MLO 5: Cultural Internalization and Language Immersion
Students demonstrate that they have actively immersed themselves in authentic Japanese cultural and linguistic environments and have internalized the language and cultural experience, from which they have developed a personal understanding and new perspectives of the community.
Cultural Internalization
-Public Transportation Culture: since I was from a car-based culture, using the bus and trains was rather new. I had doubts about the reliability of buses and trains due to my own experiences in the US, but I was proven wrong. I came to realize that public modes of transportation are highly effective and was one of the best parts of living in Japan. Also, while riding on buses and trains, there's a 'silence rule'. To those unfamiliar with riding either one in Japan, there's a pre-established rule among the people that when you ride, you are silent and respectful to others who are riding.
-Food Culture: From my experience in Japan, there is more emphasis on less portions and healthier choices. The kinds of food that I ate in Japan that substituted my Western diet allowed me to lose 8 pounds! I didn't even have to workout to lose that weight. The diet and portions are also related to perceptions of beauty in Japan. The Japanese find those who are slender to be of high attraction, so portions and variety of foods are based around one of these concepts. Someone who may be a steak-and-potatoes kind of person may find it hard to adjust to the Japanese diet, especially since fish is one of the most common sources of what would be considered 'meat' right next to chicken.
-Not only is the type of food different, but also the presentation. There's a word in Japanese that's called "O-sha-re"オシャレ. When I was back home in the US, I was surprised as to why burritos weren't in Japan: they're delicious and Japanese exchange students enjoy them as much as Americans. An exchange student gave me perspective into the concept and had me realize that the Japanese also enjoy the presentation and cleanliness of their food. If its too messy, then it's not too likely that the general Japanese people will enjoy such a type of food. Rather, such foods like Italian food are more likely to be widely embraced: it's an affordable meal for anyone and not as messy as a burrito would be. Classy and tasty. If one looks at the Japanese Bentou 弁当 and how presented, this ties into the cultural perspective of food.
-Trash Culture: After you're done eating, then you usually want to stuff all your trash into the one can. Unlike America, when you throw away trash in Japan, you don't just put it into a single bin. For example, after you're done eating at a local Japanese McDonalds, you have to sort the trash three ways: plastics, burnables, and leftover liquids. In my dorm, there wasn't any garbage disposal blades in the sink: rather, there were filter nets to catch the food that was put down the sink and instead had to be emptied and put into the trash. Even at home, you're expected to take care and sort your trash into two different types: burnable and non-burnable. These trashes are picked up during different days of the week and it is your responsibility to sort the trash and properly divide the trashes. If you don't it's rather rude and cumbersome. There was someone who didn't do it and the site manager went through the trash themselves. Lastly, trash cans on the street walks don't exist in Japan. You can only throw away trash at home, at the convenience store, or at a restaurant. The Japanese people like to keep the streets clean, so take responsibility of your own trash.
-Concert Culture: I attended a concert in Japan in July, I went to Asian Kung-Fu Generation's annual Nano-Mugen Festival. During the event, I noticed something of great difference. First, nobody had a camera or phone out recording. Apparently, I had found out that it was rude to be doing so to the artists: it's considered not being considerate and not really being there to listen to the music. Second, even though you may want to get hyper at the concert, when there is a pause during the songs, there is silence, especially when they're talking. When it's their time to talk, you respect their position and don't stand out.
-Traditional Culture: you can see clearly the temples and shrines throughout Japan, even in modern Tokyo. During times such as New Years Day, the people go to the local temple and pray for a good new year. Even though the Japanese people aren't frequenters of Shinto or Buddhist as a religion, they acknowledge its existence as a entity they live along side. Additional examples includes praying at the shrine before a journey: it's an old tradition, but it's still something that's still done by modern Japanese. I too took part in going to the temples and shrines, both during holiday events and also during free time when I was relaxing.
-Both American and Japanese cultures have become highly globalized and capitalized countries with similar traits and qualities. Both Japanese and Americans are similar in their use of technology in everyday life. Phones and PCs are highly access-able and use-able modes of communication.
