There's a lot of people on this forum, i was wondering what are some of the reasons you guys are learning japanese, and is it worth it to learn japanese without a good reason or in another words just to learn the language. I really want to learn the language but i don't have good reason why i just want to learn it, i don't know if it's worth spending a lot of time studying the language if i'm never going to use it. I been studying the language for a month and a half now, i already remember the kana, some kanji, know a couple grammar rules, and know some sentences with kanji in them. I really want to go to japan some day that's my dream but know it's impossible for me, the reasons are this.
1.i'm living in the U.S.A but i wasn't born here i was born in mexico.
2.i'm 22 years old
3.when i was in high school we were moving from place to place so i mised the semesters every time we move and couldn't get the credits.

I know my life is pretty much screwed up, and don't really know what to do know. Please advice..
P.S... i'm ready for racist comments.

Here's the thread you're looking for.

http://forum.koohii.com/showthread.php?tid=2214&page=8

It would be nice if you could repost there.
And don't worry, if Khatzumoto can do it, anyone can do it,
all it needs is a little dedication.
Become really good, and trust your feelings.
Well sure, if deep down you're a materialist jerk, quit lying to yourself.
But most of the Japanese learners aren't like that (so I guess you're not).
Just have a plan b just in case (like a job in tourism including Japanese (in Hawai for starters for example)).


I mean: I'm a slob, I'm 28, and I won't get my M.D. in FLE (like your English as a Foreign Language) before I'm 30, and I still haven't given up on my dream.
(Luffy, this one's for you.)

If you truly want to learn the language; isn't that reason enough?

I sure know it's my most important one... I started on that whim, and now I can't stop. And when I look back at my kana practice sheets from 1.5 years back, it makes it all worth it.

I realize that learning Japanese is a massive undertaking. Personally, I'm considering it a hobby. Some people collect stamps, I plan to collect a language. When I can find the time, I like to write. Its amazing how your perspective on your own language changes when you study another. Also, I know its cliche, but I enjoy reading manga and watching anime. I hope to spend two years learning the language and paying off my college loans. Once that's behind me, I want to spend a year in Japan, teaching English to pay the bill and spending all my spare time exploring. I realize its not necessary to learn the language in order to teach in Japan, but honestly, who in their right mind spends any significant amount of time in a foreign country without first learning the language?

thanks ERATIK for your motivation, i'm new at this forum stuff so i didn't know where to post. I really want to learn the language and hopefully hopefully some day visit japan.

I'm glad to hear that.

RTK and Anki will give you an edge to make this come true in a very short time .

(really, when I think of all the Japanese learners of the past, what a nightmare! I mean they must have liked it, but nowadays, we're, what, ten times more efficient?)

three22geo Wrote:1.i'm living in the U.S.A but i wasn't born here i was born in mexico.
2.i'm 22 years old
3.when i was in high school we were moving from place to place so i mised the semesters every time we move and couldn't get the credits.

I know my life is pretty much screwed up, and don't really know what to do know. Please advice..

You're not screwed up for life, you're in a perfect position to become great. Only problem is are you willing to work for it?

Gates, Jobs and Ellison did pretty well despite not finishing their diploma so I guess its safe to say not having formal education doesn't necessarily mean you're screwed.

As for the language, if you find it interesting go for Japanese. If you want a return on your investment go with Chinese. But I think you're in a good spot anyway (language wise): Spanish & English are really handy everywhere around the world.

People really tend to overestimate their problems and risks but rarely see how much potential they already have. Look at Tim Ferris for a few hints about that.

three22geo Wrote:I know my life is pretty much screwed up, and don't really know what to do know. Please advice..
P.S... i'm ready for racist comments.

Racist comments? This isn't 4chan. Your post kind of implies you didn't finish highschool, if that's the case I hope you got a GED (if you didn't, the test is stupid easy and you should). After that you can go to a community college and transfer to a 4-year pretty easily. If you have a Mexican passport I'm pretty sure you can stay in Japan without a visa longer than with an American passport. You could go there with the WWOOF program which doesn't require any qualifications at all (just proof of identity).

PS: I'm not suggesting WWOOF just because you're Mexican

First of all, Three22geo, welcome to the forums! I'm really glad you found your way here. I'm fairly new but have been reading this forum for quite a while. I think you'll find it's a really nice place to be, populated by caring, friendly folks!

Secondly, at 22, you're at a great time to continue learning Japanese (you said you've already started -- good for you!!!). I assume you know Spanish as well as English, so you've already proven you are capable of learning new languages.

Finally, you asked, "is it worth it to learn japanese without a good reason...".

astendra Wrote:If you truly want to learn the language; isn't that reason enough?

So true.

Long story short, Three22geo, go for it! Have fun and enjoy your studies! And, by the way, don't be so quick to say it's "impossible" that you'll ever get a chance to go to Japan. You never know...

Thank you all of you guys for encouraging me, like i said i'm kind of new to forums, so i didn't know what to expect. I was planning to enroll in adult school on january, in the mean time i'm going to continue study japanese. I know if i want to visit japan i need to leave the U.S, i guess i'm willing to leave the U.S just for that. That might or will happen in 4 or 5 years. I need to try and get a decent education before i go back to mexico.

P.S...my parents brought me to the u.s when i was 3 years old, it wasn't my choice but i'm glad they did.

quincy Wrote:

three22geo Wrote:I know my life is pretty much screwed up, and don't really know what to do know. Please advice..
P.S... i'm ready for racist comments.

Racist comments? This isn't 4chan. Your post kind of implies you didn't finish highschool, if that's the case I hope you got a GED (if you didn't, the test is stupid easy and you should). After that you can go to a community college and transfer to a 4-year pretty easily. If you have a Mexican passport I'm pretty sure you can stay in Japan without a visa longer than with an American passport. You could go there with the WWOOF program which doesn't require any qualifications at all (just proof of identity).

PS: I'm not suggesting WWOOF just because you're Mexican

WOW i didn't know about the WWOOF program, and thanks for all this information

On RTK you don't study Japanese.

Japanese studies YOU.

ropsta Wrote:On RTK you don't study Japanese.

Japanese studies YOU.

了解しました

that is very true...

100% to read more Japanese books.