I've always been interested in other cultures. I've always been fascinated by people's different customs, backgrounds, heritage, foods etc. One thing about myself is that I have always had an open mind for new things and learning a new language was one of them. So out of all the different languages of my interest that was up for choosing (French, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Indian), I chose Japanese. Why? Well its quite an interesting story really.......
Growing up in a very Asian neighborhood, I always found myself being very fond of almost anythig that comes from the Far East. I have had this fascination ever since I was child. As I came to grow older (probably around the age of 7 or 8) I was introduced to Anime which sparked my interest with its unique drawing style and explosive storylines. Like many other people who like the Japanese for their cartoons, I too was drawn in by the phenomenon. Years had passed, and as my mind grew so did my thirst for more knowledge of the Japanese culture. Japan had won my heart as well as my respect as I came to learn simple facts about its people and their every day lives. Yes, anime did play a significant role for luring my curiosity, but I knew there was MUCH more to the Land of the Rising Sun. I didnt know where to start as I was still in high school at the time when my love for Japan began. I started listening to Japanese music, began reviewing the Katakana and Hiragana charts (which at the time I thought were very difficult), and even took a serious liking to Japanese girls =D  I once remember being at my grandmothers house and playing some Japanese music on my Ipod when my grandmother walks in and says to me "Is that Japanese?". Looking very surprised I said to her "Yes Mami, but how did you know that?" She told me that the Japanese have a lot of influence throughout the world; even the country where I'm from (Ecuador) hails some people from Japan that play a big role in society over there. My admiration, of course, increased tenfold.
When I entered college, I was very excited as I would be given the opportunity that I had been finally wanting for a long time. I promised myself that I was going to integrate the Japanese language into myself and that it wouldnt be something that I learn and then throw away. Ever since I took Elementary Japanese I have done a lot of progression with the language and its people. I have been to events at Japan Society, made a friend who is from Japan that can help me practice the language, and I've made friends who have the same interests as me. So what are my plans for the future with Japanese??? Well, hopefully I will do the Study Abroad Program, make more friends who are Japanese, and maybe even find some love........ One thing is for sure, I know that I will be successful and wherever I go so will my love for The Land of the Rising Sun and its people! Thanks for reading =)  ありがとうございます!!!!

Comments (2)

On September 14, 2012 at 11:35 AM , 晴れと雪 said...

ホセさんは、本当に日本のことが大好きですねえ。日本語を出来るは、良かったです。

 
On September 14, 2012 at 12:18 PM , ホセルイス said...

エミリオさん、あなたのコメントはやさしです。でも、あなたの日本語をなおします。このウエブシトはとてもいいですよ!。カンジアラーイブをためします。