Some time ago I was busy at home doing some work when my son came into the room and asked what I was doing. I explained what I was doing and he asked “Why?”, I explained why and then it started “Why are you doing that”, “Why” ahh…. All I could do was smile! It is one of those super annoying games that children like to play. Haha, it is also fun to play it back on them when you want to be annoying.
They have the same thing in Japanese “なんで?”. Whatever the reply it works. Why do children ask ‘why’ all the time? I guess they want to learn and asking ‘why’ is a great way to learn about the world.
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself ‘why’ you are learning Japanese?
I know on the first day of class in Junior high school my teacher didn’t ask us. My teacher in Senior high also did not ask, nor did any of my teachers all through university and beyond. Why did no one ask ‘why’. It is one of the most important things you can do to learn Japanese. If not THE most important thing!
If you know ‘why’ you are doing something you will be more motivated, you will focus more and you will study longer, harder and you will even remember more!
I was lucky. I set several Japanese learning goals early on when I started. I had a reason. I had a ‘why’.
Take some time today or tonight depending on when you are reading this and think about your ‘why’.
Why are you about to learn Japanese? (If you are just about to start)
Why are you learning Japanese? (If you are already learning)
Why are you teaching Japanese? (If you are a teacher)
Write down why you want to study Japanese and what you hope to get out of learning it. Stick your ‘why’ up so you can see it. It will help to motivate you and when things hard, it will help you remember ‘why’ you are putting in the time and effort.
Your ‘why’ does not need to be a deep philosophical thing. It can be as simple as ‘I want to be able to understand Anime.’ Or ‘I want to be able to travel in Japan without having to speak English’. It can also be a combination of several ‘whys’ You do not have to show anyone. This is something you can keep personal. If someone asks you can share a watered-down version of your ‘why’.
The important thing is to have a reason, otherwise, you will be like the person on holiday without a map. You will have no idea where you are going and why you are even there in the first place.
Try it now, write you ‘why’ or schedule sometime later in the day to write you ‘why’. But don’t forget to do it.
Comments