A Tool for Communication? Of What?

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

It's the same thing. It took me a while to realise this, but learning English in Japan is the same as learning Maori in New Zealand. When people in Japan talk about learning the language, they only talk about the actual learning of the language, the vocabulary and grammar mainly. Likewise, New Zealanders only see the Maori language as simply a tool for communication. In both cases, they are missing a major part of learning a language. You don't learn a language just to communicate with speakers of that language, you learn a language to learn the culture behind it, and at the same time, to learn about yourself.

Perhaps they need to change it from 'language learning' to something else, but you really notice it when people go overseas and actually come face-to-face with the speakers and environment of that language, when they are immersed in it. In my case, I was mesmerised by Japan, not only the language, but the culture, history, and people. If being immersed in the culture was more of a prerequisite, I can't help but think the outcomes would be different.

YAMABUSHI BLOG POSTS

Sun rising over Mt. Chokai
While the sun shines
Take it out on the mountains
Kiwi Yamabushi on Mt. Kinbo, one of the 100 mountains of Yamagata
Following the Ancient Paths of the Yamabushi on Mt. Kinbo

RANDOM POSTS

Up in the air
Instigate. Investigate.
action bicycling bike biking
When the sunken cost fallacy hits

MOUNTAINS OF WISDOM

Yamabushi newsletter

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Tim Bunting Kiwi Yamabushi

Get In Touch

Sakata City, Yamagata, Japan 

tim@timbunting.com

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading...
Scroll to Top