> Yeah, and all of you who think Japanese is "cool" should also read this. Also, just read it.
>
> -- Dave

I have a friend who took a Japanese course because he had to do a lot of business in Japan. When he changed jobs and dropped the course he said it was the best feeling of relief he'd ever had. He took classes every week for about three months and at the end he was reckoned he was just about able to order a can of beer. The whole alphabet, sentence structure and respect for rank thing made learning French look like Kindergarten.

He's now learning Italian. No word yet on when he'll be able to order a can of Italian beer.

Bea"Universal translator please!"sty