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Yayoi
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Location: Australia

23 Mar 2014, 11:28 pm

I've done a full 180 on my previous obsession (I hate the term "special interest" because it's so patronising and condition-specific) and am now literally bored to tears by it and want to forget about it. Yet my family don't want to let me lose it, because I studied the Japanese language for years and they believe it's a true skill. However, I don't want to use the language for my career (would rather study medical science) and dislike Japanese culture after getting way too much of it and having too many bad experiences with it.

I managed to talk my dad into letting me drop my weekly lessons, since they always spoil my week, but he's unhappy with this decision and doesn't want me to forget the Japanese language despite me wanting to forget how to speak it and that I ever liked it. I started breaking down, crying and swearing once he told me he wants me to keep the skill, since I want absolutely nothing to do with it. I don't know what to do here...


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Waterfalls
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24 Mar 2014, 5:32 am

I would suggest you consider telling them, when you feel calm enough, that you've thought about it and realized they could be right about it not being good to lose what you've worked so hard at, you see their point of view. But you need a break from it, you're burned out from studying it, you need to try some other things, something like that. And that you will think about going back in the future to Japanese, right now you just need a break.

Even though you want them to get it without help, they aren't. This should help everyone stop arguing, help them stop and see your point of view, and sounds less permanent, I think it will help.

I wouldn't agree to go back to it later, just to think about that. And I would not try to talk them into seeing why right now, just into backing off the pressure on you. Hope you feel better soon.



Dantac
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24 Mar 2014, 9:40 am

Your dad is right on the skill thing. Even if you hate it, it IS a skill.

In your region of the world, having that language listed in your CV/Resume can open doors to good jobs.

I'm sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with their culture/people. I too was a 'fan' until I actually lived in Tokyo for half a year. I still love their food (best in the world imo!) and admire their arts and history but my 'liking' of their culture took a deep dive from that time spent there.

...but to forget a language because you didn't like the people is something that will likely come back later in life and bite you.