I have been studying Japanese daily for more than a year, but had studied in school before that.
I know 1000 kanji and perhaps 6000 words. I can (slowly) read books for children.
But where I am definitely lacking at the moment is my listening ability. I've listened to many podcasts for learners and watched shows for native children, but those are too easy (and definitely too boring) for my level. However, trying to listen to content for native adults is seeming to be very difficult. At 70 or 80% speed my comprehension of a lot of casual native podcasts is very low (perhaps 20%).
I've also had the opportunity to spend time with native speakers and my comprehension is similarly low, which is low enough that it inhibits my ability to have anything beyond a frustratingly superficial conversation.
So it appears I'm stuck in a comprehensible content valley. What recommendations do you have for content or study tips to improve listening?
by sadsadbiscuit