こんにちは世界。Hello world, it’s Midori, signing on for another blog
entry.
I’ve just
decided to mostly use the name Midori on this blog because it’s my Japanese
camp name and more and more people are calling me by it, so it can be the
web-name for my blog too. But either works, Midori, Abby, it’s all the same. xD
Today I’d like to talk about Anime, if I may. Because first of all, I was
watching K-ON earlier. And second of all, I am so sick and tired of the
internet debate about using Anime to learn 日本語.
Also, I’ve gotten a lot of questions recently about why I like Anime.
Like many of you JAPANOPHILES out there, I am a fan of
Anime of many kinds. But there are some things that I just want to get straight
here, because it’s been bothering me for a long time.
#1: Let’s address the whole “learning Japanese with
Anime” debate. Let me preface this statement with the fact that I have
absolutely nothing against using anime as a study tool, and I have learned tons
of casual phrases (not to mention phrases I probably should never say) from
watching my favorite shows. But where the 60% or so of anime fans go wrong is
by thinking that anime can stand alone as the ONLY way they learn Japanese. If
you’re hoping to sit down at your computer, or flatscreen, or smartphone or HOWEVER
you partake in your Anime, and just learn Japanese, then I’m very sorry to say
that you won’t get past “konnichiwa” or “itadakimasu”. Unless of course you are 4 or 5 years old and
still have the brain-power to soak up language like a sponge. THAT my friends,
is an entirely different story. So, if that’s NOT how to go about it, than how
can you work anime into your study schedule? Well, there’s many ways. (By the
way, if you want more study tips on how to SUCCESSFULLY learn Japanese, I will
write a whole separate blog post. But for now, I digress.)
l Keep in a notebook a list of phrases you hear in Anime that might become
useful to you.
l Take note of interesting cultural tidbits that
come up when you are watching, such as daily school life, popular music, or
Japanese holidays. You may learn a lot about the culture.
l Watch the sub version, NOT the dub, and try picking out phrases that you
understand instead of just zoning out and reading the subtitles.
l Find a version of the manga
online or in a store that has Japanese with furigana (little phonetical
characters on top of the characters to help you read), and use a dictionary to
help you sort out words you don’t know. (this is most successful if you’ve watched the anime and know the
story line, because you don’t stress out about knowing what’s going on, simply
focusing on learning something new.)
l Listen to or learn the theme song at the
beginning or end, usually they have Japanese and English subtitles, and it’s
interesting to learn Japanese through music. Pick out some key phrases from the
refrain, or get it for your iPod
l Talk to Japanese people who also like the Anime, have a conversation about
a favorite character. (KEEP IN MIND that not all Japanese people are going to
like the same anime you do, or even like anime at all. SO make sure to preface
your discussion with the question “do you like this anime?” so as not to annoy
them with constant anime chatter.)
l DON’T FORGET ABOUT OTHER FORMS OF STUDY, ANIME SHOULD
NOT BECOME THE SOLE REASON YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JAPANESE CULTURE IF YOU TRULY
WANT TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE.
Hopefully
that offered you some helpful tips!
Now that aside, I would like to talk
about the word ANIME as a whole. Many people ask the question “do you like
Anime” too broadly. There are many types of anime, just as there are many types
of TV shows. That would be like asking an American person “Do you like TV
shows?” They would probably respond by asking “what kind? I like certain
types.” There are comedy anime, romance anime, action anime, and dramatic
anime, as well as supernatural anime and any other kind you can imagine. Kids
anime, adult anime, anything you want. So even if you don’t like “cute stuff”
or cosplaying, and you don’t consider yourself an anime fan, be a little open
minded. Maybe there will be a more serious mystery anime, or an anime that
relates to your life. The word “anime” just refers to the fact that it is
animated. Or maybe it’s just not your style and you like dramas or reality
shows. It’s not half as much of a big deal as most of you make it out to be.
Just because you like anime doesn’t make you a “weaboo” or an “otaku”.
