Not really mastered, but very very close to it. At least with her Japanese. She still has slightly awkward intonations and vocabs and rhythms. Not truly fluent. But fluency is definitely within her reach with time.
Ha ha, it started off as a hobby. Nobody says I’m going to take this language as far as I can from day one lol. It was a progression of going deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole.
When I was stationed in Okinawa I learned Japanese from a guy I worked with on the base was a local, He corrected me so I pronounced words correctly and I did the same for him. Within 6 months we both spoke each others language so much better. Everyone thought I had lived on the island for 4 or 5 years. I think going there is the best way to learn
This takes A LONG time to master this kind of conversational talk folks. It doesn't happen overnight i don't care what or how many classes you take. However, it does take it a step up if you know how to read and write it as well. Think of it this way studying even one language and getting fluent at it. Means you'll NEVER experience people talking behind your back again.
One thing that's really impressive about Anming aside from her mastery of and passion for these languages, is her ability to make conversation with strangers not be completely awkward. I only watch these type of videos from her, because she navigates casual conversation so well.
It's nice. I've watched her progress massively over the years in being able to carry on casual conversations with complete strangers without weird awkwardness.
yes, she must be a social person. i would not dare to do that, but then - i am also not a pretty girl that everyone adores on first sight (especially as blondie in a black hair dominated society) but i would welcome situations like this if i am nudged into it. for an old grumpy male like me, such situations dont come to pass as easily, which can also be a blessing since i am introvert :)
I dont think that there are many people on the planet capable of speaking chinese, japanese and korean in this perfect manner. You are incredible and gifted. I never get tired of watching. God bless you
@@francescoomarcataldo7747gifted with the ability to push herself to learn. Some people just don't have that drive. Plus some people just have a natural ability to learn certain things that others can't.
I've said it before, but your code-switching continues to floor me. I've lived among multiple expat communities and never seen anyone switch between so many languages so quickly. Such an incredibly agile brain.
It's like driving a stick shift, riding a bike or a horse. It comes from practicee, esp. social situations in which you feel you must to avoid embarrassment.
We at work daily switch around between Finnish, Swedish, German and English with coworkers. Like in mid sentences even sometimes. We have become good at it. A bit hard to explain, but maybe you get my drift. Me personally, At home, my internal thoughts are usually in finnish, but at work, i tend to think in several languages at the same time. I don't translate stuff in my head, i think in 4 diferent languages simultanously. And i can even pinpoint when i switched from internal translation to straight thoughts, it is about 2011 august :D This started in 2006. So it took me 5 years to go from one language life (finnish) with translations to four languages without translation.
Warmed my heart to see these people open up to you so quickly. They seem like they have a lot of joy in their hearts. Proof that people are really the same everywhere. Thanks for sharing.
That's pretty much everywhere, except in the places where they speak a language that is widely spoken. For example, I'm Croatian, but I used to work at a hotel where we had a lot of Swedish guests, and they would all light up when they heard me start speaking to them in Swedish. Everyone wants to talk to you if you're a foreigner who speaks their language
This is my first time coming across your channel and first time commenting. My mind is blown. PERIOD. What a beautiful gift you are sharing not only in the respect you’ve shown their native language but in how you’re sharing it with everyone else virtually. It’s absolutely stimulating contagious laughter from within me to see their reactions to you speaking to them so eloquently in their own tongue. I’m dying laughing 🤣 when they whip out their cameras like they’re getting a selfie with a UFO! SHINE THAT LIGHT GURL!! 🫶🏽🤟🏾✌🏽
I've always been impressed by folks who can learn other languages fluently. I had an economics teacher in college who spoke 13 or 14 languages. He was former CIA, and he would give us extra credit for translating things he said, or asking questions in other languages, even if we stumbled through it. This was in the late 80's, before your phone could translate everything for you. It was fun.
my Uncle spoke like 9 or some ridiculous number. I wish I had a high memory/IQ to learn multiple languages so that traveling would be less intimidating
@@LadyChaos1992i learnd french for 8 years in school. I was good but only with learning and learning. Now I can only say je ne parle pas Francaise. And a few words I do remember. English is ok. But when I need to talk it's difficult to remember words. Hearing is no problem. I watch movies and read English all day long.
@@Nordlicht05 as a native and fluent English speaker, I can understand not being able to read it well, as we have many words that are spelled the same, but read differently. Hell, just my comment alone is a good example, “read” and “read” lol
@Nordlicht05 yeah, I used to know Spanish well enough to get by in Mexico. We spent a lot of time racing in Baja, and the more time we spent down there, the better I got. Decades later, I can still understand a bit when I hear it, but I can barely form a sentence to speak it. Languages are a perishable skill I guess.
