The Language of Learning

Although we are all born with some innate capabilities, we also must LEARN in order to survive and thrive.

Different cultures manage learning differently. The Japanese language has two verbs that can be used when talking about acquiring information and experience. Both 学ぶ (manabu) and 習う (narau) mean “to learn.” The goal for both is to acquire skill and proficiency but the process is quite different.

Manabu implies that you actively seek to know what you are learning. Proactively taking lessons, for example, or researching a subject by reading or though direct experience.

Narau, on the otherhand, is learning acquired by being taught — by a teacher, coach or other knowleageable or skilled person.

Combining the calligraphy for manabu and narau makes the word gakushū 学習 which means “to study.” Gakushū is both proactive and reactive. Add another calligraphy juku 塾 and it makes the word for cram school, gakushūjuku.

There is another word for study — benkyō 勉強 — that is written by combining two calligraphy: ben “diligent effort” and kyō “strength.” Benkyō describes a task or operation; in everyday conversation the word benkyō would be used to describe preparing to take a (difficult) test.

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