4 ms·

Some years ago I've been learning Japanese for about two years. I decided it's time I try speaking with natives, so I joined a Japanese Discord server and hoppe

Some years ago I've been learning Japanese for about two years. I decided it's time I try speaking with natives, so I joined a Japanese Discord server and hopped in a conversation. Ended up being laughed at, made fun of, and stopped learning Japanese ever since.

5e92cb50239222b 5y ago
Discord grew out of gaming communities which are notorious for their extreme toxicity, what else could you expect?
- Kelamir 5y ago
  I don't know. It was fairly shocking and I couldn't think clearly. I wish I didn't abandon Japanese though.
- mhh__ 5y ago
  Discord has come a very very very long way since then. Human condition, not so much.
xdfgh1112 5y ago
I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately in Japanese culture it can considered acceptable (and even friendly) to laugh at people in this way. If you hang out with people who understand the pain of language learning (English learners, people with an interest in foreign culture) it's less likely to happen and you'll get empathy instead. I hope it doesn't discourage you because learning Japanese (or any language) pays off for a lifetime. There is still time to start again.
distantaidenn 5y ago
Sucks you had that experience, but you have to consider the environment. The internet can be a toxic place, no matter the language. Anyway, don't let some bad feedback stop you from learning -- use it as inspiration! For every asshole that mocks you, there are 10 more that are willing to help. Hell, long time ago, when my Japanese was admittedly still pretty bad, I ran into this drunk Japanese dude in some bar with my friend. I spoke in Japanese, and he laughed in my face saying, and I quote exactly, "your Japanese is shit!" I didn't want to counter that his English was just as bad, I just moved on, and kept studying. There are two types of people in the world: those that lift you up, and those that bring you down -- seek out the former.

5e92cb50239222b 5y ago

Discord grew out of gaming communities which are notorious for their extreme toxicity, what else could you expect?

Kelamir 5y ago
I don't know. It was fairly shocking and I couldn't think clearly. I wish I didn't abandon Japanese though.
mhh__ 5y ago
Discord has come a very very very long way since then. Human condition, not so much.

xdfgh1112 5y ago

I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately in Japanese culture it can considered acceptable (and even friendly) to laugh at people in this way. If you hang out with people who understand the pain of language learning (English learners, people with an interest in foreign culture) it's less likely to happen and you'll get empathy instead. I hope it doesn't discourage you because learning Japanese (or any language) pays off for a lifetime. There is still time to start again.

distantaidenn 5y ago

Sucks you had that experience, but you have to consider the environment. The internet can be a toxic place, no matter the language. Anyway, don't let some bad feedback stop you from learning -- use it as inspiration! For every asshole that mocks you, there are 10 more that are willing to help. Hell, long time ago, when my Japanese was admittedly still pretty bad, I ran into this drunk Japanese dude in some bar with my friend. I spoke in Japanese, and he laughed in my face saying, and I quote exactly, "your Japanese is shit!" I didn't want to counter that his English was just as bad, I just moved on, and kept studying. There are two types of people in the world: those that lift you up, and those that bring you down -- seek out the former.