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Hello everyone, I’m finding myself in a bit of an odd situation and I’d like your advice. I’ll be heading off to college in a few months to major in Computer Science. The thing is, I also like Japanese culture and such, so I’m thinking about doing a minor or double major in Japanese. However I’v been avidly using Textfugu and Wanikani for quite a while now, I’m nearing the end of season 6(TF) and Lvl 11(WK). I know I’m far away from being any good at Japanese, but I kind of think this puts me in an awkward situation for starting Japanese classes. And self studying it has been going so well, I question if starting a new(expensive!) method is the right thing to do. But I also feel that a diploma for Japanese(minor/major) could help me get a job. As you can see I’m feeling quite conflicted, but thanks for helping me clear my thoughts.
Someone’s probably going to point you at the Tofugu article on this subject before too long, but I say go for it. I’ve been doing a diploma in Japanese at uni for the last two-and-a-third years, and have been enjoying it. =)
Damn, you saw that coming…
If you’re doing Computer Science, what will help you get a job is practising programming languages in your spare time. Work on your own little projects and build up your practical skills. While Japanese may be an interesting talking point in interviews, being able to display what you can do with a computer would be more valuable, I’d imagine. That’s not to say you shouldn’t minor in Japanese, I’m just making a point :P However, if self-studying is going well and taking a Japanese course would be as expensive as you say it is, I’d probably recommend against it: not worth the money.
I’ve only got experience of Computer Science courses though (end of 2nd year now), so make of that what you will.
I agree with MisterM. Assuming you don’t have excess money to spend, you’re better off spending what you do have on gaining marketable skills. It’s the sad truth that those of us (most of us) with little to no disposable income often times have to pass on opportunities for self-fulfillment in order to meet our responsibilities (either present or future). But if you really enjoy it, you can make the time.
Consider studying on your own time and, after graduation, teaching English in Japan for a few years. You’ll be able to immerse in the culture, learn a lot (more than you would in college classes) and make some money doing it.And that way, if your future career plans do involve Japanese in some way, you can say that you speak the language and have lived in the country for an extended period of time and have two skills (major and minor) that you can bring with you to the company. That sounds way better than just having a Japanese minor and a CS major.
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This reply was modified 11 years, 6 months ago by
thisiskyle.
Thanks for your input guys, you’ve all made good points. Along with the article Joel spoke of, it seems the general consensus is to not study it in college. I think I’m starting to lean that way, however I’m a little scared that I won’t have the time to self study it any more if I go to college. But as Kyle said, I can make the time.
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This reply was modified 11 years, 6 months ago by
Garuda.
Look at you lucky kids. Having a school nearby that teaches Japanese. I don’t exactly live in the sticks, but the nearest school that has Japanese classes is an hour and half away. No bueno with my work. I would totally go back to college and major in Japanese if i could.
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This reply was modified 11 years, 6 months ago by
Stanton Barbas.
Every drop in the bucket helps fill it!Garuda, I’ve got almost exactly a week till the start of my exams this year (i.e. pretty busy) and I’m still managing to do a little each day, even if it’s only Anki reviews, so don’t worry about it :D Yeah, there will be times when you’re busier and you can’t do as much, but it shouldn’t be enough to have to drop it completely.
Another thing to look out for, even if you don’t take Japanese as part of your degree, there might be some smaller, independently-run classes available. I go to a class that’s held by my uni’s Japanese Society – may only be once a week, but it can be fun and doesn’t take up too much time :D
I’m a senior University student - Asian and Asian American Studies Major (Japan) and Japanese studies minor.
I took 3 years of formal Japanese classes and I’m studying Japanese on my own for this year.
Doing a Japanese minor or major can be quite interesting especially if you like the culture but I wouldn’t do it for the language alone… To be honest I’ve enjoyed using WK and TF much more than I enjoyed taking formal classes… they’re taught very rigidly and often teach a lot all at once and expect you to know it within a short period of time.
Overall it’s really up to you. I’m hoping to use my major and minor in Japanese studies to apply for a teaching job in Japan where I can get real world experience and Japanese practice and then I’ll probably return to America and teach here or something… haven’t totally figured it out yet but having a second language under your belt is always a good thing but you don’t really need a degree to prove that.
I would definitely give a Japanese class at your Uni/College a try before you make your final decision. You may end up really liking it but if you end up hating it don’t get discouraged about the language at all.
Hope this helps… if you have any other questions I can try and answer them. :)
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This reply was modified 11 years, 6 months ago by
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