中国語が始める
chuugokugo ga hajimeru
chinese language is starting
Tonight my first Chinese class begins. I’m nervous, excited, and terrified all at the same time. This is exactly how I felt on the cusp of my first Japanese lesson, which I only started at the beginning of January in 2004.
Holy shiznit. That’s only two years ago. In two years I’ve managed to become relatively conversational in Japanese. I’m not exactly fluent, because slang trips me up. But I do know what’s going on when I watch Japanese television, and I can speak the language without an accent. In fact, that’s the thing I’m most proud of. My Japanese SOUNDS like Japanese. I can inflect, question, show respect, speak humbly, and laugh it up nihongo de (in Japanese) without sounding like an ass. I can even make jokes and quip about proverbs.
Will I be in the same place with Mandarin Chinese in two years? Only time will tell I suspect. But don’t think my Japanese studies will fall to the side. I still plan on my weekly classes with Fujii Sensei, and I’m determined to get back to Japan during the thick summer heat. I REALLY want to visit Okinawa and experience the fury of the summer and of course, their food. I’m not sure I’ll be able to even understand anyone in Okinawa, but hey, it’ll be fun.
そして今ここに居る頑張ている
soshite ima koko ni iru. gambatteiru.
And so, for now, I’m here. Doing my best.