I'm truly impressed that you can speak Japanese, Mandarin, and Korean. These are really difficult languages to speak well. I am Singaporean Chinese, and I speak can English, Mandarin, and Cantonese (my mother tongue). To a lesser extent I can speak Hokkien and Spanish, but that doesn't detract from your far superior achievement. Bravo, 安明!我不知道您的"明"是不是这个"明",因为您说 "intelligence", 但是我找不出对的字,那就用“明”来代表了。 如果错,请多多原谅.
@@OrientalPearl I'm so excited to receive a reply from you!!! Forgive my presumption, but I think “明”的意思应该是“明亮”,就等于“bright”. 那么“安明”就是“peaceful brightness", or "bright peace"。 “安”还能代表“安全” or "safe". 当然这是您的名字,您要什么意思都可以!
My husband is from Poland (first generation immigrant). I am learning Polish. A super hard language to master. But, my husband is surprised by how fast I have caught on to the language. Thank for represented the USA!
Yeah give yourself some credit, if people think Asian languages are hard, Polish is definitely one of the hardest languages to master grammar and pronounce. I speak Croatian, which is not too distant from Polish, I understand the difficulties. English is a very simple language in comparison
I traveled all over the world and was often confused as a professional wrestler. I was asked to pose for pictures many times and never had a problem doing so. Always be kind and it will pay back in huge benefits! Love your videos and your command of the languages you speak. I am also an American but speak fluent Spanish, having traveled to many Latin and Hispanic countries. I pick up dialects very quickly and have been astounded when someone asks me if I am from the area in which a dialect is spoken. It's so fun to see the shock on their faces.
I grew up in San Francisco and moved around allot because we were poor. I dated a Chinese girl so I learned Cantonese and was amazed at out outrageously expletive the Chinese women can be. It's built into their culture. I listened to two Cantonese women were talking about me on the bus saying they never had a American man in bed and commenting how our penis is probably too big ect. I kept silent not wanting to be rude but upon my stop I turned to them and said: "Gung Hay fa Choy". Which is simply 'roughly: Happy New Year or closer: congradulating your wealth in the new year'. They blushed red and covered their mouths laughing in embarassment realizing I understood everything they said.
If what you say is true, it can only be said that the American pornographic culture is quite aggressive, which has brought indelible misunderstandings to the far-flung ladies in the East.
Haha…that first group teasing you about finding a Chinese husband- was hilarious! Sounds like something my mom would do! A sign of they were really impressed with you!!
Spent several months in China and every single time I'd walk outside people would ask me for a photo. I did not understand the language well enough at the time to have a conversation with them but I very much enjoyed the random attention and was always happy to participate.
@@ProfessorOfLogic980 it was the same in India, just being a westerner brings them in like flies, all wanting to get into their vehicle / cycle, then following you in someone else's cycle
@@davidz1681 it's perception, NOT racism....... and it's more of ignorance. DON'T GO to a country and keep going to, if you don't like how they act towards you.... OTHER BLACK people are fine with that. YOU are most likely from the STATES or other western countries. Most likely you complaint that the chinese don't speak english, just like the other 195 countries in the world that you go to which most do not speak english.
@@kaleeysmith8801 That's what you got out of my comment? Racism? I never said that. Perception? Sure....I'm perceived as a circus oddity there. I also never complained that they don't speak English. My mandarin is good enough to get by. Ignorance? On your part definitely. As for never going back, I don't have a choice.
I just found your channel. I am going to subscribe. Thank you for representing Americans in a positive way abroad. Learning each other’s languages is a great show of respect and admiration for a culture.
The respect and love people show when they realize a person from a completely different culture and language speaking their language, always amazing to watch.
I'm an introvert but have not problems with talking with strangers or random people. I've done that a few times and more often than not, they actually talk to me. Usually they try to sell me their religion or want to get married for citizenship reasons. But at least train rides home were never boring. I got secondhand anxiety when you approached that group of salary men. Fortunately they were really nice and fun.
