This post is not a rant but rather my opinion on the common misconception that some people have about people who are learning Japanese. I see this especially on forums and blogs around the internet, people instantly labeling someone a... (I can't even mention that word because I dislike it) when they say that the reason why they started learning Japanese is because they like to read Manga and watch Anime and want to be able to understand it without subtitles. Yes, I started to learn Japanese because of the same reasons but I don't think that Manga and Anime is all there is to Japanese culture. Ironically, ever since I started to learn Japanese I haven't watched Anime or read Manga as much as I did before before since I've been busy learning the language itself and discovering amazing things about the Japanese culture such as the cuisine, music, festivals, customs among many other things. Also I'm not obsessed with Japan, I love my culture and wouldn't trade it for any other because that's where I come from. I won't deny the fact that weeaboos do exist but why generalize an entire group because of them. So my question is: Why label someone a... (that word) just because the reason they started to learn Japanese is because they want to watch Anime and read manga without subtitles? Do you usually lie about your reasons or don't really care what people think? Also, what do Japanese think when someone tells them that they are learning because of Anime and Manga? Please your share thoughts. Thanks.
I’m Japanese. Manga and Anime would be the well-known Japanese culture in other countries that many non-Japanese people can easily think of. I’m proud of that. Also, I believe that people, who are learning some language(s), are interested in other things of the countries as well like you. Even if the reason for learning Japanese language is only for Manga and Anime as in your question, it would also be good for me. This is because Japan has the culture that attracts non-Japanese people and can be one of the opportunities to start learning the language. In any reasons, people who are learning Japanese make me happy.
We all start from somewhere and this somewhere could very well be a ridiculous reason.
However, language learning is a meticulous, frustrating and largely time-consuming hobby. The person who bothers to learn a language can't be that monodimensional.
Bryan, I have no idea what a weeaboo even is. I am a 38 year old man with a young daughter and a very busy working life. I don't have time to watch anime or read manga even if I wanted to (which obviously I don't).
The point is, who cares what other people think? You don't have to justify your interests or motivations to other people. Just be happy within yourself.
I am not that familiar with that word, but I’ll assume that it is used in a derogatory way. I like you, started learning Japanese because of Anime and Manga. Like Alexandria said "whoever is saying that is probably ignorant or is in their own little world". And she is perfectly describing majority of people that are hanging on non-educational forums and blogs, so if you yourself are frequent visitor be prepared to be called even worse than that. As for me i respect everyone who is trying to improve his physical, mental or spiritual self, whatever the reason. And is there a better way to improve than learning a new language? :) <o:p></o:p>
