One of the most enriching experiences I have had with a culture so unlike mine was during my study of the Japanese language, under the supervision of Kobayashi sensei. I am not claiming to possess a high level of proficiency in the langauge, because any such claim would be a lie easily stripped naked. But having said that, I do not think one can have enough of a language or a culture one admires as much as I admire the Japanese face of the world.
At a certain point a Japanese poetry contest was organized by the Japanese embassy in Amman and the Department of Modern Languages at the University of Jordan. Kobayashi sensei informed us, her students so marginal in number, of the event and bid us try to make it.
I made myself ready and off I went to the meeting place, on the appointed rendez- vous, and there so many people were talking in Japanese and English, and seldom in Arabic. I found Kobayashi sensei and it was such a relief to see a familiar face since I had no clue where to go or what to do; the hall seemed so full that I thought I would not even score a seat. Luckily though, Kobayashi sensei eased my uneasiness and motioned me to a spot where I can sit and claim my own with no competition. She even gave me a magazine and a fold of some 20 papers, and I value free prints.
Sitting in my chair, unearthing my fresh treasures and looking about me with eager eyes hunting for every detail. Here a smile there a nod, it was a cultural mumbo jumbo; considering how big my eyes are and how neatly sized those of the Japs are.
I contemplated participating in the contest, but I then thought the matter over and dismissed the notion. Kobayashi sensei tried to talk me into it, telling me of all the great prizes to be won by those who dare perform infront of the Japanese ambassador and a crowd of native speakers for referees, as well as a decent number of humble Arabic-speaking Japanese-learning students and professionals.
During the time Kobayashi sensei was trying to convince me to get involved in the Haiku contest, I was torn up in such a turmoil of thought. I believe I wanted to recite that bit of poetry in Japanese, then explain it in English or Arabic and record my reflections on it, infront of a hungry hall lusting for my presentation. But the conflict lay in the fact that I had not been prepared, psychologically speaking, to “just do it”. I owned the issue required more time for me to gear up and summon my public speaking abilities to my rescue, and the crowd’s demand.
The event itself was pleasant, however. I enjoyed every second of the time I spent there. A graphic designer, I believe this was his profession, won the grand prize. His presentation was appealing,hence he was deserving.
So touched was I, and I still am, by this unique form of art that I shall post about it. My personal favorite involves a cat, it was composed by a poet named Issa. I got this from some one hundred papers that Kobayashi sensei gave me, Arigato Gozaimasu, sensei. Following is the Romaji - Japanese in Roman characters- of the Haiku and its English translation.
nete okite ooakubishite neko no koi
Having slept, the cat gets up,
And with great yawns,
Goes love-making
Although I do speak non-pedantic Greek and Polish, Japanese is still out of my reach. Doing a presentation before an anxious audience has its own pros and cons, doing it in Japanese is a real feat.
It was smart of you not to take that leap, I think that unless you know your subject real well you shouldn’t venture into an alien territory. Poem is hard in any language, not just in Japanese.
My father, may Allah have mercy on his soul, decided to learn Japanese at age 50. He was actually rather good at it after a few years. I think it is almost as hard as Arabic.
What was amazing was him being able to do so well at his age. They say that after age 14 your ability to learn any language does down, but he spoke several languages already. They also say that learning your second language makes it much easier to learn a 3rd and 4th.
Hatem Abunimeh, I admit I have a hint of regret now because I did not take part in the contest. It could’ve been nice.
Abu Sinan,
Amazing story! I admire people who never stop learning.
What you said about age and language acquisition is valid, as well as the bit about learning the third language being easier than learning the second, so on and so forth. How’s your Arabic by the way?
????????????
???????????JICA??????????????
?????????????????????????????????????
?????? :)
???? said… it is densely to be, ?? ????! It is transferring ? ????. Japan the bottle neck it does to JICA, and the Kobayashi teacher and Japan it can do in ????? teacher ? me, is. The ? seeing,: )
to those who dont know J
Hajimemashite Rawan-san! dozou yoroshiku :)
I apologize for the romaji reply but I do not have Japanese enabled, yet :) Feel free to drop by any time, to arigato gozaimasu for the comment. I hope I will meet you at JICA :)
My Arabic is, well, okay. Tayab, wahamdulillah. Ana atkalam Arabi shwaya, shwaya. I have taken several classes, but of course, that is foosa7, which is different than normal spoken Arabic.
I was actually at a disadvantage, at first, taking these classes. I had to “unlearn” much of the Arabic I had learned from my wife, as she speaks Hijazi dialect, I found that many of the words and pronounciations were different.
I still have a hard time in conversation due to the fact that depending on where a person comes from there are so many different ways to say things and different words for the same thing. Just because I know, for instance, that “chicken” is “dujaj” to certain areas, like my wife’s Hijazi family, it is another word to others, like the word the Egyptians use.
All in all I understand much better than I speak. I can read, but not write. I can hold my own, not bad for starting to learn in your late 20’s. I speak English and German, but Arabic is SO much harder. One wonders how much better I would be had I started in my early teens?
Abu Sinan, well I think you are too harsh on yourself. Arabic is not exactly the easiest language around, and as you mentioned, there are innumerable dialects and ways to say things.
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 :)
Thanks. I admit I have cheated, however, with my wife at home being fluent in Arabic I had an unfair advantage over others.
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.
Tololy,
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!
Tololy ????… Hajimemashite Rawan ??! dozou ?yoroshiku ?:) ??romaji ?????????????????????????????:) ?????????????????????arigato ?gozaimasu ??????????????????????:)
Abu Sinan, I wouldn’t say that’s cheating, it’s excellent that you have someone to talk to in Arabic. Not having a native speaker around makes life much harder for a language student.
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.
Yes, pictures! LOL! I love them. I loved the ones on the old house you posted. I love old house, the history.
I am a bit confused here. I am just reading the announcement of this contest (haiku) PLUS the speach contest. It will be held on the 11th of March 2006 ??!!??
Abu Sinan, stay tuned.
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 got it from JICA, and the form will be published online may be next week @ http://www.jordan.emb-japan.go.jp
ganbatte kudasai
?????????
Asfour,
Hai! Gambarimasu! Arigato gozaimasu, and welcome to the Box!