Today, I was so super motivated that I actually waited to get on the computer AFTER I did my homework. And by homework, I mean, I studied for my kanji test tomorrow and did the extra assignment my 先生(sensei) gave us today. Then, I read all these articles and whatnot from foreign relations and society class.
Whoa, I’m getting all heady just thinking of my productivity…
But, for real, that made my day. I am going to kill these last two months in the Japanese department. I’ll be so 上手(jouzu=good) so 早い(hayai=fast), you won’t know what to する(suru=do) with yourself. This translation thing is a little 大変(taihen=tough), you should really just 習う(narau=learn) 日本語(nihongo=Japanese).
I played the guitar in my room today before dinner. I was singing quietly. Or at least trying to. However, my host mom came to call me for dinner and must have overheard, because she told me I was good at singing at dinner. And then I laughed a lot and waved my hand in front of my face, which is like physically deflecting a compliment in Japan, because it burns your skin and might kill your soul.
But, really, that was an 嘘（uso=lie). For real, in no language or culture am I a good singer. I mean, yes, Japan has crazy enka singing, which isn’t the most pleasing and they have the koto and shamisen, which are what you hear in your head when you think of traditional Japan. But, regardless of whatever they think is good, it’s not my singing. Which is fine with me. That’s why I pay Ashley to sing in The Banana Appeal (I just wanted to promote that a little bit for anyone who randomly stumbled on this and hasn’t heard my band).
Speaking of which, check out her new blog here. It’s a bit uncensored for those of you weak at heart. But, I’d kill someone for her, so be careful what you say about it. Not that you would say anything bad because she’s a great writer and everyday philosopher. And truthful.
Which, brings us right back around to my singing. I kind of like that about Japan. Their relentless need to affirm and make a big deal about everything you tell them. I got this blister from taiko, which was pretty big, but not big enough that everyone needs to crap their pants about it. But, I showed it to my Nihongo partners today, both girls, and they made such a big deal about how painful and big it looks. I knew it was coming, but it was still so cute and funny.
I guess I just like when people show they care about what you say. Even if they don’t. Just be a good faker. Like, here you constantly make an “un” （うん） sound when people are talking just to show them you’re listening and understand. Then, at appropriate times, you gasp or そうですか（soudesuka） them. In America, that would irritate me so much because I’d feel patronized, like the person was actually NOT listening. Here, however, I like it. The Japanese, if nothing else, are good at perfection. They have the market cornered on pretending they care. In a really charming way. I like it.
Tags: ashley, bad singing, blog, conversation, faker, fast and good, homework, Japanese, lie, me, responsibility, what's that
June 9, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I really want to see a video of this taiko thing. This is my request. Also, where’s all this moolah you’ve been “paying” me?
June 10, 2009 at 1:00 am
You sound like you are becoming a little Japanese! Picking up on those little nuances the Japanese people have are incredibly important. The exaggerating, the patronizing & the false interest & concern. All part of understanding how they think & how the language works. Best of luck with the rest of your studies!