Job Discussion Forums

[nightsintodreams]

I suppose that's very true actually, I was thinking in terms of my situation (working in a public school), but I suppose if you work at an eikaiwa you have little to no chance of speaking Japanese in your daily work environment. Add a Japanese girlfriend who speaks English to the mix, like i know so many gaijin like to do, and I imagine one's Japanese exposure could be close to zero.

[ssjup81]

[Black_Beer_Man]

Taking a language course also gives people structure in their lives.

I'll admit that I tend to slack off on my Japanese studies sometimes. With an obligation like a weekly class, I am more likely to stay committed.

[nightsintodreams]

Point taken. My studying could definitely use some structure to it, maybe I should check out these free lessons, what level to they usually go up to?

Really, with the exception of one or two, all the gaijin I know who date English speaking Japanese girls have terrible Japanese. Maybe the Japanese girl uses the odd big of sympathy Japanese to make them feel like they're learning something 'iine', 'sou nanda' that sort of thing, but they most certainly don't use real Japanese. Not doubting your statement though, just saying I've had the opposite experience

Personally, I don't like dating or even befriending Japanese people who speak English. They generally want to use you to practice English, show you off to their friends or patronise you by playing mummy/daddy trying to teach you stuff about Japan. Also my pet hate is someone with lower English ability than my Japaneae trying to talk to me in English, it happens less and less nowerdays but when it does, it winds me no end.

[HLJHLJ]