VCE, HSC & ATAR Japanese Tutor | Monash MA | Native Japanese Teacher | 12+ Years Experience

Find out more about Makiko

• 1) Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual or a certain aspect of the culture?

  I am a native Japanese speaker and I grew up exclusively speaking Japanese. I am proud of being Japanese because our culture is known for its politeness, humility, and beauty. These qualities are reflected in our language, making it complex at times. I believe everyone will appreciate its unique charm.

• 2) Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  While no specific individual comes to mind as the quintessential representative of our language, I believe that the essence of Japanese culture is embodied in the collective personality of its people. Our modest, humble, and kind nature shapes our language, making it respectful and beautifully unique.

• 3) Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  I particularly like the word "Go En," which means connection, fate, and destiny in meeting people, places, things, and situations. It signifies that everything and everyone we encounter is destined, and we deeply appreciate and respect this fate. I always sincerely cherish the "Go En" with my students and value the time we spend together in class.

• 4) Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Japanese matters to me because it is my mother tongue and an essential part of my heritage, passed down from our ancestors. Preserving and sharing it with future generations is crucial. This sentiment applies not only to Japanese but to all languages, as they carry the wisdom and culture of those who came before us.

• 5) What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  The main difficulty in learning Japanese is mastering its three writing systems, especially Kanji, which even native speakers find challenging to fully master. Additionally, the grammar and various speech styles can be difficult to learn. However, with consistent practice, you will become comfortable reading and speaking Japanese over time. This challenge is similar to learning any other language.

• 6) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  English was a compulsory subject for Japanese students, and everyone struggled to master it-I was no exception. Our studies mainly focused on grammar, vocabulary, and reading, with little emphasis on listening or speaking. I excelled in English as a school subject, but when I went to Australia as a college student, I realized my practical language skills were lacking. Since then, I've focused on listening and speaking, learning the language from native speakers. Thanks to my strong foundation in grammar and vocabulary, I was able to improve quickly and gain confidence faster than someone starting from scratch.

• 7) How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Studying at a graduate school in Australia significantly improved my English. As I mentioned earlier, I learned many natural phrases through conversations with local people, which I had never encountered in school. While learning a language from textbooks and tutors is important, interacting with locals in their environment is essential for truly mastering a language.