Understand that studying Asian Studies is not just about reading books and learning theories. This is a journey that will take you to new places, introduce you to new people, and help you understand something about yourself along the way.
Be aware of bias.
It’s important to be aware of your own bias because it’s easy to fall prey to the illusion that you’re more objective than you really are. You can do this by keeping an open mind and remaining humble about your own abilities. And if you find yourself feeling defensive or even angry when someone challenges your worldview, ask yourself why.
Understand the historical context.
To begin, it’s important to understand the historical context of a country. How did it become what it is today? What factors led to its development? What were some of the key events that shaped its history?
How can you apply this knowledge in your studies? In order to answer these questions, you’ll need to do some research and read up on your chosen topic. You may also want to consider taking an introductory course in Asian history or politics so that you have more background information about the region(s) you’re studying.
To illustrate how this can help with your studies: imagine that you wanted to study Japanese culture. You could research how Japan became one of the most technologically advanced nations in Asia by analyzing its military developments during World War II (e.g., The Manhattan Project).
Identify how the culture makes you feel, and don’t be afraid to share your observations
The first step of approaching Asian Studies is to identify how the culture makes you feel, and don’t be afraid to share your observations. It is okay to share your feelings and it’s okay to share your opinions. You don’t have to be an expert on a topic before sharing your thoughts on it; everyone is welcome at this table!
It’s also important that we understand that what we feel may not be the same as someone else’s experience of the same situation because everyone has different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives they bring into any given situation.
Consider using a language that is not English.
The best way to start studying Asian languages is by using a language that is not English. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of relying on your native language and communicating in a manner that makes sense to you, but not to others. It also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture where these languages are spoken and practice interacting with people who speak them every day.
If you are interested in starting an Asian language course, consider finding a language partner or teacher who can help guide you through your studies. If this isn’t possible, consider taking one class at a time until you have built up a solid foundation from which you can continue expanding your knowledge base all on your own!
Do not confuse culture with your definition or perception of it.
Culture is neither static nor defined by one person or group. It is not a monolith, it is not a fixed entity, and it is certainly not a museum piece or relic. It must be understood as constantly changing and evolving over time, as well as across geographical space – which means that each individual’s experience will be different from another’s when studying Asian cultures.
Talk to people who are from the culture you are studying.
I know this is obvious, but there’s a reason I’m saying it: talking with people will allow you to get an intuitive feel for a culture that reading alone won’t give you. It will also give you insights into what aspects of a culture are most important and how they differ between countries and regions within them.
Incorporate media into your studies.
As you study, pay attention to the media that is available to you. What do you see? What do you hear? How does the media represent or relate to Asian culture?
What are some examples of Chinese literature that have been translated into English? You might be able to find several translations online and make use of these resources as part of your studies.
What kinds of people write about Asian culture in other countries like America and Australia or European countries like Germany, France and Italy? How does their writing differ from Chinese writing in China or Korea or Japan or Vietnam?
it’s about experiencing history, culture and language as well
To get the most out of Asian Studies, I would urge you to talk to people who are from the culture you are studying. For example, if you’re learning about Chinese culture but have never spoken with someone who was born in China or who is Chinese-Canadian, then your knowledge will be limited because there are different perspectives on the same topic.
When studying a topic that involves media (such as films or literature), incorporate this media into your studies as much as possible so that you can understand it better. Don’t confuse culture with your definition or perception of it. Try not to make assumptions about how people might behave based on stereotypes; rather try to find out what really goes on inside other cultures by actually talking with people from those cultures firsthand instead! You might also consider using a language that is not English because this could help free up some space for new ideas –it will force you out of your comfort zone so don’t worry about making mistakes! And lastly: always keep an open mind when dealing with other perspectives since everyone has their own point-of-view which may differ slightly from yours but nonetheless has value too.”
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some insight into the world of Asian Studies and how best to approach it. It’s not just about reading books; it’s about experiencing history, culture and language as well. We also hope that by following our advice and tips on approaching this subject area, your studies can be more enriching and enjoyable!