Anming you’re such a popular woman, Tommy is lucky you have your wits about you to keep the jokesters at bay. I like how you’re so brave and can conquer your nerves to put yourself out there talking to so many strangers. Every friend was a stranger once. Those business men in Hong Kong couldn’t believe their ears when you spoke, they were absolutely gobsmacked. You know they enjoyed your conversation when they pull out the business card too! 😄💜
I met my spouse via random stranger conversation haha So it still works better than Tinder lol Also that previous ex just lost out the most wonderful treasure of a princess ever called An Ming hahahaha Those who knew An Ming video from 2021 should know what i mean hehe
It's not about equals, when you're a foreigner who is unexpected to speak their language, people get really interested. I used to work at a hotel reception, people would come expecting to communicate in English, but I'd end up speaking Swedish, German, Italian to them and they would get surprised, they want to find out more, then they spend half their vacation with me at the reception just talking
I truly envy those with the remarkable capacity to learn new languages fluently. I was a teacher who lived among the Dene and Inuit communities of Canada for many years and my only regret was my inability to cross that language/culture barrier. Language truly is the window into the lives of other people :)
Knowing the language is definitely a bridge to other people and their cultures, but it's not the only thing, your energy and friendliness make all the difference in interacting with them, you are great! And people keep saying you're talented in languages... you have skills, but I suppose you also put a lot of work into it! even as a hobby, you dedicate yourself to it, and that effort pays of in your amazing communication, congratulations!!
Congratulations on learning to speak all of these languages. Quite impressive! I lived in another country in the 80s studying the language and also had the experience of being asked if they could take photos with me, touch my hair, etc. because my coloring and traits were so different than theirs. It did not bother me at all. It’s a nice way to meet others and explain differences, educate, etc.
My first time to China I was very confused when the locals asked for a photo, I thought they wanted me to take a photo of them not wanting a photo with me. I always took pictures with everybody who wanted one.
I was confused too. When I went to Korea for the first time I was even more confused. I wasn’t sure what the meant when they said they wanted a picture… of me or you? Lol
I had the same experience. I lived in China for two years for my company. Many times in the park I was asked if they could take a picture with me. I even was asked to hold a baby a couple of times. They wanted a photo of me holding their baby. I always found that strange, but always smiled and agreed. I could imagine that kid growing up someday and seeing that photo in mom’s album and asking who I was. She would probably say “I have no idea. Just some random American guy we saw in the park.”
You are a true Hyperglot. I never reached that point. My wife and I still mix English and 日本語 to get our point across. I remember watching a friend of ours switch between English, Japanese and Chinese in a San Diego dim sum restaurant. The guy is actually at least quad lingual, so I was hoping for a French speaker to show up. Switching between languages without batting an eye is the part that amazes me about you and him.
In my opinion this has to be one of your best videos. I really enjoyed your conversation with the business men. Your versatility with the languages you have learnt is just excellent. 😊
In 2009 I spent two weeks in China on a work-related trip - the first week in Beijing and surrounding area, and the second week in Shanghai and surrounding areas. While in Beijing my hosts took me to visit a portion of the Great Wall. There were so many people climbing that wall, old and young! I had at least a half dozen people ask if it was ok to take their picture with me. My response (through my interpreter) was always the same, "if I can get a picture with you too!". One of them asked me, "What are you doing, coming all the way from America and climbing the Great Wall?". Memories of my old high school, "Non-Western World History" and my teacher Sara Watts were flooding my 55-year old head. I quickly responded, "Chairman Mao said that, 'A man is not a real man until he climbs the Great Wall", so here I am!" They were visibly STUNNED that an American would know something of Chinese history and culture. That high school course from 1973 served me well on that trip. I loved China and would like to go back. This was just one wonderful memory I have of that trip. As always, thank you for sharing. Steve
My awkward and introverted self would start having a panic attack if random people just come up to start taking pictures and selfies with/of me. It's amazing just how impressed people are when someone speaks their language as if they expected it to never be learned by other people it's kinda wholesome in a way.
Pearl, you’re really awesome. As if mastering Mandarin, Japanese and Korean is not hard enough, you are going to learn Cantonese and Vietnamese as well. That’s beyond me. Pearl 加油, 加油, 加油!
Yes, absolutely. I only spent 1 year in Korea with the US Army and I learned very little Korean, but whenever I speak to a Korean, I get that same amazed, surprised face that this American is speaking to them in their language. And they are always very nice to tell me that my Korean is really good, even though I know that it is not that good.
