When you talk in your native language, are you actually actively thinking about what you want to say? Or do you just say it as it surfaces? Usually, when you're listening to another person in your native language, you just "know" what they're saying, right?
My question:
Does the human mind actually think about the grammar we use as we use
it? As my Japanese has improved, I've started to notice a trend in my
mistakes and those of my peers - which leads me to think that we don't
actually use grammar as we're taught. I think that, in general, we have each separate meaning memorized.
For example, native speakers usually don't make mistakes with past or present tense when speaking - because it's obvious that it's either past or present. I don't confuse "saying" with "said" or "running" with "ran". But when I, and my classmates, use Japanese, such mistakes are very common. For example, I might try to say 「猫にえさをあげました」 ( (I) gave food to a cat) but instead, I might say 「猫にえさをあげます」 ( (I) will give food to a cat). I think, in general, these mistakes come from learning present tense by default. We can recall the word fairly quickly, but not necessarily the tense we're looking for. With practice, such mistakes are much less frequent, but I find that they remain common in the newest words. This is particularly common among those who have been studying for the shortest amount of time.
I would like to further this by saying that mistakes in けいご・こたいご are also quite common. Japanese has several different modes of speech. I know a good bit of them and usually I am fairly good when writing, but when speaking, I default to the mode of speech that comes to mind first - casual speech. Think of it like slang and formal speech like writing an academic dissertation.
I'll have to think on this.
The ramblings of a college student, whether on travel or in the middle of exams.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Month 2
Today marks my second month in Japan and I really feel it. But time has flown - I hardly remember my first month here and I've drastically cut my spending. Eating ramen every day and buying meat once a week in additional to buying my lunch at the 100 yen Lawson. My appetite has oddly diminished, but some days I fall into food like I'm starving - those days, I eat so much my wallet cries. It's probably due to my poor diet, but it can't be helped. Considering that I am trying to live on less than $22K (including rent) in one of the world's most expensive cities...I think I'm doing okay.
I'm glad for my time with Yadoya - I met a lot of genuinely awesome people. I've already had to say goodbye to most of them, but that's okay! In fact, I'm going out later to surprise two of them with a goodbye cake. They're both sweethearts and one said she might come visit me in America next year!!
I've also learned how to support myself, to some extent. I had to find an apartment on my own and I have to figure out my bills on my own (they're in Japanese). I have been living on my own for a month for the first time in my life.
I'm in the best shape I've been in for a long time. Long walks don't bother my feet or my legs, although the 4 flights of stairs to my Wednesday class will still get me a bit out of breath. Soon, I'll start weekly Fuji training by walking up and down stairs for at least an hour.
My Japanese has improved by leaps and bounds. I need to study kanji more, but most of my teachers encourage "sounding kanji out" based on the readings we know. I know a lot of kanji by sight, but not their readings.... My listening has gotten really good - I can recognize a lot of grammar, even if I don't know the meaning. I've picked up a lot of grammar and colloquialisms just by listening to what people say around me. I've gotten much better at asking for words by explaining it using words I already know. It doesn't work well with complex concepts yet (spent 10 minutes trying to explain calculus before I gave up), but considering I've only had to do this for 2 months, I think I've gotten quite good.
But there are times where I miss my family so much it hurts. I've missed two weddings now and soon to be a third. My boyfriend is having a really hard time with school - to the point where he's drastically cutting back his work hours to gain more sleep and study time. My dad is digging himself into debt for my sake (and a bit of his own). I've been desperately searching for another job, but I have yet to find one. I want to explore Japan desperately, but I'm confined by my budget.
There have been times where I regret getting an apartment, but all-in-all, it was the right choice. I'm very happy with it - aside from the small issue of no cover outside of the door, which sucks when it rains.
All-in-all...I've learned a lot in 2 months.
I'm glad for my time with Yadoya - I met a lot of genuinely awesome people. I've already had to say goodbye to most of them, but that's okay! In fact, I'm going out later to surprise two of them with a goodbye cake. They're both sweethearts and one said she might come visit me in America next year!!
I've also learned how to support myself, to some extent. I had to find an apartment on my own and I have to figure out my bills on my own (they're in Japanese). I have been living on my own for a month for the first time in my life.
