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In reply to the discussion: An open letter to African-Americans who have left DU (xpost from AA) [View all]yuiyoshida
(46,158 posts)Japanese American, and yet, THE GUY KNEW BETTER ABOUT the Japanese language, despite the fact he never claimed any Expertise, after all what does a Japanese person know about their own language and culture...not as much as that GUY I guess...
Just in case its needed.
It reminds me of the time, this guy was trying to impress me with his knowledge of the Japanese language. I ask him where he learned all these words? He said from watching the Naruto Anime Show.
I told him you can't learn Japanese that way, you need formal training. He said, "Naw, I could go to Japan right now and get by..."
"I told him, yeah you could, after some guy punches you in the nose for using insulting language. If a cop doesn't throw you in Jail, some one may punch you in the face."
He told me, "No chance.. I have watched every episode of Naruto , I can speak Japanese now!"
I told him, You really don't understand, Japanese is not like any language you just pick up by hearing it. There are levels of politeness you have to learn, and know when to use them, or you are going to be another Baka Gaijin (ignorant foreigner) to the first person you meet.
The guy told me I was full of shit. Yes this White guy knows more than me...I said good luck on your trip to Japan, come see me when you get back. I never did hear from him.. I guess someone knew better than me, after all I was just a Japanese female..who grew up with Japanese parents. I guess that means nothing at all, at least to his arrogant self.