-Japan, unlike the US, is a 98% homogeneous society with the other 2% being foreign immigrants and the such. American culture, since its inception, has instead been a multi-cultural society that prides itself on being able to co-exist with people of different origins. Not to say that Japan isn't the same way, but it's only recent that Japan is becoming a bit more open minded about letting foreigners into their home country.
Language Immersion
Initial Experience
-My inception into the Japanese culture was one full of excitement and anticipation: I could not wait to go out and explore Japan. However, this was my first time using Japanese not only outside of the US, but to use in general application in everyday life. At first, it was a nervous feeling trying to get the words out to use to communicate my ideas or feelings. I felt like my studies previous to Japan weren't enough. One's first real taste of Japanese for me would be getting on the plane to Japan: not only do the attendants speak Japanese first when announcing news, but the newspapers and reading material is in Japanese first. It has happen: I am leaving my home to go live in a country where Japanese in the dominant language. The next big step was when I literally stepped off the plane. The airport was in fully covered in Japanese text and the PA was speaking Japanese.
-I came to realize within the first two months that studying the language in the classroom and its implication verbally are two different things all together. One of the more interesting lingual tendencies I saw was when I was living in the International Dormitory. it was filled with about 60 people who were all from America, Europe, China, Korea, and Japan. When people grouped together, they would stick with the group where they felt more comfortable speaking their mother tongue. There was interaction, between everyone, and the default language that everyone spoke was English. However, I took the opportunity to practice Japanese inside the dorm before making bigger mistakes possible outside of the dorm.
After two months
-Once time had passed, I became more comfortable trying to use my Japanese freely and chose to approach people and talk one-on-one with native Japanese speakers. That is where I was able to build up and practice my Japanese as to be able to use it outside of the dorm and even build up my skills speaking in groups. Then, while going out to eat at public places, I began to be able to feel more comfortable with standard questions and answer, such as times when going to the ramen shop. There were many options
-However, one matter that came up was that some of the Japanese I was living with also included those from Kyushu, Nagoya, and Aomori, all of whom had different Japanese dialects and slang that they used. This was probably the most overwhelming aspect of the language since all I knew up until then was Tokyo dialect 東京弁. It took even more time and effort to try and learn what they were saying, and at that, the speed that they were speaking was also rather fast for me. There was a lot of initial need to get used to a lot of new elements of the language.
-However, that didn't stop me from using Japanese. During my stay, I had also purchased a Japanese prepaid mobile phone: once I had run out, I had to recharge it. I put myself into the situation of having to make a business-based deal using my Japanese to purchase the right recharge plan. It wasn't easy, but putting myself into that situation pushed me into trying to speak Japanese in additional situations.
-One thing I noticed that was key was pronounciation, even words that have been adopted from the English need to be paid attention to. Compared to how it's said in English, the word chicken is elongated and emphasis is put onto the "i" of the word. Not only that, but at the end, instead of prounouncing it "ken", the Japanese pronounce it "kin": so it "chii-kiin". Even a common word such as that said not in the Japanese pronounciation isn't understandable.
January through July
-The rest of my time in Japan lasted from January 2014 to July 2014. Through out that time, I had ventured into several other areas of Japan, such as Kyushu and Nagano. My trip to Kyushu took place in May 2013. I went with a group of 3 other Japanese students and explored Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki.
-The dialect in Kyushu (southern Japan) is very, very different than that of Tokyo. I tried to comprehend the dialect, but I had to keep asking my friends what they were saying. I made sure to write down some notes on some of the dialect. During my time in Kyushu, I was able to stay in with the family of one of my friends in Kumamoto and put myself into more of a situation to use Japanese and learn about the Japanese home.
-I went to Nagano actually by accident. When I registered for the JLPT, I signed up to take the test in a region outside of where I was, Kanto. So, I took it upon myself to use my Japanese skills that I had developed the past 9 months and get my way from Tokyo, to Nagano, and to the site to take my test. While in Nagano, at the testing site, there was nobody else who seemed to have been from the Western world: rather, additional exchange students were from other parts of Asia and interestingly, from the Middle East. I put myself out there to use my Japanese to talk with these other students who were also taking the test.