I'm in the best shape I've been in for a long time. Long walks don't bother my feet or my legs, although the 4 flights of stairs to my Wednesday class will still get me a bit out of breath. Soon, I'll start weekly Fuji training by walking up and down stairs for at least an hour.
My Japanese has improved by leaps and bounds. I need to study kanji more, but most of my teachers encourage "sounding kanji out" based on the readings we know. I know a lot of kanji by sight, but not their readings.... My listening has gotten really good - I can recognize a lot of grammar, even if I don't know the meaning. I've picked up a lot of grammar and colloquialisms just by listening to what people say around me. I've gotten much better at asking for words by explaining it using words I already know. It doesn't work well with complex concepts yet (spent 10 minutes trying to explain calculus before I gave up), but considering I've only had to do this for 2 months, I think I've gotten quite good.
But there are times where I miss my family so much it hurts. I've missed two weddings now and soon to be a third. My boyfriend is having a really hard time with school - to the point where he's drastically cutting back his work hours to gain more sleep and study time. My dad is digging himself into debt for my sake (and a bit of his own). I've been desperately searching for another job, but I have yet to find one. I want to explore Japan desperately, but I'm confined by my budget.
There have been times where I regret getting an apartment, but all-in-all, it was the right choice. I'm very happy with it - aside from the small issue of no cover outside of the door, which sucks when it rains.
All-in-all...I've learned a lot in 2 months.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Getting Around Japan
A lot of people that come to Japan buy the JR Rail pass, which is very expensive and is only available for purchase outside of Japan. However, I've noticed that it seems to be much cheaper to fly. There are many affordable airlines in Japan and many offer round-trip flights for around 10,000 yen (roughly $130). There is something to be said for riding a Japanese bullet train, but when you're on a budget, you're on a budget. Bullet trains can cost more than that just one way. Here are a couple airlines I have considered:
Air Asia
http://www.airasia.com/ot/en/home.page
Air Asia is a Chinese company, but so far seems to offer the lowest prices. They use Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) for the Tokyo area, but seem to use HND as the international airport instead of NRT. From Tokyo, you can go to Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. You can also go to the South Korea cities of Seoul and Busan for VERY cheap (around 8600 yen or so). In exchange for cheap, watch out. They do try to nickle and dime you - including a "online fee" of 300 yen, a seating fee of 300 yen, etc. Some can't be avoided, but most can.
Jetstar
http://book.jetstar.com/Search.aspx
Jetstar is an Australian based company that offers low-cost flights throughout the Asian Pacific. You can also use them if you want to go to other countries from Tokyo, such as Australia, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Jetstar is only through NRT, Tokyo's larger airport, but you can go to Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka and Okinawa.
Starflyer
http://www.starflyer.jp/en/
To reserve with Starflyer, you need some knowledge of Japanese OR use the firefox/chrome add-on called Rikaichan - it's free and will help you figure it out. Also note that Starflyer only goes from Tokyo (HND) to Fukuoka, Tokyo (HND) to Kitakyuushuu and Tokyo (HND) to Kansai.
In February, I will be going to the Sapporo Snow Festival - and taking a flight on Air Asia. I will then post a review, but the total is around 12000 yen - $150 USD. They try to nickle and dime you, but who the heck needs 2 meals on a 90 minute flight? Just be careful when purchasing that you don't click something you don't want to.
Air Asia
http://www.airasia.com/ot/en/home.page
Air Asia is a Chinese company, but so far seems to offer the lowest prices. They use Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) for the Tokyo area, but seem to use HND as the international airport instead of NRT. From Tokyo, you can go to Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. You can also go to the South Korea cities of Seoul and Busan for VERY cheap (around 8600 yen or so). In exchange for cheap, watch out. They do try to nickle and dime you - including a "online fee" of 300 yen, a seating fee of 300 yen, etc. Some can't be avoided, but most can.
Jetstar
http://book.jetstar.com/Search.aspx
Jetstar is an Australian based company that offers low-cost flights throughout the Asian Pacific. You can also use them if you want to go to other countries from Tokyo, such as Australia, South Korea, China, and Taiwan. Jetstar is only through NRT, Tokyo's larger airport, but you can go to Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka and Okinawa.
