Reason(s) why I study Japanese

When others ask me what languages do I study, most of them are surprised by my response. Why do I study Japanese? I suppose the desire to learn the language goes back to over a decade or so. Yep, I became infatuated with anime. First it was those shows that came on television late at night, then I found out that I could see the original, "unAmericanized" versions. The only problem was...they were in Japanese. Sure, English subtitles were available, however I began to notice subtle changes in those subtitles depending on who made them. I picked up on certain words and their English meanings by watching anime. Certain words like "sugoi" and "chigaimasu" were interpreted slightly differently. To solve some of this confusion I discovered Japanese dramas. I wanted to see and hear the language being used in more everyday situational occurrences. Finally upon entering college, I decided there was no other time better than now to start learning the language formally from a teacher. Once I revealed my desire, someone suggested that I take this course in order to "ease" into the language rather than to be "slammed" with it (First year Japanese I course).

 

"Cowboy Bebop", to this day remains to be my favorite anime of all time. :)