-Public Transportation Culture: since I was from a car-based culture, using the bus and trains was rather new. I had doubts about the reliability of buses and trains due to my own experiences in the US, but I was proven wrong. I came to realize that public modes of transportation are highly effective and was one of the best parts of living in Japan. Also, while riding on buses and trains, there's a 'silence rule'. To those unfamiliar with riding either one in Japan, there's a pre-established rule among the people that when you ride, you are silent and respectful to others who are riding.
-Food Culture: From my experience in Japan, there is more emphasis on less portions and healthier choices. The kinds of food that I ate in Japan that substituted my Western diet allowed me to lose 8 pounds! I didn't even have to workout to lose that weight. The diet and portions are also related to perceptions of beauty in Japan. The Japanese find those who are slender to be of high attraction, so portions and variety of foods are based around one of these concepts. Someone who may be a steak-and-potatoes kind of person may find it hard to adjust to the Japanese diet, especially since fish is one of the most common sources of what would be considered 'meat' right next to chicken.
-Not only is the type of food different, but also the presentation. There's a word in Japanese that's called "O-sha-re"オシャレ. When I was back home in the US, I was surprised as to why burritos weren't in Japan: they're delicious and Japanese exchange students enjoy them as much as Americans. An exchange student gave me perspective into the concept and had me realize that the Japanese also enjoy the presentation and cleanliness of their food. If its too messy, then it's not too likely that the general Japanese people will enjoy such a type of food. Rather, such foods like Italian food are more likely to be widely embraced: it's an affordable meal for anyone and not as messy as a burrito would be. Classy and tasty. If one looks at the Japanese Bentou 弁当 and how presented, this ties into the cultural perspective of food.
-Trash Culture: After you're done eating, then you usually want to stuff all your trash into the one can. Unlike America, when you throw away trash in Japan, you don't just put it into a single bin. For example, after you're done eating at a local Japanese McDonalds, you have to sort the trash three ways: plastics, burnables, and leftover liquids. In my dorm, there wasn't any garbage disposal blades in the sink: rather, there were filter nets to catch the food that was put down the sink and instead had to be emptied and put into the trash. Even at home, you're expected to take care and sort your trash into two different types: burnable and non-burnable. These trashes are picked up during different days of the week and it is your responsibility to sort the trash and properly divide the trashes. If you don't it's rather rude and cumbersome. There was someone who didn't do it and the site manager went through the trash themselves. Lastly, trash cans on the street walks don't exist in Japan. You can only throw away trash at home, at the convenience store, or at a restaurant. The Japanese people like to keep the streets clean, so take responsibility of your own trash.
-Concert Culture: I attended a concert in Japan in July, I went to Asian Kung-Fu Generation's annual Nano-Mugen Festival. During the event, I noticed something of great difference. First, nobody had a camera or phone out recording. Apparently, I had found out that it was rude to be doing so to the artists: it's considered not being considerate and not really being there to listen to the music. Second, even though you may want to get hyper at the concert, when there is a pause during the songs, there is silence, especially when they're talking. When it's their time to talk, you respect their position and don't stand out.
-Traditional Culture: you can see clearly the temples and shrines throughout Japan, even in modern Tokyo. During times such as New Years Day, the people go to the local temple and pray for a good new year. Even though the Japanese people aren't frequenters of Shinto or Buddhist as a religion, they acknowledge its existence as a entity they live along side. Additional examples includes praying at the shrine before a journey: it's an old tradition, but it's still something that's still done by modern Japanese. I too took part in going to the temples and shrines, both during holiday events and also during free time when I was relaxing.
-Both American and Japanese cultures have become highly globalized and capitalized countries with similar traits and qualities. Both Japanese and Americans are similar in their use of technology in everyday life. Phones and PCs are highly access-able and use-able modes of communication.