Starflyer
http://www.starflyer.jp/en/
To reserve with Starflyer, you need some knowledge of Japanese OR use the firefox/chrome add-on called Rikaichan - it's free and will help you figure it out. Also note that Starflyer only goes from Tokyo (HND) to Fukuoka, Tokyo (HND) to Kitakyuushuu and Tokyo (HND) to Kansai.
In February, I will be going to the Sapporo Snow Festival - and taking a flight on Air Asia. I will then post a review, but the total is around 12000 yen - $150 USD. They try to nickle and dime you, but who the heck needs 2 meals on a 90 minute flight? Just be careful when purchasing that you don't click something you don't want to.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween in Japan!
Today is the famed All Hallow's Eve. Most people seem to think it's not a thing here, but I've seen a lot of people in costume today at my university. There are also large groups of children that dress up as well.
However, it's largely commercialized. I think it's more commercialized than in the States, where we sort of have a tradition of doing it. Oddly enough, most of the fear factor has been taken out of it here, as far as I can tell. The decorations are viewed as cute...
I will update later tonight with video footage of a local Japanese graveyard and some pictures. It was cloudy earlier, but if the moon comes out, it'll be mostly full.
----
So I got some good pictures of the moon and the graveyard, but just as I was going to leave...a feral cat ran up to me, meowing. I took off my hat (I had cat ears that freaked him out) - and he started brushing against me. It was creepy...but I still bought him some food.
I named him Jack the Pumpkin King.
However, it's largely commercialized. I think it's more commercialized than in the States, where we sort of have a tradition of doing it. Oddly enough, most of the fear factor has been taken out of it here, as far as I can tell. The decorations are viewed as cute...
I will update later tonight with video footage of a local Japanese graveyard and some pictures. It was cloudy earlier, but if the moon comes out, it'll be mostly full.
----
So I got some good pictures of the moon and the graveyard, but just as I was going to leave...a feral cat ran up to me, meowing. I took off my hat (I had cat ears that freaked him out) - and he started brushing against me. It was creepy...but I still bought him some food.
I named him Jack the Pumpkin King.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Japan - the myths and truths part 1
Yes, the trains are packed during rush hour. So terrifyingly so that it's difficult to tell if it's chikan (public molestation) or if they're just stuck. The people hate it too and one of my teachers hates it so much he rides his bike over an hour to get to school (about 20 kilometers).
Yes, the Japanese are train masters. Over half of those standing on a train don't hold onto anything and yet they don't get bounced around like I do. I've yet to figure out exactly how they do it...
Yes, Japan is expensive. But because the Japanese can't afford it either, there are plenty of ways to knock a few yen off. Things that don't seem to apply, however, are juice, fruit, and western products.
Yes, the Japanese are a sexually depraved society. I just watched a video on CNN about a new Akihabara shop that sells cuddles. This is the land of maid cafes, host clubs and butler cafes, after all...
Yes, the apartments here are small and relatively expensive. However, I find them just as expensive in the States. An apartment near my university, for example, costs $850 a month not including utilities and is a four bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. My apartment here costs $730 a month without utilities and is private. Granted, it's small (there's a loft) and none of the appliances were included...
No, just because nearly all Japanese have studied English in some way/shape/form, it doesn't mean they speak English. At all. But they really do like to learn it.
No, you can't just hop on a train and go wherever here. You really should plan your route ahead of time because sometimes the simple route on a map is considerably more expensive than you've planned for.
No, the ramen isn't a cheap eat. Real ramen will usually run you around $8-$10 a bowl on the cheap side. Top ramen or cup ramen is usually at least $1.25+ at every store I've seen in Tokyo.
Do you have a myth you want debunked (or proven true?) Leave a comment below and I'll add it to my next post.
Yes, the Japanese are train masters. Over half of those standing on a train don't hold onto anything and yet they don't get bounced around like I do. I've yet to figure out exactly how they do it...
Yes, Japan is expensive. But because the Japanese can't afford it either, there are plenty of ways to knock a few yen off. Things that don't seem to apply, however, are juice, fruit, and western products.
