The 3-in-1 realization

So today classes started. Yay. Yay.

So I had this class, on intercultural communication research. And, I guess you could say, three theories were given.

存在論　Ontology

認識論 Epistemology

実践的 Practice (or experience?)

It was interesting to learn about these three theories. Having been living in Japan for 1.5 year, I can say I have, unconsciously used all three. But what I'm about to say, is just an easy self interpretation.

Before coming here I studied japanese and chinese languages and culture.

I knew of some phenomena happening here, but that's it. I knew it existed.

After some time, I started recognizing it. Of course, the physical aspects that everyone can see are easy to identify. The food, buildings, clothes, whatever. But the invisible aspects are harder to realize, at least some. Why? Because there are concepts/notions exclusive to a certain language or culture. Take for instance 気 ki (according to the dictionary 1: spirit; mind; heart; 2: nature; disposition; 3: motivation; intention; 4: mood; feelings; 5: atmosphere; essence), all the results are words we use on a daily basis, right. But in Japan (and China) this complex concept it a lot more deep. Many words - using more than one character - use it. And people can just feel it. Consciously.

In Portugal at least, people aren't as sensitive as Japanese or Chinese people. Thanks to it, I've been feeling a little outcast, but after much reading I am much more self aware. And this as definitely made my life better. Seriously, being able to control feelings, and control the heat that goes up your body when determined feelings arise is great. At least lately I have been successful in it.

So, I knew the words and such, but wasn't truly aware of the complexity of the concept. Until I, though observation and experimentation (being with japanese and chinese people) started suspecting something else was going on. Unfortunately it has even led me to breaking up a relationship as I would like it to continue, because, the my unawareness at the time wouldn't me allow otherwise - don't recognize, don't understand, don't know, don't react) I don't know what other foreigners think about this, I have realized about what I just said because, as I said, I started suspecting and because I have the language skills that allow me to analyze and (try to) understand the invisible phenomena.

Coming here made me truly open my mind, which, unfortunately, as much as people claim to be  claim to have studied, I feel that that's only it. The theory is all there, but the true reality isn't. Still unseen. Just like with me, before coming to Japan. I came here, I knew nothing. I restudied the parts I'm interested the most - those I want to understand, the invisible cultural cues one doesn't realize after a long time, if, and only if, one is truly engaged and motivated to understand them (you definitely need to know the language). They might have experienced it, but if they did, it doesn't seem like it by the way people speak.
But I'm here to learn and regardless of close-mindedness, I want to know other ways of thinking and interpreting things.

So basically, I was unaware of some things, until I put words to them - unexistant in my own language, until I analyzed the words and started realizing about the invisible stuff.

...

So let's work harder this semester!