Love to watch your channel! I had an old Gunnery sergeant when I was in the Marines who told me,"If you want to be a successful world traveler, learn to say 'Thank you' in as many languages as possible. " I'm up to 13 so far. But YOU are amazing.❤
I wish I had your smart brain. You got me studying Japanese and Korean and they are so hard to get the hang of but you make it sound so smooth and easy. So impressive. Thank you for the videos
14k away from 1mm subs and over 1mm views in 8days...way to go Anming! I remember watching the video you made questioning whether or not you'd ever break out! 🎉
I have had both countries ask to take a picture with me. The cutest was in Japan at Tokyo Disney when my 18yo granddaughter was with me and she struck up a conversation with some other kids. The weirdest was when we were at a famous place in Beijing and a man and his wife ask me and my adult son to pose with them. Asia is so unique and you just never know what to expect ❤
I am American and I was married to a Brazilian and we lived part-time in Brazil. I obviously stood out as American and initially knew no Portuguese but the people in Brazil were absolutely fascinated I was married to a Brazilian. They had endless questions. When we went to small beach towns they were really fascinated … we would draw crowds from both perspectives that I am American and married to Brazilian
I think it's awesome that cultures around the world take an interest to foreigners and not hate them for being different. I know us Americans hear a different accent or language, and are also immediately intrigued and want to learn more about it lol
@@LadyChaos1992 That used to be my experience with Americans, but over the time I noticed a huge chunk of them are completely uninterested in external world. They really think everywhere abroad is 3rd world. Also a lot of American women are batshit misandrists, just unashamedly and they don't see a problem with their hostile attitude, somehow they insert race, gender and sexual orientation into everything, it's really weird and disturbing.
I think this is my favorite video and that's saying something because I love so many of them. Please never stop shining bright and bringing so much joy into the world. 😊
I’m a 67 yr.old Chinese-American and I don’t know one Chinese word, LOL. I find this absolutely incredible that you can speak so many languages fluently. Huge props to you‼️
I would entertain photos, but I'm an old English guy that lives in the USA - I tell folks that I speak 2 languages "English" and "American" 🙂 - your videos are awesome and I love how the locals in China are so interested in where you're from and impressed by your Mandarin.
I feel like everyone looks at you like you’re a diamond! Although a lot of attention that has got to feel so cool. The confidence you radiate is impressive, I hope to get there one day when I speak new languages!
I would always talk to locals when I am overseas. I have been in Vietnam and have been asked to sit and talk English with young people who are learning English at school. Most of the time they would offer to buy me a coffee if I sit in the cafe and chat in English. They asked about my age, where am I from and my family and then tell me about themselves. It was such a nice experience.
You are amazing not for speaking difficult languages to learn for most Westerners but for your focus, determination, and commitment to excellence in learning said languages.
Hey there! I am from Germany and about 6'6 tall. I traveled through China for 6 weeks. If I would've charged 1 Dollar for every photo, it would've been enough to pay the whole trip 😅 It didn't bother me at all, but I guess it is different when you are a pretty girl and people are way too touchy.
You are amazing, you not only speak different languages but also aren’t afraid to face them when they talking about you and have discussions as well. Well done girl, keep going ❤
Thank you for this inside knowledge. A few years ago we traveled to the Grand Canyon. There were many Asian tourist groups visiting. I always wondered why they wanted to take pictures with my daughter who was then only 3 years old. But she was a petite fair skin blond hair blue eye friendly little girl who loved having her photo taken.
Could of watched those interactions for hours:) it’s a beautiful thing to be able to speak different languages, it breaks down so many barriers, I had the biggest smile on my face watching this:)
I worked at a Chinese owned restaurant for a while and was the only American who worked there. I regret not learning their language. They asked me to teach their youngest to speak English and I was too nervous to mess up...but I assured them the school would teach her and I helped them with phone calls and stuff. They were great- they even gave me their van for a few months and I did deliveries every day for them.
I had a Filipino family come into a Target in Australia, where I was working. I was serving them and spoke a little bit of tagalog with them and they were amazed haha they asked for a photo, and I said yes haha I always thought it was sort of funny and cute that now they have a photo of me working at Target in their holiday photos haha :)
The best part of these videos is that it shows that with language we can connect in a very deep level. People truly want to enjoy everyone from everywhere, but we separate ourselves. Great work. It's inspiring.
I went to Shanghai on a biz trip. I’m 5’9” blonde and everyone was fascinated with me. Very unnerving. Was so glad to go home and blend in with people instead of standing out.
This will make your day. I am going in 2 days back to Seoul. My ex is undergoing medical procedure. Divorced for 29 years and 34 years since I’ve been back to Seoul. My Korean language is very rusty but some word’s phrases are never lost.
