Why is "Japanese must be difficult..." used as a g

[untmdsprt]

I've already learned that 日本語が上手ですね。is used as a greeting or filler when meeting someone new for the first time. I'm also learning that a polite smile in response to "you write kanji beautifully" is enough.

What about "Japanese must be difficult for you." comment? What is the correct response because when I say "no, it's time consuming, but not difficult" I get strange looks like I've said the wrong thing. What would be the best answer to this comment to satisfy the person enough to get them to move on to another topic or just move on?

Personally, I feel that my Japanese learning is really not open for discussion and want to quickly end any and all comments on it.

[Javizy]

Are you sure you're not saying it a bit bluntly or something? I've said the exact same line loads of times. It's typical foreigner small talk, so just ride it out like tedious talk about the weather. By the time it's finished, you'll have had enough chance to display some fluency, and they'll treat you like a normal person. It seems the higher the level, the less issues people have with this sort of thing. 頑張って～

[untmdsprt]

I don't think so, but I do add that I like kanji and think they're fun to draw since I enjoy drawing. I try and see if just agreeing with them gives a better response.

[untmdsprt]

http://youtu.be/D16SX6yilHI

This video is good for newbies to learn about the "fixed expressions." that are in Japanese.

[Belton]

I think you're contravening some aspects of Japanese culture.

One is the group idea that Japanese is unique and therefore it must be difficult for foreigners to learn. (By extension they also seem to think *any* language is difficult to learn).

Secondly you are expected not to brag about your abilities, or you are expected to downplay your abilities.

It also seems to be a sore point with you so maybe they can sense that.

I would say it's best to agree with them that it's difficult, say you're not very good, both polite expected responses, then say you enjoy it which shows willingness and interest in their culture.

It's a formal linguistic dance of sorts.

[untmdsprt]

After hearing the same thing over and over for three years, I pretty much either ignore the comment, or treat it the same as "nice weather isn't it?"

The "Japanese must be difficult..." comment is a new one, so I was just wondering if it will quickly grow into a standard comment that has a standard response you say instead of giving your honest opinion.

As for sore spots, I've gone back to learning Japanese for my own personal goals.

[Psy]

In Japan, there tends to be a bit of a discrepancy between honest opinion and politeness. Mustn't cause the kados to tatsu, if you get my saying. At any rate, "must be difficult for you" (and variations on it) is something I hear from time to time not only in Japanese, but from native speakers of every foreign language I've ever studied. I suppose it's a byproduct of us all growing up with our native languages without really appreciating the irregularities, subtleties, cultural influence and turns of phrase that have permeated the vernacular until we run into somebody (or somebodies) struggling with them. At that point, all one can do is stop and think: man, learning my language must be a huge task. Which, of course, it is. People just make the mistake of assuming it only applies to their own language.

You might try agreeing with them and saying that, in spite of the difficulties, you're determined and doing the best you can. A little gambarism goes a long way, no? Just a thought!

頑張ってくださいね。

[untmdsprt]

@Psy, the "must be difficult..." is a new one for me so I have no idea how to respond to it. Besides if there wasn't a challenge to it, why bother learning it?