I'll go first:
In the mid-90s I was almost fluent in Japanese. I took several college-level courses. Got to the point that I could speak, read, write, understand the spoken language, and be understood when I spoke. I was able to call a bookstore, and have them put a movie or book on hold for me. I got addicted to a Japanese soap opera - had to get home by 4 PM to see my show! I could ride the trains way, way out of the English-speaking areas, and wind up where I meant to go.
One time in the airport, while waiting for a friend's arrival, I was sitting with my daughters in the common waiting area. Behind us were a few businessmen. One fellow told the others that a fellow co-worker was a Nichiyo Daiku. (Sunday carpenter) Delighted that I understood, I burst out laughing. Daughters asked me what was so funny, and I told them. They chided me for "listening in" to other peoples' conversations.
Several times I led a group of ladies to the Kappabashi (Kitchen district) of Tokyo. There were even Japanese ladies in my group! Once, I took a tour of historical places in the Tokyo area. I was the only "round eyes" on the bus. I understood the guide well enough to get back to the bus in time so as not to be left behind. Boy! The astonished looks I received from the Japanese tourists on that bus!
Another time, I accompanied (Japanese) friends to a Karaoke bar. Yes, lots of drinking! When it was my turn, I requested "Kanpai", a song written by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi for a friend's wedding. As I sang, watching the words on the screen (Kanji characters) I overheard one of the other (Japanese) patrons whisper in amazement, "She is reading!" (Yomimasu!")
I also became a huge fan of the movie series, "Tora-San". Dear friends took me to see the place where the yearly episodes were filmed. Once again, I was the only "round eyes" in the place. It was an unforgettable experience! Tora-San was a national hero, and he was mine as well.
German, on the other hand, I had only a rudimentary facility in that language. I was with my daughters, aged 8 and 10, ordering our fruits and vegetables at the Obst & Gemuse shop in Biebrich, near Wiesbaden. The transaction took place in German. Walking out of the shop, the 10 year old said, "How does ANYBODY understand that gobbledygook?"
In the mid-90s I was almost fluent in Japanese. I took several college-level courses. Got to the point that I could speak, read, write, understand the spoken language, and be understood when I spoke. I was able to call a bookstore, and have them put a movie or book on hold for me. I got addicted to a Japanese soap opera - had to get home by 4 PM to see my show! I could ride the trains way, way out of the English-speaking areas, and wind up where I meant to go.
One time in the airport, while waiting for a friend's arrival, I was sitting with my daughters in the common waiting area. Behind us were a few businessmen. One fellow told the others that a fellow co-worker was a Nichiyo Daiku. (Sunday carpenter) Delighted that I understood, I burst out laughing. Daughters asked me what was so funny, and I told them. They chided me for "listening in" to other peoples' conversations.
Several times I led a group of ladies to the Kappabashi (Kitchen district) of Tokyo. There were even Japanese ladies in my group! Once, I took a tour of historical places in the Tokyo area. I was the only "round eyes" on the bus. I understood the guide well enough to get back to the bus in time so as not to be left behind. Boy! The astonished looks I received from the Japanese tourists on that bus!
Another time, I accompanied (Japanese) friends to a Karaoke bar. Yes, lots of drinking! When it was my turn, I requested "Kanpai", a song written by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi for a friend's wedding. As I sang, watching the words on the screen (Kanji characters) I overheard one of the other (Japanese) patrons whisper in amazement, "She is reading!" (Yomimasu!")
I also became a huge fan of the movie series, "Tora-San". Dear friends took me to see the place where the yearly episodes were filmed. Once again, I was the only "round eyes" in the place. It was an unforgettable experience! Tora-San was a national hero, and he was mine as well.
German, on the other hand, I had only a rudimentary facility in that language. I was with my daughters, aged 8 and 10, ordering our fruits and vegetables at the Obst & Gemuse shop in Biebrich, near Wiesbaden. The transaction took place in German. Walking out of the shop, the 10 year old said, "How does ANYBODY understand that gobbledygook?"
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