I’ve spent four short years studying the Japanese language, and needless to say, I’ve learned a lot about the language itself. However, there’s also some general stuff to be learned about foreign languages that most don’t mention. If you’re thinking about going down this path, you should keep reading, and for those who are already on that path, hopefully you can relate to some of these.
- Self-study is your best friend.
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Currently, I’m a Japanese language major at UGA, and I can attest that I didn’t get to where I am through classes alone. Of course, I’m very grateful to be able to study Japanese in a formal setting as many just aren’t able to do this, but what you learn in class is usually never enough. Outside of class, however, I’ve done over 2 years worth of self-study through various resources: YouTube videos, watching J-dramas, finding native speakers to chat with on HelloTalk, taking Japanese private lessons on iTalki—you name it, I’ve probably used it. Without these outside methods, I don’t think I would be as far along as I am. Trust me when I say that self-studying a foreign language is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
- You must act the part to get the part.
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This one goes out to all the theater kids! Seriously though, one thing I’ve realized through learning a foreign language is that, if you want to be treated like a native speaker, you have to act like one. But what does that mean exactly? It starts from implementing the little things, such as filler words and reactions into your speech, to bigger things such as physical gestures. Specifically, while studying Japanese, I’ve successfully executed these things through my character, and from both Japanese people here in the States and abroad, I’ve been asked, “Wait, are you Japanese?” When I was asked that question at first, it made me confused since I don’t look the least bit Asian, but after a while, I started to realize it was compliment to the person I have started to become.
- You will go through self-discovery.
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Okay, I already have another identity in myself since I’m a two-faced Gemini, so this isn’t anything new to me. Going off of implementing Japanese-like motions within my character, I have created another person in myself, so much so to the point where there are things that I wouldn’t do and say while speaking Japanese that I have no problem doing when I’m speaking English, and vice versa. There is nothing wrong with this, and in fact, it should be embraced! But beware that your new self might latch onto your old self, so don’t be surprised when you start code-switching.
- You may look like a language you don’t speak.
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Speaking of code-switching, this is one of the things that I deal with in my daily life. If you are a person of color, you know what I’m talking about. You speak one way at home, which is different from the way you speak when you’re at work/school, etc. In my case, this has only gotten worse since I have taken up Japanese. There have been many times when I hang out with my Japanese friends in the States, and other black people who heard me speaking will look at me and ask, “You speak Japanese?” I don’t understand why I should look Asian to speak an East Asian language. But the beautiful thing about this, though, is that I’ve slowly started to make a name for myself, and different opportunities have come my way because of my conversational abilities.
- You can use language in the real world.
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Yes, that’s right, you can use language after college! This one goes out to all my people studying less commonly studied languages such as Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Hindi. Foreign language is not just a subject you take in college and you forget about it after graduation; having this ability on your resumé is very much sought after in today’s world. Ignore all the naysayers who say otherwise. Remember: people that speak different languages live all over the world, and many companies are becoming globalized. For example, if you’re studying Korean and you never travel to or you don’t want to work in South Korea, that is just fine because you can use Korean almost anywhere.
Finally, don’t let anything or anyone keep you from studying that foreign language, sis. If it’s something you’re truly passionate about, it will pay off in the long run. Don’t rush the process; trust the process.