• Kysol
    +1

    I don't know about Japanese being one of the hardest. As a programmer, I adapted to Japanese fairly fast since it has a formulaic like structure. Sure I'm not proficient in it, but I was able to pick it up faster than I had expected. I'm currently at survival level after 3 trips to Japan and 10 lessons. Also helps that I played with a Japanese Linkshell in FFXI for a good 6 years or so.

    • stareyedgirl
      +2

      To speak, maybe but this says it's for proficiency in both speaking and reading and so I assume that means that you would have to be proficient with reading the characters as well as speaking well enough? I don't know enough about Japanese to know if characters are used in all situations, though...

      • Kysol
        +1

        I'm better at reading more than speaking. Speaking could be more my hesitation at making an ass of myself and saying the wrong thing. I love the culture and the last thing I want to do is offend someone, so I try not to say anything because of that fear. I'm limited with Kanji knowledge, but can generally make out signs and other product packaging. In no way would it be enough to live in Japan (something I do want to do), but enough to get around for a month or so without much of a hassle.