I have always been interested in the Japanese language and culture since I was a young child. I used to watch translated Japanese television shows with my brother or read translated books from my local library. I first gained interest in really learning about the language and culture after entering CSUMB. I took introductory language and culture classes which deepened my interest in Japan so I decided for it to become my major.
During my studies at CSUMB I have not only improved on my Japanese language skills through various classes focusing on learning the language or learning culture while speaking the language, I have also deepened my understanding and appreciation for the culture from classes that taught a variety of its different aspects. When I first entered the Japanese Language and Cultures major I was only interested in basic language skills and modern culture so I may be able to visit Japan. However, I soon gained an interest in all sorts of culture, especially those of the classical periods like Heian or Edo, and wanted to learn more of the language so I would not only visit Japan but possibly live there, like I did during study abroad.
The thing that I have become most proud of during my time in this major is my reading and writing ability. Japanese and English are two entirely different languages and it is amazing to me that a language that was once foreign to me is now comprehensible. Not only are the alphabets entirely different, Japan has three different kinds with the third being nearly impossible for me to understand in the beginning. Although I believe my reading and writing ability has vastly improved since I began studying Japanese I would still like to improve upon my listening and speaking skills, which I usually score lower on in the STAMP test. Studying abroad in Japan at Okayama University has helped me improve these skills greatly, however, I hope to continue to improve upon them in the future.
During my studies at CSUMB I have not only improved on my Japanese language skills through various classes focusing on learning the language or learning culture while speaking the language, I have also deepened my understanding and appreciation for the culture from classes that taught a variety of its different aspects. When I first entered the Japanese Language and Cultures major I was only interested in basic language skills and modern culture so I may be able to visit Japan. However, I soon gained an interest in all sorts of culture, especially those of the classical periods like Heian or Edo, and wanted to learn more of the language so I would not only visit Japan but possibly live there, like I did during study abroad.
The thing that I have become most proud of during my time in this major is my reading and writing ability. Japanese and English are two entirely different languages and it is amazing to me that a language that was once foreign to me is now comprehensible. Not only are the alphabets entirely different, Japan has three different kinds with the third being nearly impossible for me to understand in the beginning. Although I believe my reading and writing ability has vastly improved since I began studying Japanese I would still like to improve upon my listening and speaking skills, which I usually score lower on in the STAMP test. Studying abroad in Japan at Okayama University has helped me improve these skills greatly, however, I hope to continue to improve upon them in the future.