Just about "how much" japanese should I know

Live91

後輩

2 Oct 2006

179

1

• 16 Oct 2006

• #1

I'm going there for two weeks for a "school stage"? We have to pass some sort of test in a company [anywhere in the world! XD!They really let us free you know?] and I was wondering about how much japanese should I know to get around?
I have until june to learn that "amount".Anyone can help?

 

Buntaro

運動不足

Twenty-year veteran

27 Dec 2003

2,854

2,103

• 16 Oct 2006

• #2

Live,

I used to live in Japan, and I used to go around "saving" lost gaijin who were walking around Tokyo, trying to use only English to get around. (I even "saved" some lost gaijin who were inside Tokyo Station one time!)

The bottom line is: You will need whatever phrases you will need. And remember: You may be able to ask the question, but you may not be able to understand the answer.)

 

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

Moderator

Donor

Twenty-year veteran

8 Aug 2005

7,316

3,727

• 16 Oct 2006

• #3

you will need more than you will know, but that's the case no matter how long you study...

 

Glenn

一切皆苦

8 Jan 2004

7,842

200

• 16 Oct 2006

• #4

Yeah, I'm feeling you on that one.

By the way, to the OP, do you have a phrasebook or a "dirty guide" of some sort? I think those types of books are designed to get you around somewhat smoothly, but you might also consider getting a basic grammar book to help you out. You have eight or so months, so you should be able to function well enough to find out where bathrooms are and how much stuff costs if you work at it. Good luck!

 

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

Moderator

Donor

Twenty-year veteran

8 Aug 2005

7,316

3,727

• 16 Oct 2006

• #5

speaking of "dirty guides," get "making out in Japanese," and commit it to heart. You will surprise everyone with all the Japanese you speak!

 

Glenn

一切皆苦

8 Jan 2004

7,842

200

• 16 Oct 2006

• #6

Hahaha, yeah, but I don't think you want to surprise them like that!

 

leonmarino

Back

19 May 2006

1,258

64

• 17 Oct 2006

• #7

nice gaijin said:

speaking of "dirty guides," get "making out in Japanese," and commit it to heart. You will surprise everyone with all the Japanese you speak!

Click to expand...

Hahaha my lil' bro bought that one when were there last year.. Did you know there is a follow-up on it? It is interesting to read to say the least.. Like, how many people wants to know how to say "I think it is too early to get married" in a foreign language!?

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

16,758

2,298

• 17 Oct 2006

• #8

Buntaro said:

Live,
I used to live in Japan, and I used to go around "saving" lost gaijin who were walking around Tokyo, trying to use only English to get around. (I even "saved" some lost gaijin who were inside Tokyo Station one time!)

Click to expand...

I used to try to be helpful like that. I found out it is one of the fastest ways in the world to get resented.

 

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

Moderator

Donor

Twenty-year veteran

8 Aug 2005

7,316

3,727

• 17 Oct 2006

• #9

Mike Cash said:

I used to try to be helpful like that. I found out it is one of the fastest ways in the world to get resented.

Click to expand...

Do you mean resented by people you thought needed help but didn't? In my limited imagination I couldn't think of another situation that would breed resentment, unless you were spreading misinformation.

 

N

nhk9

先輩

27 Aug 2004

415

12

• 18 Oct 2006

• #10

Before you know it, you learn more than you will need to know. Learning Japanese is addictive, so unless you have the time to do it, might as well just go by with Engrish. "CD wanto getto" = I want to buy this CD... etc.

 

Mike Cash

骨も命も皆此の土地に埋めよう

Twenty-year veteran

15 Mar 2002

16,758

2,298

• 18 Oct 2006

• #11

nice gaijin said:

speaking of "dirty guides," get "making out in Japanese," and commit it to heart. You will appall everyone with all the Japanese you speak!

Click to expand...

There....that's better.

nice gaijin said:

Do you mean resented by people you thought needed help but didn't? In my limited imagination I couldn't think of another situation that would breed resentment, unless you were spreading misinformation.

Click to expand...

No, I mean resented by people who quite obviously were in need of help.

These days, I just keep right on going.

 

Last edited: 18 Oct 2006

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

Moderator

Donor

Twenty-year veteran

8 Aug 2005

7,316

3,727

• 18 Oct 2006

• #12

Heh, my sarcasm was betrayed by the smiley at the end of my sentence, but I forget that you have them turned off, Mike.

I've been approached a few times for help by lost tourists, and gladly offered them my assistance, but I let them come to me if they really need help.

 

Live91

後輩

2 Oct 2006

179

1

• 25 Oct 2006

• Thread starter
• #13

Well, it seems like we had to cancel the trip because I'm moving to South Africa next year. woho the U.N doesn't stop! But I'm glad, I get to travel again, finally. Who knows, they might drop us in Japan soon !