Narrative
Overall Integrative Narrative:
I chose Japanese Language and Culture as my major because of the interest I had as a young boy watching and playing games such as Dragon ball Z, Pokémon and Mario bros. I use to be curious to where these games originated and why they were so distinctly different from shows that other kids around me saw. When the opportunity came in high school to take elective courses, Japanese 101 was one that stuck out to me right way. I made sure that I was able to take the course. In this class I was able to learn many things about Japan and its culture. I learn all about their writing systems, their love for art and the integration of nature and civilization. Yet the question I had was never answered, As I came to college I had entered as a business major for the purpose of fulfilling my parents request. As time passed I grew less interested in the Business major, it was not until I had to take a language course in order to fulfill the university language requirement that I was reminded of that interest I had when I was a little boy. I quickly jumped over to the Japanese Language and Culture major in order to entice that interest I had before. Know I have devoted my time to study Japanese Language and culture.
This major has made me realize the importance of having a diverse mindset when communicating with different people. Along with this have developed a deeper appreciation of the Japanese language and its culture. Through engaging activities, small presentations, and class discussions that require us to use our knowledge of Japanese I have learned to be confident in my abilities as a foreign language learner. Along with the ability to present in the target language my development in the understanding of Japanese culture has allowed me to act appropriately with others, by being sensitive and receptive to their religious and personal beliefs. Along with these I have been able to effectively use technology to be able to present and demonstrate course projects to staff members and classmates.
My initial goal coming into this major was to understand the different perspectives that Japanese people have compared to Americans. Having been exposed to some Japanese courses in high school it made it was apparent that both Japanese and American had very different life styles. I believe that I have attained my goal to a certain extent thanks to the various courses I have taken at California State University of Monterey Bay and my study abroad experience at Dokkyo University. Studying abroad is as close to as I could in reaching my initial goal; living in Saitama for one academic year gave me the chance to understand the differences of Japan and America.
The area that I am most proud of is having a better understanding of the Japanese culture and the behaviors that come with their life styles. Something that I have seen tremendous development is in my abilities to pronounce coherently in the Japanese language. In the future I plan on developing a wider range of Japanese vocabulary so that I can be an efficient instructor once I finish my degree at California State University of Monterey Bay.
I chose Japanese Language and Culture as my major because of the interest I had as a young boy watching and playing games such as Dragon ball Z, Pokémon and Mario bros. I use to be curious to where these games originated and why they were so distinctly different from shows that other kids around me saw. When the opportunity came in high school to take elective courses, Japanese 101 was one that stuck out to me right way. I made sure that I was able to take the course. In this class I was able to learn many things about Japan and its culture. I learn all about their writing systems, their love for art and the integration of nature and civilization. Yet the question I had was never answered, As I came to college I had entered as a business major for the purpose of fulfilling my parents request. As time passed I grew less interested in the Business major, it was not until I had to take a language course in order to fulfill the university language requirement that I was reminded of that interest I had when I was a little boy. I quickly jumped over to the Japanese Language and Culture major in order to entice that interest I had before. Know I have devoted my time to study Japanese Language and culture.
This major has made me realize the importance of having a diverse mindset when communicating with different people. Along with this have developed a deeper appreciation of the Japanese language and its culture. Through engaging activities, small presentations, and class discussions that require us to use our knowledge of Japanese I have learned to be confident in my abilities as a foreign language learner. Along with the ability to present in the target language my development in the understanding of Japanese culture has allowed me to act appropriately with others, by being sensitive and receptive to their religious and personal beliefs. Along with these I have been able to effectively use technology to be able to present and demonstrate course projects to staff members and classmates.
My initial goal coming into this major was to understand the different perspectives that Japanese people have compared to Americans. Having been exposed to some Japanese courses in high school it made it was apparent that both Japanese and American had very different life styles. I believe that I have attained my goal to a certain extent thanks to the various courses I have taken at California State University of Monterey Bay and my study abroad experience at Dokkyo University. Studying abroad is as close to as I could in reaching my initial goal; living in Saitama for one academic year gave me the chance to understand the differences of Japan and America.
The area that I am most proud of is having a better understanding of the Japanese culture and the behaviors that come with their life styles. Something that I have seen tremendous development is in my abilities to pronounce coherently in the Japanese language. In the future I plan on developing a wider range of Japanese vocabulary so that I can be an efficient instructor once I finish my degree at California State University of Monterey Bay.