new language = haaaaaaard

man, I had forgotten how difficult and disorienting a new language can be. It has been 8 years since I first started spanish, and my current confidence and proficiency in the language has glossed over my memory of the torment of the first few years. Now I'm at the point where I can think in that language, and my thoughts take shape nicely in a communicative, coherent form. it's niiiiiiice. Granted, it wasn't always like that...I remember approaching my spanish professor practically in tears of frustration over my lack of ability, DESPITE the diligence and devotion I gave to my studies. It really sucked. I was naturally a good student (more or less), but I had spent soooooo much time sweating over spanish, and still was struggling to maintain a B- in the class...er, ALL my spanish classes. Fortunately, after a lot of grammar courses, and 7 months in south america, I finally got spanish on lock down.

Anyways, all this came rushing back when I tried to take my first, halting steps in japanese. Trying to pronounce the words, listening to the excercises, writing a foreign alphabet, conceptualizing the organization of the language. To be honest, half of the time I spend working on the homework is just figuring out where it is in the book...

I guess I'm realizing that language just doesn't come easily to me. Not for lack of trying, of course. Or even lack of enthusiasm, for that matter. I'm taking this class as an elective, fer chrissakes. for FUN. just BECAUSE. Looks like I have a twisted sense of fun, because I already know that this class is going to kick my ass.

So why am I taking it? Because I already know I'm going to love it. In my short experience on this planet, I've come to realize that the best way to understand (and dive into) a new culture is to 1) learn the language, and 2) follow the music.* I've been fascinated by Japan since I visited it in 2004 with my grandmother. It was an incredible experience, which I will probably talk about in another post, but let's just say that it made a big impact on me, and I've been thinking about it ever since. Also, I currenly work for a graffiti non-profit organization, and I would like to travel to Japan after graduation to check out the vibrant graffiti scene they've got going on over there (among other reasons, of course).

*the second realization is reflected in my major-I study "youth, music, and politics".I think popular music (and by "popular", I mean "young", not just "mainstream") is one of the most accurate representations of the current philosophies, interests, lifestyles, struggles, and fetishes of the youth population. Anyways, I'm already enamored of this book I picked up called Hip Hop Japan, which is a anthropological look at the hip hop craze in japan. I consider it to be my study supplement. I'll let you know how it goes...

In sum, I'm willing to roll up my sleeves and work hard for this course, but I'm warning you already, it's not going to be an easy feat. So please be patient with me. I will get it eventually, it just takes me longer than other people. that being said, bring it on-