Yes, like the topic says, in two days I’ll be going to Japan for the first time. Naturally, I’m pretty excited to say at least and I hope to be able to put my meager skills to at least to some use.
I’m well aware of most things, like customs and such, but I’d like a small piece of advise from native Japanese speakers or someone with more experience than me: In general, do locals appreciate me even trying to speak Japanese, even if I may make mistakes, or do they find it uncomfortable? I’ll be mostly staying at Tokyo/Kanto region.
No joke. I tried French, got a shoulder shrug. Tried Spanish, and the lady suddenly became much more helpful. I guess they’ll let me mess up “someone else’s” language.
Yes they do, at least in my experience. Someone even mentioned that usually foreigners just talked to them in English and expected a response, so they really appreciated that I was at least trying to learn their language.
I know someone from South Africa who visited France. At first they were treated with distain because it was assumed they were English but once it came up in conversation that they were actually South African they were a lot more friendly so I think it mostly depends where you’re from.
Let me clarify before this gets out of control. French people are very nice people. It happens to find some that have a lot of pride in their language, which is totally fine. There are plenty willing to help anyone with bad French. My comment was more an observational joke really.
Ahhh I’m living in Japan for the next three years and I am fumbling through the language. Someone suggested wanikani so here I am! I’m so glad you were able to enjoy some time in this wonderful country and everything you listed is so true! It’s so strange having to pull cash out all the time but it’s the only way to do anything. I just hope I’ll be able to use coins better after some more time
Oh, that’s so true! Coins are like a mini game. For first few days, I ended up with huge amount of small change without any idea what to do with them. I got a bit better, but still didn’t find a way to use or not to get a lot of 1 & 5 yen coins.