I’ve now had four weeks of Japanese class, and I am stunned. After a few hours of study, I can say hundreds of things in Japanese. I can say, “I eat sushi in Tokyo.” I can say, “This is my book.” I can say, “I speak a little Japanese.”
So here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going to get to Tokyo, and I will say confidently, “I am Matthew and this is Iris. We’re from Seattle. Where do you think we should have dinner?” And then I’ll find the response totally incomprehensible.
That’s great that you are learning some Japanese. It will be greatly appreciated when you can greet and thank your hosts properly.
However…reading Japanese is whole ‘nother story, isn’t it. Prepare yourself. For the most part, you will not be able to read street signs. You will need maps to find locations. In Tokyo and other major cities, at least the subway and train stations have signs in English. And touristy areas have some additional signs.
If you are using human guides everywhere you go, you will be fine. But you will also miss that dizzying sense of disorientation that comes from seeing no familiar words anywhere (except store and brand names).
Japan is such a polite society, though, that all you have to do is ask for help with directions, and the person will most likely insist on going WITH you to your destination.
Looking forward to reading about your trip.
We’re going to Mexico soon and I’m taking Spanish lessons. I’ll be able to order plenty of food in Spanish and likely ask for directions. But I won’t be able to understand anything anyone says back to me.
So basically, yeah. I understand.
That’s exactly what happened to me in France, Patricia. Although probably sometimes people will catch your American accent and just answer in English. I had several conversations in France where I spoke French and they spoke English the entire conversation.
Janet, I assure you that total disorientation is on the menu. I’m going to try and learn some kana before I go, but kanji? Forget it.
Reading the comments on your last post, I remembered that the unreadable-map issue was a big one.
I have a copy of this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4770025033/ which I’d be happy to loan you and Iris, if you’re interested. (It’s a few years old, but I suspect it’s better than nothing.)
I also have http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/4770020864 which may be a bit elementary in parts, but there’s a nice bilingual glossary section.
We’re coming up your way in December, but if you’d like to see it sooner, I’m happy to put them in an envelope.
Hey, Anita, I have Tokyo City Atlas, and I just put a hold on the other book at the library. Thanks! I also have GPS on my phone as a last resort.
HA! You are exactly right – a native Japanese speaker’s response to our tourist version of the language is virtually incomprehensible – but it’s ok. I had some guidebook Japanese when I visited but largely got by with lots of “Sumimasen”, smiling, bowing, and pointing at maps. The Japanese are endlessly gracious and will help you get wherever you need to go, especially with adorable Iris in tow. And pointing at the bowls of plastic food is the best way to get fed. I had uniformly outstanding meals everywhere I went in Japan. Have a great trip!
I went to Japan about two years ago and put my notes on it here.
I really do recommend the Breakfast Set at Kaffe Essen. And when you’re at Senso-Ji, get some Takoyaki. Fried octopus balls, yummy!
It’s like what I always say about my foreign language skills: I’m fluent in French and Spanish so long as we keep topics of conversation to “things found in a classroom”.
Kore wa pen des.