Turning Japanese...

Today I've had my sixth Japanese lesson at Sydney University.

It's hard to say exactly why I have chosen to learn another language, and such a complex one too! I guess there is not one particular reason, rather a combination.

For example, when I travelled to Europe on a performance tour, I was invited to speak to a full class of Swedish students studying English at high school. To my surprise, they told me that they each know 4 or 5 languages fluently!I had found it shameful that in Australia, where we have so many cultures from immigrants around the world, that most people just speak English. On my return home to Perth, I attempted to learn Swedish, which is such a beautiful language, but didn't have access to classes, friends or resources to go very far. There are not many Swedes in Perth let me tell you that!

Then last year when looking through the brochure for the Sydney University - Centre for Continuing Education, I noticed a vast selection of language courses. Of course this is now quite a number of years later from my first attempt at learning a second language, and I was a little wiser. Firstly, I decided that I should learn a language that would be helpful for my 9-5 job, and if it could be useful, for my Drag work too. I also wanted to be interested in visiting the country and learning more about the culture. Also, If I change jobs at any stage, I would like to enter the tourism industry, and a second language always helps! Japanese had fit perfectly into all of my requirements.

I would also LOVE to perform in Japan if I had the chance, and of course visit for the food, arts, architecture, shopping and skiing!

So far things are going well with my classes. I have been learning numbers, dates and times recently over the last few weeks - and let me tell you, its not that easy at all! There are some patterns, but then there seem to be exceptions as well, which is taking me a little to get my head around.

I have learnt the basic hiragana symbols, but have a long way to go yet before I can truly read Japanese. Even if I learnt all the thousands of symbols that make up the written Japanese language, it's not enough to be able to read and pronounce words if you don't have the vocabulary to know what those words mean.

I get impatient and want to be a duck to water with this, but it looks like it will only happen with dedication and hard work.. DAMN IT!

I just need to keep telling myself - "Small steps!", and I'll get there.

I always think its a good idea to keep learning past high school and university. Whether it be learning something like dance or music just for the fun of it, management skills for a new job or promotion, or even a second language for a holiday - it sure beats sitting at home every night in front of the TV numbing the brain.

Checkout the Centre for Continuing Education website, and see what tickles your fancy. You never know, you may bump into a particular drag queen in the halls on campus!

PS. If anyone is interested in helping me with my Japanese, please contact me via my website. I'd love to have a buddy to practice with!