Academic discipline given this useless
appellation in
solidarity with the equally
vague European Studies. Includes
language,
culture,
history,
anthropology,
sociology,
politics, etc. Frequently really means the study of
China,
Japan and distant third
Korea, although some schools may emphasize
India or
southeast Asia. (Usage of "
Asian studies" to indicate
Russia and the
Middle East as well as
East Asia is generally a
British convention.)
Does NOT mean "
fascination with
cute Asian girls." Sorry.