The season has made quite the party animals out of many friends. Meanwhile the cold has kept me inside. One of the biggest things I have come to learn this holiday season is my current limitations and knowledge. I have come to respect much of the Japanese culture, the quiet attitudes, the bowing and the respect for others. It is refreshing that so many people pay more attention to others while they are walking. Not everyone on the street does, mind you.
Though I respect the quietness of the Japanese attitude, it is proving to be a big problem for me. Whether speaking Japanese or English, many Japanese, especially those outside of school, do not speak up. With my hearing impairment, I find it difficult to understand and communicate with others on a daily basis. I am learning though. Through trial and error I will learn. I am finding ways to put myself in a better environment to hear those who are speaking to me. I am also finding ways to communicate with others that I have this problem and that I need them to speak up. Students here at the school insist that I simply ask "おおきおねがいします" to have them speak up. This method does not prove effective in most cases, as people do not raise their voices, even though they understand the predicament. In my own limitations, I have found great strength. It is understood in Japan that many international people do not speak fluent Japanese and will patiently repeat what they have said and wait for a response. It has given me more opportunities to simply speak with people. People who are not in a hurry to move along if I do not understand them. People who see opportunity both for themselves and me in having a conversation. 嵐が離れて行くために今すぐ待つ。 Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI studied abroad at Okayama University from October 2014 to August 2015 Archives
September 2015
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