Geology and Japanese as a Second Language

 

Geology and Japanese as a Second Language

I began learning Japanese as a second language in high school and have continued my exploration of both the language and culture since. I have been privileged enough to attend a high school where I was given the opportunity to learn Japanese with a native Japanese speaker and a college where Japanese is offered. Through the use of textbooks, videos, radio talks, and friends I have learned the basics of Japanese and more, and look forward to continuing my study of the language. With my second language skills, I hope to work as a geologist in Japan.

When I first began learning Japanese, I found it easiest to learn from a textbook because the characters and vocabulary were easy for me to memorize. After the first two years of Japanese, I began to understand more, and learned to use context to make sense of conversations when I did not know some of the words. By listening to recordings and watching movies in Japanese I was able to practice translating things from Japanese to English and listening for context clues. In the time that I have been learning Japanese I have found the best way for me to learn more is by listening and speaking. The first time I spoke Japanese outside of the classroom was with a lady from Mongolia who understood English but spoke very little. However, she was fluent in Japanese and knew that I had been learning the language so she spoke with me frequently. I had only been learning Japanese for three years at the time, so though I couldn’t say a whole lot I was able to understand most of what she said and communicate back in English. That experienced proved to me that real world experience are the best learning opportunities.

Since I have entered college I have found geology to be the most interesting subject.  I knew I was interested in learning about the earth before coming to college but, taking geology classes has helped me make up my mind on what I would like to do in the future. I would like to work in Japan as a geologist looking more closely at catastrophic events and their effects on future conditions on earth. As well, I would like to be able to use my second language skills to communicate and collaborate with scientist, and other environmentally aware people to begin a better process of water conservation, reverse some of the negative impacts that humans have had on the earth, and work to create more sustainable communities. In my opinion Japan would be a great place to explore because of the catastrophic events that  have left evidence in the geologic record.  To reach my goal,I will continue learning Japanese and plan to study abroad in Japan. By the end of my four years here at Gustavus, I would would like to become fluent in Japanese and earn a degree in geology.