The Perils of Total Immersion

When you study a language, you have to choose how much you will throw yourself into the language, culture, history etc. of your chosen country. My usual technique is just about in the middle, I think; I have a general knowledge of all things Japanese and I enjoy the occasional foray into their music and television.

Over the past few weeks, though, I have found myself slipping into a state of what can be called Total Immersion. In order to improve my language skills and cultural knowledge before being thrown screaming into the airport, I have been listening to Japanese music, watching Japanese television, reading Japanese books and magazines, and I even found a live stream to Japanese radio. My ability has definitely improved, or at least my confidence, but total immersion has its drawbacks.

Having watched so many dramas in which people bow down to apologise, it now seems strange if they don't. I find myself thanking people with "arigatou", saying "sou.." when thinking about things, and being surprised when I'm not greeted in shops with cries of "irasshaimase!" (welcome!) I even had a dream half in Japanese the other night. This wouldn't be so bad if I were living in a house with other Japanese speakers, but unfortunately "tadaima!" (I'm home!) draws nothing but blank stares from my mother.

I suppose it's only good practise for the real thing. When I'm there, I'll probably notice a million things that English people do and Japanese don't.