Hai! Gambarimasu! Arigato gozaimasu, and welcome to the Box!

Asfour, Welcome to Tololy’s Box. I understand your confusion. The Haiku contest I speak of was that of 2005, the one you have read about is next year’s. I am much obliged that you told me when it will be held, I just might get involved in this one!

Where did you see that announcement? I am curious. I have not seen it myself. Thanks all the same, and I hope you drop by often.

I thank you for the compliment about the languages and the pictures,it’s been quite some time since I last posted a cultural entry with images. Good thing you reminded me to do that :)

Mili, I am thrilled to have you as a visitor to the Box. I think it really is nice to learn languages and touch different cultures while doing that, that is basically why I love languages so much.

I agree with you that when you start learning a certain tongue, what you know overshadows what you don’t. The sheer excitement of understanding a few words in a 15-minute conversation is absolutely surreal.

Welcome to Tololy’s Box, I honestly hope you enjoy your stay and never hesitate to drop your mind via comments or e-mails.

Anonymous person, I cannot see the characters because I do not have Japanese enabled. You are welcome to post in Romaji, if that’s what you wish to do.

The event you described wounded really interesting. It’s such an opportunity to be able to immerse yourself into another culture both linguistically and by meeting people without even leaving the city. (Of course it’s wonderful to travle too, but one should never underestimate what can be found right next door).

I find that the wonderful part about learning a new language is that what you do know usually overshadows what you don’t. When I am learning a new language, even if I only understand 10% of a conversation, it’s so inspiring to recognize words and make yourself understood that you completely forget that the other 90% still means nothing. It’s inspiring and makes you want to learn more! I enjoyed your post, and good luck with the Japanese!

My wife also speaks English without an aceent, but it is cute when she puts together sentences in an Arabic manner that just doesnt work in English, such as “close the lights” or “higher the volume.”

Thanks for the offer of help. I am impressed with your English. I have been told English is a pretty hard language to learn as well, but you got Japanese and Italian as well, Masha’Allah.

I really like your pictures and the information on the different peoples of Jordan.

I think it is amazing that you can understand what is said in an Arabic conversation, that is a feat in itself.

I really admire your attempt at learning the language, and should you need any linguistic help, you need only ask me, I will help when I can :)