(LD)Croaks
Why speak Japanese unless you are Japanese? No offense but is there really a point?
I couldn't disagree with this statement more.
Being multilingual is very important. I believe it was Goethe who once said "those who only know one language know none." Having only a native speaker's view of languages leaves in you the dark about a lot of how language works. Not to mention the close connection between language and culture. There is great benefit to be had in learning about another culture, and being able to speak to members of that culture in their own language. It doesn't even matter what language or culture, it just gives you a relativity that I think is an extremely important part of being a mature and educated adult (especially in a global community).
(LD)Croaks
I'd think it would be a much better choice to learn Chinese, you know the whole emerging market and stuff? You could get a really good job.
Again, I have to disagree. Those who only learn languages for economic reasons are missing out. It's altogether too capitalist for my tastes.
I've studied Spanish, German, Latin, and am currently working on Russian. I speak French and English fluently. Is this ever going to help me get a job? Probably not, considering my field of interest. But I can't possibly begin to express the tremendous benefit learning these languages has had for my general self-awareness.
(LD)Croaks
And on a side-note, if you really want to learn Japanese go to Japan and immerse yourself in it. You'll have to learn to survive and if you take courses in your country you not going to hold on to anything you learn unless you're a freakin' genius.
That depends. Some people cope best with a sink-or-swim learning technique, some do just fine with classes. I've never had much trouble with classes. And no, I'm not a freakin' genius; not even close. You just have to have the dedication to make sure that you practice enough to make the knowledge you are gaining stick - just as you do for any other subject.
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