Nihongo: Learning Japanese
Contrary to popular belief it is never too late to learn a new language. All it takes is desire, faith, and determination to succeed. I just recently read an article that Tom Cruise preparing for the Last Samurai, spent 2 years to learn Nihongo, the Japanese language, as well as Iaido and Kenjutsu, the arts of the Japanese Sword.
Coming back from Japan for the 5th time in less then 2 years, I am surprised how much I have been able to pick up on basic Japanese. I have been studying on and off, and have not been very consistent in the past. But now I have a new will and determination to master this language. I have come to the conclusion that if you are studying Japanese Budo, then it is imperative to know Nihongo. How else can you capture the feeling and the spirit of the Japanese people and their culture? You can not entirely rely on translators, as they do their best in the moment, but there is alot being missed and not translated.
It is never too late, and no you dont have to be 5 years old to start learning languages. With the right language program that suits your needs and honest determination you will speaking it in no time. Patience and Nindure!
Article on Tom Cruise: http://tinyurl.com/c98dfq
Suggested Japanese Language program: http://tinyurl.com/dkrvvp
