Why Learn Japanese?

Alistair Witt

November 29, 2006

Perhaps the most obvious and general reason people learn Japanese is so that

we can communicate with the Japanese people. However, there are also some

quite compelling profit-oriented reasons - trade. Both general and commercial

communication in the context of inter-cultural relationships are very complex. I

think that the concepts and ideas behind this complexity are worth investigating

and will testify to the importance of learning Japanese.

In 1976, Japan and Australia signed the Basic Treaty of Friendship. To cel-

ebrate its 30th anniversary, the two governments appointed 2006 the Australia-

Japan Year of Exchange in order to advocate friendship, stronger mutual ap-

preciation and co-operation between Japan and Australia. This indicates a

commitment to a continuing relationship between the two countries. The com-

mercial reasons behind this endeavour are quite apparent, but it also underlines

the importance of inter-cultural exchange where the benefits are long term and

substantial. Such exchange is made possible and enriched by competence in the

Japanese language.

Australia’s trade relationship with Japan is broad and well established.

Japan is Australia’s largest export market and this exchange continues to grow.

Japan is the second largest economy in the world, only to the US. This reason

alone makes knowing the Japanese language a highly sought after skill and sets

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you apart from the crowd. However, since businesses are increasingly trying to

keep pace within a networked global economy, fluency in the Japanese language

is all the more important. This applies to individuals as well as organisations

of all sizes.

I believe it vitally important to be a global citizen and to be aware of other

countries and their cultures. After all, this is the world we live in. In order to

understand and protect it better, we must gain an insight into other cultures,

their values/beliefs and their perspectives on the world. What better place to

learn this than in such an influential culture as Japan. There are many exciting

differences between Australian and Japanese lifestyles, politics, traditions and

language. Not only is this vital for inter-cultural awareness, but I find it makes

the experience of learning Japanese unique and fulfilling.

I feel that learning a foreign language helps to develop one’s own inter-

personal skills and learning abilities. This process entails the use of a wide

variety of skills and by practice, they are refined and enhanced. In addition,

being confronted by different cultural ideas can increase our ability to adapt

to and accept the changes in this busy world. What’s more, tis places us in a

position to invoke change.

I think that a lot of international disputes arise from (or are at least catalysed

by) inter-cultural ignorance. To me, this demonstrates the crucial need for

awareness between a wide range of international communities. We need to

make friends, stimulate international co-operation and cultivate global peace at

both individual and governmental levels.

Japan is one of the world’s foremost leaders with technology. Companies like

Sony, Toyota, Canon and Mitsubishi are some of the largest and most innovative

companies in the world and pave the way in many areas from semiconductor

manufacture and consumer electronics to nanotechnology and fermentation tech-

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niques. Moreover, of all the language groups on the internet, Japanese speakers

are the third largest. Our world is changing rapidly with technology and in order

to keep up with it (especially commercially), we must be aware and informed of

Japan’s leading role and be able to engage in the process.

The Japanese landscape is very beautiful and has great diversity, both natu-

ral and built - giant mountains to coral reefs and the awe inspiring architecture

of temples and shrines. The beauty of the cherry blossom in Japan is of in-

ternational renown, and is highly significant to the Japanese people. Learning

Japanese gives an unequalled entry into the phenomenal allure of the Japanese

natural and cultural environments.

The Japanese language’s structure contains honorifics and different forms of

words for varying levels of politeness. Not surprisingly, recognition of Japan’s

exceptionally polite and generous culture is widespread. Only immersion in the

language enables the subtleties to be recognisable.

Only 5.6% of the world’s total population speak English as their native

language. This means that even if you just speak English, you can still benefit

greatly from learning a foreign language. I feel that an understanding of a

foreign language and culture greatly opens windows of understanding into your

own language and culture. Concepts that we take for granted can be given a

whole different meaning in the context of another country.

After seeing the complexity of the squiggly characters, you could be forgiven

for thinking that the task of learning Japanese is near impossible. However,

it is not nearly as hard as you would think. Almost 130 million Japanese

people certainly manage to do it with very high literacy rates. Only two sets

of 46 characters and you are a huge step forward! On the other hand, learning

Japanese can certainly provide a fun challenge where desired.

One of the most immediately exciting reasons to learn another language is

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in order to travel overseas. The barrier that not knowing the language provides,

can be at the least very frustrating. Even a minimum of appropriate linguistic

knowledge can help alleviate a great deal of this frustration. Either through

sightseeing as a tourist or through study programs like Student Exchange Aus-

tralia, this can be a breathtaking affair because of exposure to a myriad of new

and unimaginable experiences. These experiences stay with you for the rest of

your life.

Indeed, Australia continues to be a very popular tourist destination for the

Japanese. About one fifth of international visitors to Australia are from Japan.

Being able to interact with the Japanese comfortably will open up many business

and social opportunities.

Japanese is a highly fascinating language, associated with a thoroughly inter-

esting and influential culture and people. Learning Japanese provides a fantastic

multiplicity of opportunities for individual development, commercial benefit and

being a constructive global citizen. Why not learn Japanese?