I am studying Japanese for a number of reasons. I first became interested in Japanese history last year in a class called "The Economic History of Japan" which is offered by the Economics Department. In this class I became interested in studying the major political and economic transformations of the Meiji Restoration. Over this past summer I worked at the University of Tokyo with an economics professor from Columbia University to measure changes in income after the Treaty of Kanagawa. This year I would like to study the economic policies of the Meiji government specifically focusing on state sponsored factory building in the 1870s. In order to complete this research it would be helpful to be able to read primary source documents from the 1800s. Additionally, I am currently taking a course at Columbia in the history department that focuses on the Tokugawa bakufu. I would really like to delve into the historical literature of this period and also read Japanese historiography. Beyond academic interests I really enjoyed my time in Japan and would love to return there or live there one day. I also only speak one language other than English (Italian). I would really like to learn how to read another script other than Latin script. It has been very fulfilling to be able to read Hiragana and I am excited to learn Katakana and Kanji.
That's a really cool and unique reason for taking Japanese! I didn't even know there were courses like that available :)
ReplyDeleteYeah they're fascinating!
DeleteLike Chloe said, your motivation is very particular to your case and interesting. I'm curious how it was at working in Tokyo without any Japanese or being able to read the script. Also because you're a 4th year and have such great reasons for taking Japanese, I'm wondering if you intend to continue studying the language after you graduate.
ReplyDelete-Allison
I really hope to continue learning! Yeah it was really difficult getting around Japan without being able to read
DeleteI think your motivation to learn Japanese is really unique. While Japanese economics itself has a unique background and interesting characteristics, you will find more from the Japanese language and culture. Also, learning the language will help you understand better in Japan's economic policy and history!
ReplyDeleteI hope so! I've already watched some of my first anime
DeleteHallo, my name is Kenyu Osato.
ReplyDeleteI'm Japanese student in Ritsumeikan University.
What do you think about result of middle election in the United States?
Is it good thing or not?
In my opinion, it is good thing because it will be reflected opinions of civilians.
Hi Kenyu! Thank you for your comment. Yes I agree, I think this election had very positive results. I personally hate Donald Trump and therefore I hope the government will do whatever it can to limit his power. I think that a Democratic Congress will help with that.
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