Yes, the Japanese are a sexually depraved society. I just watched a video on CNN about a new Akihabara shop that sells cuddles. This is the land of maid cafes, host clubs and butler cafes, after all...
Yes, the apartments here are small and relatively expensive. However, I find them just as expensive in the States. An apartment near my university, for example, costs $850 a month not including utilities and is a four bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment. My apartment here costs $730 a month without utilities and is private. Granted, it's small (there's a loft) and none of the appliances were included...
No, just because nearly all Japanese have studied English in some way/shape/form, it doesn't mean they speak English. At all. But they really do like to learn it.
No, you can't just hop on a train and go wherever here. You really should plan your route ahead of time because sometimes the simple route on a map is considerably more expensive than you've planned for.
No, the ramen isn't a cheap eat. Real ramen will usually run you around $8-$10 a bowl on the cheap side. Top ramen or cup ramen is usually at least $1.25+ at every store I've seen in Tokyo.
Do you have a myth you want debunked (or proven true?) Leave a comment below and I'll add it to my next post.
Japan - The Land of Service
I find it terrifically interesting that businesses here are all about the service. For instance, there is a huge gas station nearby (huge as in it could secretly double as an airplane hanger for 747s). Every time a car pulls in, a group of workers run out of their waiting bay and filling the tank turns into a Nascar pit stop. When you purchase anything from a convenience store, they almost always ask you if you want your meal heated or a straw with your carton of juice.
When I go to the government office, there are several workers on hand to help me fill out the forms. When there is construction going on that's blocking the road, a construction worker escorts/guides you safely through the mess. Oftentimes, they have a carpet thrown down to keep your shoes from getting muddy.
I find the Japanese people seem to be immune to this. It's how it is, it's their job, etc...but I always thank them.
When I go to the government office, there are several workers on hand to help me fill out the forms. When there is construction going on that's blocking the road, a construction worker escorts/guides you safely through the mess. Oftentimes, they have a carpet thrown down to keep your shoes from getting muddy.
I find the Japanese people seem to be immune to this. It's how it is, it's their job, etc...but I always thank them.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Japan - The land where "no one" has a car
It's actually a myth, in all honesty. I see cars all the time and I think I might live around rich people. Nice houses, nice cars.
However, I should clarify that it's only the wealthy and middle class that can afford to own a car. Because they're the ones that can also afford a house. Houses here are phenomenally expensive, particularly in Tokyo. I rent a small, studio apartment for 57,000 yen a month (roughly $750). But I've seen small, single family homes nearby go for around 25 million yen (about $320K) and it doesn't have a yard.
But if you own a house here, you likely own a car. Because to furnish your house and buy supplies to maintain it, you will need a car. (Although I have seen people try to bring 2x4s, shelves and all sorts of other things home on a bicycle...) Apartments, on the other hand, are maintained by the landlord and USUALLY have major appliances. Apparently mine was weird and didn't include any appliances...I have hook up for a washer and oddly, there is an outlet for appliances on the ceiling (which the refrigerator cord just barely didn't reach....).
It is true that to get around the city, most people take the trains. Why not? The longest I've ever waited was abut 5 minutes. And with commuters passes for the subway, it doesn't get much cheaper (other than walking, of course).
However, I should clarify that it's only the wealthy and middle class that can afford to own a car. Because they're the ones that can also afford a house. Houses here are phenomenally expensive, particularly in Tokyo. I rent a small, studio apartment for 57,000 yen a month (roughly $750). But I've seen small, single family homes nearby go for around 25 million yen (about $320K) and it doesn't have a yard.
But if you own a house here, you likely own a car. Because to furnish your house and buy supplies to maintain it, you will need a car. (Although I have seen people try to bring 2x4s, shelves and all sorts of other things home on a bicycle...) Apartments, on the other hand, are maintained by the landlord and USUALLY have major appliances. Apparently mine was weird and didn't include any appliances...I have hook up for a washer and oddly, there is an outlet for appliances on the ceiling (which the refrigerator cord just barely didn't reach....).
It is true that to get around the city, most people take the trains. Why not? The longest I've ever waited was abut 5 minutes. And with commuters passes for the subway, it doesn't get much cheaper (other than walking, of course).
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