-Japan, unlike the US, is a 98% homogeneous society with the other 2% being foreign immigrants and the such. American culture, since its inception, has instead been a multi-cultural society that prides itself on being able to co-exist with people of different origins. Not to say that Japan isn't the same way, but it's only recent that Japan is becoming a bit more open minded about letting foreigners into their home country.
Language Immersion
Initial Experience
-My inception into the Japanese culture was one full of excitement and anticipation: I could not wait to go out and explore Japan. However, this was my first time using Japanese not only outside of the US, but to use in general application in everyday life. At first, it was a nervous feeling trying to get the words out to use to communicate my ideas or feelings. I felt like my studies previous to Japan weren't enough. One's first real taste of Japanese for me would be getting on the plane to Japan: not only do the attendants speak Japanese first when announcing news, but the newspapers and reading material is in Japanese first. It has happen: I am leaving my home to go live in a country where Japanese in the dominant language. The next big step was when I literally stepped off the plane. The airport was in fully covered in Japanese text and the PA was speaking Japanese.
-I came to realize within the first two months that studying the language in the classroom and its implication verbally are two different things all together. One of the more interesting lingual tendencies I saw was when I was living in the International Dormitory. it was filled with about 60 people who were all from America, Europe, China, Korea, and Japan. When people grouped together, they would stick with the group where they felt more comfortable speaking their mother tongue. There was interaction, between everyone, and the default language that everyone spoke was English. However, I took the opportunity to practice Japanese inside the dorm before making bigger mistakes possible outside of the dorm.
After two months
-Once time had passed, I became more comfortable trying to use my Japanese freely and chose to approach people and talk one-on-one with native Japanese speakers. That is where I was able to build up and practice my Japanese as to be able to use it outside of the dorm and even build up my skills speaking in groups. Then, while going out to eat at public places, I began to be able to feel more comfortable with standard questions and answer, such as times when going to the ramen shop. There were many options
-However, one matter that came up was that some of the Japanese I was living with also included those from Kyushu, Nagoya, and Aomori, all of whom had different Japanese dialects and slang that they used. This was probably the most overwhelming aspect of the language since all I knew up until then was Tokyo dialect 東京弁. It took even more time and effort to try and learn what they were saying, and at that, the speed that they were speaking was also rather fast for me. There was a lot of initial need to get used to a lot of new elements of the language.
-However, that didn't stop me from using Japanese. During my stay, I had also purchased a Japanese prepaid mobile phone: once I had run out, I had to recharge it. I put myself into the situation of having to make a business-based deal using my Japanese to purchase the right recharge plan. It wasn't easy, but putting myself into that situation pushed me into trying to speak Japanese in additional situations.
-One thing I noticed that was key was pronounciation, even words that have been adopted from the English need to be paid attention to. Compared to how it's said in English, the word chicken is elongated and emphasis is put onto the "i" of the word. Not only that, but at the end, instead of prounouncing it "ken", the Japanese pronounce it "kin": so it "chii-kiin". Even a common word such as that said not in the Japanese pronounciation isn't understandable.
January through July
-The rest of my time in Japan lasted from January 2014 to July 2014. Through out that time, I had ventured into several other areas of Japan, such as Kyushu and Nagano. My trip to Kyushu took place in May 2013. I went with a group of 3 other Japanese students and explored Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki.
-The dialect in Kyushu (southern Japan) is very, very different than that of Tokyo. I tried to comprehend the dialect, but I had to keep asking my friends what they were saying. I made sure to write down some notes on some of the dialect. During my time in Kyushu, I was able to stay in with the family of one of my friends in Kumamoto and put myself into more of a situation to use Japanese and learn about the Japanese home.
-I went to Nagano actually by accident. When I registered for the JLPT, I signed up to take the test in a region outside of where I was, Kanto. So, I took it upon myself to use my Japanese skills that I had developed the past 9 months and get my way from Tokyo, to Nagano, and to the site to take my test. While in Nagano, at the testing site, there was nobody else who seemed to have been from the Western world: rather, additional exchange students were from other parts of Asia and interestingly, from the Middle East. I put myself out there to use my Japanese to talk with these other students who were also taking the test.