Link evidence
Overall Integrative Narrative
Why Did I Choose to be a Japanese Language and Culture Major
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been interested in Japanese culture. It began with discovering anime, like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Inuyasha.” Although, at the time I did not realize these shows were from another country, but once I did, I was instantly intrigued. This led me to read manga and listen to music. As I learned more about Japan’s pop culture, I began to grow more and more interested in the traditional culture, such as learning about kimono and different folklore, as elements of it can be found in many aspect of pop culture. As the years went by, I never lost my interest in Japan and its culture and I knew that I wanted to learn the language. I was finally given the opportunity to take classes in community college and I knew that I wanted to be a Japanese Language and Culture major.
What I have learned
By being a Japanese major, I have learned a lot about the Japanese language and culture with the help of classes and the MLO's, which develop certain skills and knowledge for all my goals. All the language courses I took at CSUMB helped with my development of the language. I gain the skills of being able to communicate in the three modes through the many presentations, in-class discussions and casual conversations, while building my grammar and vocabulary (MLO 1). The culture courses that I took, as well, furthered my understanding of Japan. In these classes, I was able learn about Japanese beliefs, values, etiquette, society and much more currently and throughout Japan's history (MLO 2). One of the last courses I took, while not relating to Japan but still developed my understanding of it, was Chicano Novel. Many people would find it a little out of place, that a Japanese major would have take a course about another country's culture. However, without this requirement I would not have otherwise learned what I did about Mexican and Mexican-American life nor would I have been able to see the difference and similarities between Japanese and Mexican culture, myth, and values (MLO 3).
My Experience
Being in the Japanese Language and Culture program has been an challenging experience. However, there are several moments that I’m proud of. The first would be my Capstone, a year long project I did with my partner. During this times we did a lot of research on our topic in English and Japanese, conducted a survey in both languages, and presented our finding in a 25 minute long presentation. When I first transferred in, I never thought I would ever be able to do such a large project in English, let alone Japanese. Though Capstone I was able to learn how to use appropriate research methods and how to collect, manage and analyze data from our survey (MLO 4). Secondly, through CSUMB and the Japanese Major, I was able to study abroad in Kyoto, Japan for a year, where I was able to immerse myself in Japanese culture and language. I was able to observe and experience the daily lives of Japanese people personally, the local dialect, and more. My time abroad was one of my most memorable experience and I was able develop a deeper understanding and connection to Japan (MLO 5).
Goals
My goal in the beginning was simply just learn the language. However, I have come to realize that there is more to it than just study the grammar and vocabulary and one of the hardest part of learning a new language is self-confidence. Which is why, my goal evolved to gaining the confidence needed to hold a conversations and to not be afraid to make mistakes. However, this is a goal I haven’t achieved yet, but it doesn’t mean that I will stop learning Japanese. With me returning to Japan for a job, this will be the prefect opportunity to achieve this goal by being able to use Japanese daily and talk with me people who can help further improve my speaking ability.
With all the courses and assignments that I have done throughout studies at CSU Monterey Bay, I feel very accomplished and proud of myself. However, even though I will be graduation this Spring (2017), there are still many things that I can and need to learn about Japan’s language and culture. I will always be working to further develop and maintain my Japanese skills. However, as mentioned before, my speaking and listening skill are my weakest point and will need to most work to get to the point where I can express my opinions and thoughts to other.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been interested in Japanese culture. It began with discovering anime, like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Inuyasha.” Although, at the time I did not realize these shows were from another country, but once I did, I was instantly intrigued. This led me to read manga and listen to music. As I learned more about Japan’s pop culture, I began to grow more and more interested in the traditional culture, such as learning about kimono and different folklore, as elements of it can be found in many aspect of pop culture. As the years went by, I never lost my interest in Japan and its culture and I knew that I wanted to learn the language. I was finally given the opportunity to take classes in community college and I knew that I wanted to be a Japanese Language and Culture major.
What I have learned
By being a Japanese major, I have learned a lot about the Japanese language and culture with the help of classes and the MLO's, which develop certain skills and knowledge for all my goals. All the language courses I took at CSUMB helped with my development of the language. I gain the skills of being able to communicate in the three modes through the many presentations, in-class discussions and casual conversations, while building my grammar and vocabulary (MLO 1). The culture courses that I took, as well, furthered my understanding of Japan. In these classes, I was able learn about Japanese beliefs, values, etiquette, society and much more currently and throughout Japan's history (MLO 2). One of the last courses I took, while not relating to Japan but still developed my understanding of it, was Chicano Novel. Many people would find it a little out of place, that a Japanese major would have take a course about another country's culture. However, without this requirement I would not have otherwise learned what I did about Mexican and Mexican-American life nor would I have been able to see the difference and similarities between Japanese and Mexican culture, myth, and values (MLO 3).
My Experience
Being in the Japanese Language and Culture program has been an challenging experience. However, there are several moments that I’m proud of. The first would be my Capstone, a year long project I did with my partner. During this times we did a lot of research on our topic in English and Japanese, conducted a survey in both languages, and presented our finding in a 25 minute long presentation. When I first transferred in, I never thought I would ever be able to do such a large project in English, let alone Japanese. Though Capstone I was able to learn how to use appropriate research methods and how to collect, manage and analyze data from our survey (MLO 4). Secondly, through CSUMB and the Japanese Major, I was able to study abroad in Kyoto, Japan for a year, where I was able to immerse myself in Japanese culture and language. I was able to observe and experience the daily lives of Japanese people personally, the local dialect, and more. My time abroad was one of my most memorable experience and I was able develop a deeper understanding and connection to Japan (MLO 5).
Goals
My goal in the beginning was simply just learn the language. However, I have come to realize that there is more to it than just study the grammar and vocabulary and one of the hardest part of learning a new language is self-confidence. Which is why, my goal evolved to gaining the confidence needed to hold a conversations and to not be afraid to make mistakes. However, this is a goal I haven’t achieved yet, but it doesn’t mean that I will stop learning Japanese. With me returning to Japan for a job, this will be the prefect opportunity to achieve this goal by being able to use Japanese daily and talk with me people who can help further improve my speaking ability.
With all the courses and assignments that I have done throughout studies at CSU Monterey Bay, I feel very accomplished and proud of myself. However, even though I will be graduation this Spring (2017), there are still many things that I can and need to learn about Japan’s language and culture. I will always be working to further develop and maintain my Japanese skills. However, as mentioned before, my speaking and listening skill are my weakest point and will need to most work to get to the point where I can express my opinions and thoughts to other.