Navigating Japanese Proficiency: Insights from an Educated Foreigner
Language proficiency is a complex landscape, especially for foreigners who grow up in a bilingual household. In this article, I share my personal journey and experience in mastering Japanese, a language that is as nuanced as it is sophisticated.
Understanding Japanese Proficiency
When it comes to speaking Japanese, the ability to navigate its complexities depends largely on the context and the person whom you are speaking to. While formal Japanese is relatively straightforward, the ease of casual conversation presents a different challenge. Interestingly, even when speaking formally, I find myself emphasizing the academic aspects of the language. When my friends speak to me in a more relaxed manner, I sometimes struggle to respond appropriately, often falling back into a formal register. Despite this, I have always been open about my ongoing learning journey, and they generally understand that I am still in the process of improving.
Challenges and Strengths
My proficiency in Japanese can be characterized as adequate but not flawless. There are various situations where I can comfortably engage in conversation and perform specific tasks, yet I can also fail in situations that demand a more conversational approach. For instance, I can read legal documents and file cases independently, build websites with no technical assistance, follow political discussions on news, and conduct sales calls or technical support over the phone. Additionally, I have even ventured into software development with one of the first Japanese word processors back in 1984. However, in other areas, my abilities have limitations. My handwriting, for example, is not proficient enough to leave notes.
Japanese in a Bilingual Environment
My journey with Japanese began in a bilingual household in the United States, where both English and Japanese were spoken. This early exposure to the language has left a lasting imprint on my ability to communicate, and it has been smooth sailing for me in Japan. Navigating the country has never been a problem, thanks to my fluency in the language. However, maintaining a thorough and natural conversation is another matter altogether. My Japanese skills, while better than when I first started, are still quite limited, especially since I have largely been self-taught.
Long-term Resident in Japan
Having resided in Japan for 32 years, I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and language to a much greater extent than if I were merely studying it abroad. Living here has significantly enhanced my language skills, although I still consider myself at an intermediate level. I am able to conduct most of my college classes, weddings, and even doctor and dentist appointments in Japanese, often holding my own in these situations.
Literacy and Personal Milestones
Throughout my life, I have spoken better Japanese than my husband, who is Japanese. This was partly because he often relied on me to correct his grammar, which initially annoyed him. Forty years later, our situations have reversed, and now my Japanese may have suffered, although I have seen a significant improvement in my Spanish proficiency.
Conclusion
The journey of mastering a language like Japanese is multifaceted and nuanced. Despite my efforts and the tools at my disposal, there are still areas where I fall short. However, my experience with Japanese is a testament to the transformative power of immersion and practice. Whether it's filing legal documents or holding medical appointments, I continue to bridge the gaps and strive to become more proficient in this rich and complex language.