A bit of Japengspanean and Body Language

I just started my second year of living and working in Japan. I came here in March, 2007, without knowing any Japanese. It has been an interesting journey of classes and learning, and I really should be studying harder to get the language down.

Anyways, yesterday was a marvelous Sunday, so I spent it going with a little tour group to a park and shrine by the sea with a group of Japanese people as well as some foreigners who attend the university in the city. My particular group was made up of five Japanese people, none of whom spoke much English. Then there was me, a young man from Spain, and a young woman from Korea. The three foreigners each spoke only a small amount of Japanese. I don’t speak Spanish or Korean, the Spanish guy and Korean girl speak only some English (and none of each other’s language), and pretty much nobody knew each other’s languages other than the Japanese people.

We were quite the bunch.

So, after some introductions in slow Japanese, we went on our way through the trails. With my limited Japanese vocabulary, I managed to have a few animated conversations about where I’m from and what my job is, how great Japan is, and my favorite kinds of Japanese food. I also explained several times where in America Wisconsin is located.

After quickly using up my vocabulary, you would have thought the rest of the trip would be awkward and tedious. However, it turned out to be a great day! It was a fantastic brush-up course in the language of humble attempts and body language. The afternoon reminded me of how powerful expression, respect, and earnest attempts at speaking another language can be.

Sure, maybe our simple conversations took about ten times longer than they should have, but all of us, representing four different countries, did much more than communicate words. We helped bridge gaps and share mutual respect for each other’s countries and cultures. I only wish more people could have a similar experience at some points in their lives.