I love watching your videos Anming! I’ve been studying Japanese lately and I’ve noticed how much more fluent you are in Chinese. I kinda feel like you still have a foreign accent when you talk in Japanese but when you switch to Chinese you sound to me so much more fluent. Of course you’ve lived in China way longer so this makes sense.
Yeah for sure, but her mannerisms in Japanese are quite good. Interesting that she doesn’t seem to have a strong accent in Chinese but still has a slight foreign accent in Japanese
Wonderful the way you can joke with people. Flows like water in a river. Absolute proof of how fluent you are. BTW...When you're so fluent you can pick any title you like. It can only make people jealous 😉I hope you and Tommy had a pleasent Christmas and wish both of you the very best in the up coming year 🥂
Thank you so much! It was a low-key Christmas this year. There was a death in my family on Christmas Eve, so we weren’t in the mood for big celebrations.
As an African American, who graduated from Heilongjiang Unviersity in 2019 (黑大), it is just part of the gig. I am 5"11 and over 350lbs. I always stand out there. But, if you have a job in education or got a scholarship, which I had both, part of your appeal to the country is your foreign perspective. There is a privilege in that. So I take the time to smile and wave and hold babies (literally) often. I view my time aboard as ambassadorial. I am "light skinned" ifykyk. People have thought I was Keynan, South African, Thai, Indian, Afghani, and most oddly to me Russian. Like what? Love your videos. Thinking about starting a channel as I preapre to go back to my 中国老家。。。哈尔滨. People don't give the Tier 2 cities enough love.
I love these people 😂 The lady who was like "We look better in the photo because of your beauty" ❤ And I hope to see those salarymen again when you're all in Japan 😄 They seem so fun.
When I was a tourist in Taiwan in 2004 I was frequently told how beautiful my skin was (because I'm pale). My (ex) husband and I got stared at a lot because we are both pale and he is (very) tall (6 feet). I don't recall anyone asking for photos. It was a notable experience because where I live has a high asian population and nobody at home would ever stare at me or comment on these characteristics. I've also noticed that asian tourists have different priorities when taking photos. Westerners want a photo of the thing/place they are visiting and asian tourists want photos of people in front of the thing they are visiting. My family would often wonder why they are blocking the photos of thing they are visiting by standing in front of it in the photo.
I'm Australian and I've been to Harbin twice and Beijing once. I wasn't much of a novelty in Beijing, but in Harbin (which has much fewer foreign tourists) I did get several requsts for photos, and sometimes spotted people taking my photo. Last time I was in Harbin, I also had a woman ask me if I am from the USSR.
I think it's not just that you're visibly foreign but you're very pretty~! I can see why they want photos and it's sweet that you're so open to letting them capture the moment 💕
I could tell by the way he handed you his business card with two hands and bowed that he was Japanese. I’m fascinated by Japanese culture, especially their level of craftsmanship in woodworking and bonsai.
the two hand transfer i have seen in chinese culture as well. especially in traditional martial arts environments where konfuzianism matters still. you would never give your weapon to another with one hand, you would never receive a paper with one hand... I live in finland, but when i enter a martial arts gym, i switch to that mindset - because that came very easy to adopt as a sight of respect. I do like respectful exchanges, our western society has pissed that into the wind... completely unfortunately.
Anming and Tommy and Family you are the 1st ones i thought of when hearing of the quake, I hope you are are well and safe, i pray for you and the Beautiful Japanese People. 🇯🇵🇺🇲 ❤️
Have you ever spoken with TAKAShii from Japan? He interviews foreigners in Japan and uploads to youtube a lot and I think it would be really cool if you guys made a video someday! Hi from America btw! I just subscribed. You are so inspiring 🫶
Had a classmate with platinum blonde hair go to china for a martial arts competition and she said people would stop her on the street to get photos and get surprised it wasn’t a wig 😂
That second couple was SO ready for a conversation when you asked them suddenly, "Are you talking about me?" They were already smiling and curious to say something to you. I wish my country had such genuinely curious people willing to learn from a stranger from a foreign country.
I love how you are so culturally aware and can relate to the locals appropriately. Very unlike most American travelers who are sometimes clue less when it comes to understanding local attitudes, and expect everyone to have the same American values. You are able to understand their level of humor perfectly and exchange respectfully. Very impressive.
I think Anming usually provides a lot of cultural and situational context for her videos, and I think that’s a lot harder in shorts. It’s a lot easier to have things misconstrued or misinterpreted in shorts. I think she’ll have no problem hitting 1M staying with longer-form videos.