Expat discovers common Estonian-Japanese word
Estonia-based Daigo Takagi, who is originally from Japan, is so taken by local language that he compares it to a birdsong.
“When I first heard the Estonian language, it sounded completely alien and fairly difficult to me,” Takagi told ERR, adding that he enjoys it now and its tone reminds him a birdsong.
Takagi, who now speaks Estonian fluently, has also discovered at least one common word between the two languages: “ah soo” (right, so this one!). Both in Estonian and Japanese it exclaims understanding.
Takagi said that he enjoys living in Estonia because the life here is less stressful than in Japan. “The Japanese society is very strict in its customs,” he explained.
Love for language aside, Takagi is still not too keen on Estonian food, apart from local rye bread – blood sausage and sauerkraut are still a big no-no for him. Takagi also finds it weird that Estonians drink beer at sauna, in Japan it would be forbidden, he said.
According to Takagi, the Estonian society is improving. “Young people want better life and are very innovative – they try new things, create enterprises and take things forward,” he said.
Editor: S. Tambur