Benefits of Being Bilingual

Not having a second language these days is almost like being illiterate these days, almost everyone wants the numerous benefits of having a second language. Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to communicate more easily with people were you aware of the benefits to you're brain?

Benefits of a Bilingual Brains

Being bilingual is a mental workout for the brain that keeps it agile and eager to learn, as a result bilingual children often outstrip monolingual children in the classroom if the task involves paying attention. That's not all Bilingual children are often better at understanding language and articulating themselves better. The mental work out can also delay cognitive decline by two years.

Even more benefits

Remember your career guidance teacher singing the praises of having a second language, well they were right since on average bilingual people earn 25% more than their monolingual counterparts. Having a second language is attractive to an employer and demonstrates a level of intelligence that will be appreciated in the work place.

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Smiletalk Updates That'll Put A Smile On Your Face

It has finally happened! Smiletalk now has an option to listen to Japanese talks!

Now you have a supply of Japanese listening comprehensions that will undoubtably be invaluable resources to you! You should check out our article on how to effectively use listening comprehensions. Don't forget to help support learners in Japan by contributing your own talks!

Don't forget to check out the facebook page for more information and of course the actual website. If you have any ideas please drop them in the forum where I personally read all of them.

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Japan Gets Involved With Malaysian Jet Crash Investigation

English: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the G8 summit in Heiligendamm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I'm sure everyone and their cat has heard the tragic story of the Malaysian Airplane that crashed on the Ukraine-Russian border at this stage, but recently Shinzo Abe decided to get Japan involved in the investigation.

Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Saturday.

Abe said that Japan was ready to help the international community however it could. He also expressed that he felt it sensible not to antagonize Russia, preferring instead to be able to talk with Russian president Vladimir Putin. So far Abe has had five summits with Putin since he took office.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida returned to Japan on Friday after a four-day visit to Ukraine. Prior to the shooting down of the Malaysian plane, which the West blames on pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, the U.S., Europe and other allies ramped up sanctions against Russia.

Abes efforts to restore relationships with Russia may come to naught while the two countries are so focused on fighting over Ukraine and the voice of reason is drowned out.

Japan has set up an entry visa ban on 23 yet to be named individuals and has also suspended bilateral talks on certain issues with Russia.

But what does this mean for Japan

Only time will tell but this could be a slippery slope and definitely something that Japan does not want to be caught in the crossfire of. Do you support Japan's actions?

The War Against War in Japan

In Japan, current plans for military reforms have caused uproar in Tokyo and have lead to 40,000 People protesting outside of the Japanese prime minister's office.

What Military Reforms did Japan have Planned?

The military reforms that the Japanese government had planned prior to the protests were to change parts of the constitution to allow Japan to expand its military role and allow troops to be deployed overseas. Many fear that this would lead Japan into becoming a war mongering fascist country. Despite the protests and the passionate immolation of one protester it would seem that the Japanese government plans to go right on ahead against the wishes of the people.

The War on Article 9

Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution outlaws war as a way to settle international disputes that involve the state. This constitution came into effect on May 3, 1947 after World war II. It was put in place in an effort to promote peace based on justice and order. Within the article it is mentioned that armed forces capable of being involved in a war will not be maintained (apart from the de facto armed forces A.K.A The Japan Self-Defense Forces who are more akin to peacekeepers than soldiers). 

The Abe administration plans to change this and therefore move away from this peaceful way of thinking and thus it is easy to understand the uproar it has cause

Pictures

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Japan Expo

Japan Expo is a huge annual event that takes place in the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center and is commonly accepted as the biggest festival about Japanese Culture in Europe. It runs from the 2 of June all the way to the 6th. It is definitely on my bucket list.

History of Japan Expo

In France anime is quite popular and over the years a rather large fan base has been created. People watching anime become more and more drawn to Japanese culture and want to learn about it and experience some of it. The Japan Expo was created to fulfill this need, it is mainly and anime convention but also has Games and many other attractions including special guests and even ninjas!

What Happens at Japan Expo

There are many events over the course of Japan Expo ranging from Fashion to anime to manga to video games and toys. There are contests and games to play and screening of different animes. There is even a place for aspiring artists to draw and the chance to meet some of the voices in some of the animes in France. It's definitely something that anime hardcore anime/manga/Japan fan should experience at some point in their life.

Their Website for more information

http://www.japan-expo-paris.com/

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