| Over the years, I quess i achieved a kindergarten aged rudimentary basic of the language. Specifically on bonsai and koi, the terms are more grade school. But like most things japanese I learned to look at it from the mentality that it's the journey not the end destination that was more important. In any culture an attempt respectfully to learn a language will get you off on the right foot.The one thing i learned as well is they understand more english in japan then we give them credit. They may be reluctant to express it but it all helps when trying to communicate.
I remember on my last trip to japan, ordering a beverage on a train while in route to Isawa. The young lady answered in perfect english and asked from where I was from in the states. When I said Seattle, she said the name of a major university here that she had just graduated from. LOL! |