Based on my understanding of immersion, the optimal pathology for language acquisition is just an ungodly amount of I+1 sentences, but its not always possible to always directly consume I+1 so at the very least comprehensible input is where you can at least grasp the message of what’s being said. However, the difference in comprehensible input as a beginner for me is so stark that turning off JP subs is like turning off the lights and asking you to see, only being able to grasp some small things/words based on pure memory alone but not really *understanding* messages being conveyed. The second JP subs are back on, my comprehension goes up much more, or it’s at least easier to identify if it’s a more digestible sentence based on sentence structure, kanji I know/don’t know etc. Reading manga kinda feels like cheating because of how easy it is to look up stuff on the fly with Yomichan, which makes it so you can pretty easily do free-flow immersion *while still getting the benefit of* intensive immersion, as well as having pictures that help describe the state of things. It is definitely the most comprehensible input for me, at least at this stage, where audio podcasts are the least comprehensible. So, if audio podcasts are the least comprehensible how should I break up my time spent immersing? I’m not sure if it’s better to improve my Japanese ability through reading, then catch up listening, or do both trudgingly at the same time.
*(My goals are basic speaking as soon as possible, but I would like to have better comprehension from listening before I begin outputting. At what point in my ability would getting a tutor be most beneficial?)*
2 comments
I mean, it just sounds like your reading ability far outstrips your listening ability at the moment, probably because you’ve had more practice with the former than the latter.
In that case, I suggest you just bite the bullet and get over the hump by doing more audio-only listening practice. If your listening comprehension doesn’t measure up to your reading comprehension, this might mean that you have to find easier/simpler audio materials compared to the (relatively) more complex stuff you’re reading or watching with JP subs.
But if you’re able to understand something relatively well with JP subs but your comprehension drops precipitously the minute you take them off, that simply means your brain isn’t processing the sounds well/quickly enough. It’s the same language whether it’s written or spoken, but as a learner you have to practice/hone/develop both skills — they complement each other (and will do so more as you get higher level), but still, there’s no way to *truly* get better at listening other than, well…doing a lot of listening.
Doing *active* listening (and practicing things like transcribing what you’re hearing, re-listening to the same passage multiple times if you have to) can also help.
>(My goals are basic speaking as soon as possible, but I would like to have better comprehension from listening before I begin outputting. At what point in my ability would getting a tutor be most beneficial?)
imo getting a tutor for Japanese would be best at the point where you know enough grammar and can produce sentences on your own, but still make mistakes and don’t know if something sounds natural. It’ll be a lot more efficient for them to just correct slight mistakes than to explain an entirely new concept that you could have learned on your own from reading.