversation on any aspect of life without hemming and hawing or overstepping a certain pivotal issue just because I know I won't be able to explain myself properly.
See...I really love witnessing. I know it has something to do with the fact that I love people in general. I just love conversation, I love talking about things that other people don't seem to be able to approach. I love coming across as a person with many thoughts and ideas.
So I went to this OC camp where Al and her cronies decided to make us all speak in Japanese. And I realized how dreadful my Japanese is. I can cover certain topics of conversation fluently and with the ease of a stork, but others I just stop at.
Take for instance the kind of conversation that you usually do in English. Explaining a game, for instance. Or telling the kids what we're going to do after our current project is finished. Giving instructions as to how to make the beds properly. Damn!
My new Japanese word at the camp was : Gakkari (literally, discouraged)
So yesterday I got out all my ancient Japanese-learning books and started attacking.
It was slightly encouraging, getting a medal from my fellow staff members at the camp that proclaimed me "Friendly with my Japanese" or something to that extent (although initially I did think I had other, more outstanding strengths). Of course, Gene, Mike and Yasu were quick to point out that they noted friendliness in JAPANESE, not ENGLISH. Yeah whatever, punks. Anyway, I think it was because I had gotten some women saved in the communal shower (don't you love the irony of it).
But basically...it's hard to perfect Japanese unless you speak it every single day. Unless you use it more than you use English. So I'm doomed.
See...I really love witnessing. I know it has something to do with the fact that I love people in general. I just love conversation, I love talking about things that other people don't seem to be able to approach. I love coming across as a person with many thoughts and ideas.
So I went to this OC camp where Al and her cronies decided to make us all speak in Japanese. And I realized how dreadful my Japanese is. I can cover certain topics of conversation fluently and with the ease of a stork, but others I just stop at.
Take for instance the kind of conversation that you usually do in English. Explaining a game, for instance. Or telling the kids what we're going to do after our current project is finished. Giving instructions as to how to make the beds properly. Damn!
My new Japanese word at the camp was : Gakkari (literally, discouraged)
So yesterday I got out all my ancient Japanese-learning books and started attacking.
It was slightly encouraging, getting a medal from my fellow staff members at the camp that proclaimed me "Friendly with my Japanese" or something to that extent (although initially I did think I had other, more outstanding strengths). Of course, Gene, Mike and Yasu were quick to point out that they noted friendliness in JAPANESE, not ENGLISH. Yeah whatever, punks. Anyway, I think it was because I had gotten some women saved in the communal shower (don't you love the irony of it).
But basically...it's hard to perfect Japanese unless you speak it every single day. Unless you use it more than you use English. So I'm doomed.
posted by Florence at 2:47 PM
6 comments:
The ease of a stork....?
Wha?
Flo, I feel ur pain, & my Japanese is even more disjointed than urs. But isn't it great what fools God can use?
BTW, I think ur stork Japanese is wonderful (certainly flows easier than mine), & I'm sure if the Lord cld help u get that far w/ the language in ur situation, He cld help u become fluent as well.
Believe me, I get that "doomed" feeling about my language goals, too, but focusing on it just isn't productive.
"There is no limit to what can be understood, reached, & achieved through the power of the keys."
Good 4 u, for going on the attack about it! (And thanx 4 the witnessing phrases! ;)
Nina!!! I live for your comments!
Ha, have you ever used my groovy witnessing phrases? I think they're super lacking, get Teresa to spruce them up a bit, cause they're horribly skewed. But I like them.
I fail to see how anything that gets someone saved could be "horribly skewed"....
wow.
anonymous, now you are profound.
you're right, though.
i guess it doesn't matter what you say, all that matters is that you say it...ay?
Oh, Flo, I love u, too (only don't live for my comments b/c they're normally not worth it -- & if they ever are, they cldn't be *my* comments as in coming straight from me)!
Yes, I use the "groove-lines" (but slightly more butchered when *I* say'm) -- just that I usually forget to say'm in the right order. I'm so trigger-happy, I often forget the line that gets'm to commit b4 u give the explanation & bring it down to a decision! So most of the time I feel like kicking myself for jumping the gun when it produces the typical Japanese response, but then there r those real jewels that r hungry & accepting anyway, which make me so thankful that despite my blunder, there is hope after all!
Honestly, I feel like it's a miracle every time, w/ my language level & communication skills. I badly want to improve my Japanese, but thank God, I don't hv to wait to witness until it's improved!
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