japan report

[denominator]

I'm home :-(
I can't be bothered doing a proper update with pictures etc, so here's the executive summary:

In Japan...

1. Alex and Minna both well
2. Trains are fun
3. Karaoke is better and cheaper
4. My camera was NOT shock proof
5. Favourite place: Himeji
6. Least favourite place: Tokyo
7. Japanese people are awesomely nice
8. Gaijin Smash

Comments

[bondchick_nett]

Is it onamatapeic if you don't actually make a sound?

GAIJIN SMASH FTW!!

*worries about your camera* What happened to it? O_o;;

[denominator]

2 & 3 are definately describing sounds. 1 is a bit iffy, but a native Japanese told me to say it, so I think it's OK.

I dropped my camera, and it's screen shattered to the point where half the screen is unusable. Luckily, it still worked for taking pictures! Travel insurance should cover it.

[bondchick_nett]

Thank god for Travel Insurance! O_O Jesus thats horrid though. I drop my camera all the time for various reasons and have never had an issue like that. That's scary. *gulps*

I am with you on 2 & 3. But I think that native Japanese person is on crack. I'm not saying its not a cool word, I like it, but no one ever said that crack didn't make you say interesting things... Some of the time.

[denominator]

A little googling seems to indicate that niko-niko is from manga. OK, it's not onomatopoeia, but at least we agree it's a cool word :-)

[bondchick_nett]

Is it a bastardisation of Neko-Neko? Since thats kitty kitty and when you say that you can't help but smile...

[denominator]

That's a reasonable explanation, but ask a linguist specialising in Japanese manga to be sure...

[bondchick_nett]

If you concur, then I shall stick with my hypothesis and be happy with that personal outcome. ^_^

Although if you find a linguist specialising in Japanese Manga, I'd love to pick their brain...