| Name: | Raymond T. Kaya |
|---|---|
| Date/Time: | 2008-09-06 at 10:19:48 HST |
| Subject: | Japanese Language TV on Oahu |
| Times Read: | [672] since 2008 September 06 |
When I was younger, I didn't understand Japanese, and wasn't interested in learning the language. I watched commercial Japanese TV for its "cultural" (not language) programming. It was "free" (came with commercial interruptions) and any Japanese-language programs were usually subtitled in English. Anyway, there were no other options.
For unrelated reasons (as part of my life's tortuous path), I began studying Japanese years ago.
NGN became available on cable, and I subscribed, off and on. I liked that there were no commercial interruptions once a program started. I also liked being able to watch programs not available elsewhere (on Oahu). I still focused on subtitled programs however.
A few years ago, I resumed my study of Japanese, this time with broader interest, and more intensity - this has gradually shaped into a lifetime project for me. It is not a chore, I enjoy studying it. Lately, my feeling is that, from the standpoint of learning Japanese, the subtitles are a distraction; they hinder more than help. English speakers understand more of the "interpreted" story, but perhaps miss much of the underlying meanings and nuances. Not having the resources to visit Japan, I can at least get some of the benefits of "immersion" by watching more un-subtitled programs.
[ I watched the original (Japanese-language version of) "Iron Chef" on NGN before it aired on the Food Channel dubbed in English. Having enjoyed the original, I didn't find the "Americanized" (dubbed) version interesting at all - once I became aware of how much the narration changed with translation. ]
I recently realized that I have not intentionally switched to commercial Japanese TV in many months, and have been watching NGN more and more. This was not a conscious choice, just a pattern I've naturally gravitated to as I continue my studies of Japanese - the spoken and written language ... the culture.
Many I have come across, who study Japanese, say they watch commercial Japanese TV, but don't know much about NGN...
For me, watching NGN is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity... For the serious student, it can be good listening (and reading) practice. For student and non-student alike, the wide variety of programs can be interesting in their own right.
Raymond T. Kaya
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
www.reikialoha.com/raymond