All About Learning Japanese

[Wan]

Any mummy tried taking jap lessons together with children? I’ve taken the 3rd language b4, but rusty now due to lack of practice. Was thinking of taking tog with kids but kids struggling with English & Chinese. When is a good age to start learning jap? I rem I was told to master Chinese character 1st bcos of the similarity betwn Chinese & Jap. Hope to hear more views…

[Willow]

anyone knows how much are the jap lessons at Brainy Child Montessori ?

Thanks!

[Scary]

Hi Willow,

$27.50/lesson. Monthly payment. So some months 4 lessons and some 5 lessons.

[Nutmegtree]

Dear Parents who is considering your kids to learn Japanese.


Please do not use the word "JAP" so casually, that is highly offensive word.
JAP is not an abbreviation while JPN is.
You should aware of using right word and be sensitive. My feeling has been hurt by this "JAP" (even GEP kid used it) over many years here in Singapore, especially by young females.
Please educate your kids not to use this word too.

[Flowermonaster]

Sorry for my ignorant, I also didnt know this word is offensive! :yikes: May I know the different in these two words? :oops:

Thank you!

Nutmegtree:

Dear Parents who is considering your kids to learn Japanese.

Please do not use the word \"JAP\" so casually, that is highly offensive word.
JAP is not an abbreviation while JPN is.
You should aware of using right word and be sensitive. My feeling has been hurt by this \"JAP\" (even GEP kid used it) over many years here in Singapore, especially by young females.
Please educate your kids not to use this word too.

[Nutmegtree]

You can find it on Wiki, do DIY, not DIFM(do it for me).

[Nutmegtree]

BTW I don’t accept Wiki’s explanation "In Singapore and Hong Kong, the term is used freely as a contraction of the adjective "Japanese" rather than as a derogatory term.", it just sounds an excuse to me.

[Willow]

well, it also says that \"most ordinary Japanese in Japan itself are apathetic about the term...\" it probably means it's not such a big deal nowsdays. u might disagree of cos


i think it's good to know this but unlikely most singaporeans will stop using this term....basically not much awareness raised & it is easier to use it as an abbreviation. The interesting thing about words is how they will revolve/take on a whole new meaning depending on how they are used in different societies/culture... i seriously doubt singaporeans purposely use this term to offend anyone. Look how much we luv japanese food on this little island...

[Willow]

i probably send my boy back to Inoue sch for the lessons....he still prefers the female teachers there

[Nutmegtree]

What I learned from moral education in my school days, if my word offend somebody without intention, I must apologize and try not use the word next time. As long as I am not the only one feeling very uncomfortable with people using this JP word even though they have no intention to offend, at least you should stop using right away instead excusing/convincing. Or else, you or your child maybe in big trouble because of using this word(Some my fellow Japanese might sue you). So my post is very gentle reminder to you to avoid future trouble since I really appreciate you are interested in Japanese.


By the way, my jaw had been really nearly dropped when I heard people used the word "Nigr" here in Singapore without offensive intention, they never aware of they are using such a extremely offensive word. They are so lucky to be here, if not, they would be shot dead instantly…