one year ago, i decided to learn Japanese

7 comments

1. Any tips

2. Firstly, I just want to say that getting around N2 level in Grammar in a year with that much Kanji acquired is extremely outstanding and impressive for me. If I were there next to you, I’ll give you a pat on the back for all that efforts. I really wish I could be that hard working.

   Next, Have you tried writing?

   My teacher asked me to write examples of my own for every new grammar and a short paragraph of anything related to the unit I was studying at the moment.
   I struggled to connect the dots for like a month and then started to be able to take a grasp of it. From simple sentences to more complicated things, one step at a time. It feels very accomplishing when you revise them over time and realise how much you have grown.

   When learning a language we all learn the standards of it first, then to daily language and then the localised norms and slangs. So, Japanese media might be a bit too fast to break the discourses and identify words? I can watch anime but I still have a hard time watching shows and stuff. Of course, this is just my personal opinion and it may be different from you.

   Also, you can try writing down the lyrics of Japanese song and try to translate them or sing along. It’s a good way to learn new words, practice your grammar, and also help you get used to the Japanese in general (being vocal, at some point?). In my case, it speed up my language processing.

   And, you can try finding a study buddy. You and them can talk to each other in Japanese and cheer on, check in each other. Self-study is extremely impressive but language itself is a tool for communication. And all you need may be someone to practise with and utilise the magnificent things you have acquired so far.

   My level is way lower than you but I think these might help a bit. Especially when you have developed a strong sense of grammar and are rich in vocabulary.

   I hope you can find something helpful.

3. Congratulations on your progress. I feel you on the fluency issue when hitting 10k+ vocab. Keep it up, if you can read enjoyably it is just a matter of time till fluency.

4. What do you use as immersion, I need to do more.

5. It took me around 6 years of inconsistent studies plus 3 years separate years of more consistent immersion to get close to where you’re at. Keep up the great pace.

6. Keep it up. One thing I’ll point out from experience is that as you keep going, one of the main areas of learning will be gaining a deeper understand of the words and kanji you already know. With that in mind, don’t worry too much about making the numbers in Anki continue to go up. I fell into that trap and worked too hard to find obscure words to put in my deck, and I burned out. If you read and listen a lot, you’ll keep learning.

7. I’m hyper impressed. Also, I think it helps to note that this is a lifelong learning process, much like you pick up words every now and then in your native language. There is no end goal, so enjoy the ride. Get the dopamine from the experience of being in the learning matrix.

   I’m only N5 level studying for N4 with sprinkles of everything because i’m doing the old MIA decks, but learning to view my daily anki, Kanji, journaling, etc. as fun instead of a task has really helped keep me motivated. 1 year into light studying (30m-1hr a day), 2 months into serious studying (2-3 hr a day).