What is your impression of Japan, the country where Meiji University is located and where you will live? Are the following impressions yours? It’s an island nation in a corner of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a country with cutting-edge science and technology, producing high-quality industrial products. It’s a country that produces pop culture such as anime and it’s a country with a long history and traditions that have been handed down to the present day. It’s a country with a warm and rainy climate and beautiful landscapes. It’s a country with delicious food. But it’s a country that suffers from many disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis and it’s a crowded country with many people living in a small area. Also, do you have the impression that Japanese can only be spoken by Japanese people and that you can never master it? Remember that the Japanese language is not only the native language of the Japanese people but is also spoken by other speakers throughout the world. The Japanese language has a unique linguistic system and is said to be difficult to learn, especially for Westerners. Nevertheless, to live in Japan and to understand Japanese culture, Japanese is a necessity. Some of you may wonder if you will ever be able to master the Japanese language.
In Japan, there is a saying, “Get used to it rather than learn it”. This means that you will improve more quickly if you gain experience by yourself than if someone else teaches you. If you want to improve your Japanese, just try using it. Speak in Japanese. Read Japanese books. Try writing in Japanese. And if you have any questions, ask the teachers at the Center for Japanese Language Education. The purpose of the Center for Japanese Language Education is to support international students in their study of Japan. We will do our best to help you have a fulfilling study abroad experience.
As you continue to study Japanese, one day you will find that you can understand Japanese with ease. You will be able to say what you want to say. You will be able to read Japanese literature and write reports in Japanese. And you will make many Japanese friends. You will become familiar with Japanese culture.
As you come to understand Japanese culture, you will become aware of the differences between it and your own culture. Japanese food is delicious, but there are some dishes that are better in your own country. Japanese scenery is beautiful, but there are some landscapes that are more beautiful and festivals that are more fun in your country. What is similar and what is different between Japanese culture and your own culture? Would you like to introduce your country to Japanese people?
In order to explain your country's culture to Japanese people in an easy-to-understand way, you also need to study your country's culture and history again. Talking or writing about your country in Japanese is a good goal to have in your journey towards learning the Japanese language. Please tell us about your country's history and culture, your country's delicious food, your country's fun festivals, and your country's charms in Japanese.
We look forward to hearing your stories.
Director, Japanese Language Education Center
Harushi Nakajima
Email:japanese@meiji.ac.jp
