Sorry guys, I am doing a survey on Japanese culture and language learning and I was wondering if you guys could help me out.
If you could answer these questions through a PM (since I don't want people to be influenced by other people's answers)
I believe this conversation can serve a greater purpose here than just helping you with your homework, so I'll be answering in this thread. 申し訳ありませんね。
Gender:
Male
Age:
25
Race:
Caucasian
Native Language:
English
What is your definition of culture?:
A set of memes associate with a particular nationality, ethnicity, age set or otherwise defined social group or subgroup.
How long have you been studying Japanese?:
"studied" for 4 years, starting around 2003. I wouldn't consider myself actively/formally studying anymore.
What are three things you know about the culture (if you can't name three try and name at least one):
The concepts of Uchi and Soto, language's effect on culture and social interaction (politeness levels re: keigo), 上下関係 and "vertical social interaction." OK those last two are closely related. I'll just say that a lot of the things thought to be "uniquely Japanese" are hardly so...
What made you start your studies in the Japanese? (why did you choose this language):
I like a challenge. Honestly I had interest in Japanese culture beforehand, but I never thought to try my hand at the language until my university demanded I study a foreign language and Japanese was listed as one of the top 3 difficult ones.
What do you hope to accomplish in the Japanese? (goals for the language?):
Be able to read the newspaper, at least understand if not speak at a near-native level. I should be working a lot harder to accomplish these goals.
What has motivated you in your studying of Japanese? (why do you continue to study the language?):
I've discovered a passion for learning, and all the effort that goes into learning a language is wasted if you let those skills languish and go unused.
Do you hope to accomplish fluency (only conversational ability not perfect grammar) or perfect accuracy (near-perfect complete language with perfect grammar).
I strive for perfection, though I realize it's unobtainable.
Do you watch television shows in the language?:
I have, although I don't get much opportunity anymore.
If so could you name what shows you watch?:
Various Dramas, variety shows, Planet Earth. I watch more movies than TV shows I suppose.
Do you read written works in the language?:
Yes
If so could you name what exactly do you read?:
Currently Isako Kotaro's "Children." I've read a few books by various authors, like ホームレス中学生、佐賀のがばいばあちゃん、陰日向に咲く 、and 五体不満足. I'm forgetting a few.
How many times a week do you use Japanese?
When I'm in Japan, daily. Elsewhere I have to create my own opportunities, hence the reading and movie-watching.
Have you ever visited a country where the language is spoken fluently?
I've been to Japan on three separate occasions for travel, study, and work, if that's what you mean