Japan: A Language of Respect and Quiet Connection
Japan gave me the most unique language experience of all. Japanese is beautiful but complex, yet even the simplest phrases carry deep respect. One evening in Osaka, after finishing a bowl of ramen, I bowed slightly and said: “Arigatou gozaimasu.” The chef’s smile was so genuine, it felt like a gift. He bowed back, then […]
Indonesia: A Gentle Language in a Gentle Country
Indonesia’s beauty goes beyond its beaches — it’s in the people. Bahasa Indonesia is easy to learn, soft to hear, and comforting to speak. The first phrase I learned was: “Terima kasih.”(Thank you.) When I said it in Bali, the reaction was unforgettable. Locals smiled wider, their eyes brightened, and some even asked if I […]