Chang works for the Hyosung Corporation
Japanese language education
Secondary:
Three years at a high school in Korea specialising in foreign language learning
Tertiary:
Studied for a Bachelor of International Business alongside a Diploma in Japanese
Motivation to learn Japanese
Chang’s father worked for a Japanese logistics company for 20 years. This fact, along with Chang’s own interest in Japan’s culture, society and history have given him a real purpose to learn Japanese. He is also aware of many Japanese companies that have headquarters in his home country, Korea and cites this as a further reason for studying Japanese.
Skills gained
Studying Japanese at university enabled Chang to sit the Level 2 Japanese Language proficiency test and he is aiming for Level 1 soon. Chang found the advice and teaching received while at university were particularly helpful for improving his speaking and writing skills. He is aware that a knowledge of polite Japanese is important in the business world and studies business Japanese by himself to increase his skills in this area.
Current employment
In Chang’s current workplace, Hyosung Corporation, which has a Japanese president and Korean CEO, both these languages, alongside English, are often used. Sometimes Chang is required to translate important information from Korean into Japanese. He also frequently uses Japanese to prepare information for his colleagues. Chang believes that speaking and understanding both English and Japanese have enabled him to have access to a wider selection of sources and information in the business environment. He says: It is not only about your performance at your workplace, but [having other languages]enhances your interpersonal skills with other Japanese users. Regardless of your level of Japanese,it is always appreciated if you try to deliver your thoughts in Japanese.
Travel
Chang has also studied Japanese in Tokyo for six months at a Japanese language school. Chang feels fortunate to have been befriended by a Japanese couple during this period, as he was able to have regular contact and accompany them on visits to many places. He says: I have realised that to enhance one’s language level (in any language) it is very important to socialise with locals and to understand their culture and society, since language reflects their thoughts, culture and society.