Lessons in literacy.

It’s a strange thing, being a foreigner. I’ve never really experienced a language barrier to the degree that I do here in Japan. Even the time I spent in China a few years back doesn’t really compare because all of the supervisors I worked directly under at the Venetian were English-speaking foreigners as well. Here at USJ, out entire stage management staff and tech crew is Japanese. Very few speak English and even fewer speak it fluently.

My life outside of work is no exception. Sure, Kaigandori house is made up of English speaking performers like myself, but I do find myself spending a lot of time out and about apart from my cohorts. I find that I become the most keenly aware of how very different I am when I take the subway in the early evening when most are getting off of work. The subways are very crowded at this time and I tend to be the only fair-featured redhead in a sea of dark hair and business suits. The subways get very crowded around this time of day and it’s always a strange experience being packed in so closely to people with whom you cannot communicate. I’ve always been one for small-talk and making polite conversation with strangers. Not having the ability to connect with people like that has been an adjustment.

These factors have all contributed to my decision to study the language. They offer a free weekly Japanese class for those of us at Kaingandori House who wish to partake. Our teacher doesn’t speak a word of English to us, so it is unlike any other language course I’ve ever taken. In addition to the class, I’ve picked up a handful of Japanese books in douzo and have been studying it further on my own. I’m particularly excited about my decision learn to read and write the Japanese characters in addition to speaking the language. I’ve made flashcards and have designated my breaks between shows at work as time that I study. It’s a funny thing, learning to read Hirigana, because even though I am starting to be able to read the symbols and sound out the words, I don’t actually understand what the words mean. I need to step up my efforts in building my actual Japanese vocabulary. One of the most practical applications of the language I am looking forward to is being able to read the labels of the various products at the supermarket. I love to cook, and having to rely on the pictures on the labels has severely reduced the variety of ingredients I’m using.

I had a very small victory in my efforts to study the language this week. There was a new hair and makeup girl I hadn’t met yet helping me get ready for my show a few days ago and I asked her name. She told me her name was Aiko. After a moment or two, I realized that I already knew the symbols for all of the sounds in her name so I decided to attempt to transcribe it in Hirigana. My attempt turned out to be a success! I was able to correctly transcribe her name after simply hearing her say it! Such a small victory, but a HUGE motivator to continue in my studies.

I never would have imagined a need to learn the Japanese language in my life, but I am thoroughly enjoying the process. It’s going to make life beyond the walls of Kaigandori house a lot less lonely. :)