Insert HTML hereJapanese Lessons
Behind the Lessons
Although I had always been interested in learning new languages—even if it was just learning greetings or how to say “I love you”—I laughed at my schoolmates who took Japanese lessons during the long school holidays. I considered languages like Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean to be not my cup of tea.
A year later, a new Japanese course opened near my house. The first 4 sessions were free and no strings attached. Free! Yay! I signed up to prove that I was right about Japanese and her siblings.
My textbook was written in Romaji, the alphabet for Japanese syllables. First, we learned how to introduce ourselves. “What an interesting way to introduce yourself,” I said to myself. “Rather complicated, but fascinating.”
I went home and tried to memorize the lines at home.
“What are you saying?” Mom asked.
“I’m introducing myself,” I answered.
“Oh.”
I can’t describe in words exactly how, but this teacher successfully converted me from a hater to a lover–of the Japanese language. Her name was Retno. Through her way of explaining the language, I saw the beauty of the language.
Although I was fully aware that this Romaji wouldn’t last forever, I was ready to go the extra mile for this new love of my life.
The following year, I found myself sitting in a Japanese-style classroom donated to Padjadjaran University by the Japan Foundation.
A classmate from junior high, who was then in Australia, called. “Hey, how are you doing? Kuliah di mana?
I answered, and in shock, she replied,
“Apa? Jepang?? Bukannya kata elo… (Didn’t you say…).”
Long story short, I made a living from the Japanese language. My fondness grew from just the language to the culture and the country.
Only one thing I regret. When I returned to Jakarta, Ibu Retno was no longer teaching at the language school. Retno-sensei, hontou ni arigatou gozaimashita!
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