Johanna Jarvis, Class of ’27, is a Graphic Design major studying at Tamagawa University this Spring/Summer 2024.
My first attempt at tying an 帯(Obi) in Traditional Dance Class!
I strongly believe that breaking down language barriers is a wonderful endeavor because it opens up opportunities for new experiences, connections with diverse individuals, and a deeper understanding of different cultures. Whether you choose to embark on this journey independently or through formal language classes, the overall rewards of learning a new language are well worth the effort.
In my personal experience, learning a new language brought a sense of excitement and curiosity. The first language I decided to tackle was Spanish, which was a requirement for school like many others. However, what made it enjoyable was discovering new ways to express myself, delving into unfamiliar grammar structures, and acquiring words that don’t exist in the English language. Although it was challenging to practice and improve, I was motivated to persevere because it not only stimulated my mind but also opened up a gateway to a whole new world. Through language, I could connect with a broader range of people, whether it was simply overhearing a conversation or immersing myself in different forms of media, such as music. It was incredibly fulfilling to progress to a point where I could understand the heartfelt lyrics of artists like Romeo Santos/Aventura, allowing me to truly appreciate the depth and emotion behind their songs…
I have carried this passion with me from middle school all the way through high school, and as the classes became more challenging, I can honestly say that I never regretted taking them. We learned how to integrate our language learning into discussions about political, social, and economic issues in Spanish-speaking countries, as well as delving into topics such as environmental concerns, arts, and historical facts. Even now, I continue to practice my communication skills with online friends and Spanish-speaking individuals, and through these interactions, I am constantly learning new things about South America and their lives.
Moving on to the present, my experience with learning Spanish was so positive that it gave me the confidence to take on Japanese in preparation for our trip. However, learning Japanese proved to be a challenging task due to its three alphabets (Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana) which are completely different from the Latin alphabet. Thankfully, my previous interest in Duolingo had equipped me with knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana. Nevertheless, my biggest hurdles, both at that time and even now, are grammar, Kanji, and expanding my vocabulary. Since I didn’t take a class, I relied on a workbook called Genki, which I obtained from a friend. I highly recommend this workbook as it provides a solid foundation and helped me grasp verbs and basic sentence structure quite easily.
Now that I have been in Japan for a while, I have some valuable advice for anyone considering learning the language of the country they are studying in: gain confidence and socialize! I understand that these can be difficult tasks, but one of the exciting aspects of studying abroad is the opportunity to reinvent yourself and start fresh. Nobody knows who you were before, so embrace this chance to put your best foot forward. By learning the cultural norms and showing respect by attempting to communicate in their language, rather than expecting them to know yours, you can make a positive impression. Although I can’t claim to do this perfectly all the time, I make a conscious effort to be consistent in my social interactions. This includes making new friends, participating in club activities, reading Japanese children’s books, and even giving presentations during my sit-in classes.
English Speaking Society (ESS)
Typography Notes
Westside Basketball
One of my most cherished experiences in my language learning journey was when I met a new friend named まひろ (Mahiro). Not only does she have a beautiful voice as a chorus singer, but she also shares my passion for digital drawing! It was truly a memorable encounter for me.
During our conversation, I found myself constantly switching between thinking about how to translate sentences and relying on Google translate a few times. Despite the challenges, it was incredibly rewarding to see our efforts in communication come to life in real time. The feeling of being able to connect and understand each other was simply heartwarming.
Kid’s Book Rendition I Drew!
If you’re thinking about studying abroad for a few months, I strongly suggest learning some of the language beforehand as preparation, even if it’s not required by the program. Not only will it boost your confidence in reading signs and menus, but it will also help you connect with locals and make you feel less intimidated. I hope this encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new! See you next time!