On the other side of the spectrum, the fanatic anime
fans out there have to understand that not everyone who is Japanese or is
interested in the culture is going to want to watch or talk about anime. It is
a specific interest. If you want to study Japanese, there should be some OTHER
motivation than just figuring out how to watch the anime without subtitles. Anime
is a small part of Japanese culture out of MANY different parts of Japanese
culture. It is a form of entertainment, but most people don’t think of it as
your LIFE. But however you think of anime, I hope it aids you in your Japanese
study, or simply just provides entertainment.
So we’ve established that I like Anime. SO what type?
And Why? I get these questions all the
time.
I tend to watch the more comedy or romantic
type animes. I like an anime that either makes me laugh hysterically, or cry
hysterically. It’s nice to unwind from reality with a touch of drama or comedy.
I
don’t like Anime that are too little kid based, or all about fighting and
action, although I admit I used to like Naruto. As a little kid. I enjoy anime
just because it’s a fun entertainment that also helps me study Japanese.
I
like anime that provoke different emotions, because I can chose an anime or
drama based on my mood. It’s nice. I also like the ART ASPECT to anime, as I
like to draw manga and keep a manga journal.
 |
| A sketch I did recently, I try to post one sketch every blog entry. :D |
But while there is lots I like about being a fan of
anime, there are some things I can’t stand.
l I
cannot stand people who talk like Anime characters on purpose. Correction, I
have no problem with the people themselves, I just wish they didn’t do that.
Real people do not talk or act like anime characters. (generally speaking) Some
anime are realistic, and close to real life, but most of them are a little out
of proportion. Anime characters’ reactions and voices are very unique. I know
girls who love anime so much they try to make their voices, outfits, and
behavior match there favorite characters. I think this is a BIT extreme. The
outfits I can understand, as I myself cosplay A LITTLE. This does not make me a
weaboo because I understand that my life is not an anime. (Although some days
it’s dramatic enough…)
l I hate
when people pronounce the word wrong when they’ve been watching it for years.
“Oh yeah, I like ANEEM. I like MAYNGA and AYNIMEE. This may just be a personal
pet peeve, and I may be over reacting, but it gets on my nerves. Don’t get me
wrong, I get it if you just honestly didn’t know. I have no issue with people
who do it by accident. But people who have been TOLD the correct pronunciation
and still REFUSE to do it are what bug me.
l When
people get into comment fights in the chatroom of anime websites about their different
opinions about the show, and they start getting nasty. People, chill, it’s just
a show. You don’t have to badmouth people for having different opinions or
liking different characters. I know, when it comes to pairings, I fiercly
defend my favorite couples, but I never make it personal and offend the other
person. That’s just wrong.
All that being
said, I really do enjoy anime. And I personally don’t mind if you don’t, it’s
your opinion. And if you don’t, I’m very sorry you had to read this long and
rambly rant/rave about something you dislike. (But you don’t have to read it…)
Please put your opinions in the comments, I love to hear. <3 you guys are
the nicest commenters. You make my day.
To end this on a POSITIVE note, these are three of the top famous anime
quotes I have most heard of. Guess what anime they came from in the comments,
and I’ll tell you if you were right. This is also food for thought for you fellow
learners of 日本語。(as for you guys, I’ll try to make a study tips blog post soon.)
1)
「真実はいつもひとつ」
“One truth prevails”
2) 「月にかわっておしおきよ！」 “In the name of the Moon, I will punish you! ”
3) 「俺が諦めるのを諦めろ！」 “Maybe you should give up on me
giving up!”
GUESSES, GUESSES, I WANT YOUR GUESSES BELOW IN THE COMMENTS :D
Oh
my, that blog was longer than I had wanted… ごめん！
Thank
you for being faithful readers. (I’m not sure how many of you there are yet,
but thanks!) I’ll have a blog about the happenings of my life up soon.
Thanks for
reading!
This is ミドリ(MIDORI) singing off for now ^_^
