TL;DR: Yesterday, I had a conversation with a native Japanese speaker, and it went decent as expected but a bit slow. I struggled with thinking on the spot and wondered how to improve besides vocabulary, grammar, and reading (which is likely to be). **I am open to advice and stories from you all as I seek others’ experiences and resources!**
I’m a member of a Discord server where we often have Japanese natives and learners joining. Yesterday was quite interesting as I decided to join a call with two native speakers and a few other curious individuals. I must admit, the experience was a bit slow-paced. While they were able to communicate with us, there were still some words they didn’t understand. On the other hand, we learners were stuck with using only phrases and had difficulty understanding their concise statements. Nevertheless, I managed to communicate to some extent by using certain phrases.
Considering that I have a touch of social anxiety, this was definitely an achievement for me. However, it has also raised more questions about speaking than it has answered. With my current level at around N5 and some N4 vocabulary, and soon finishing Genki 1, I feel like I still have a long way to go before becoming proficient in speaking.
After this experience, I have a strong desire to improve my speaking skills. The biggest obstacle I face is often blanking out and struggling to find the right words to say. I find myself overthinking and questioning what I can express with the limited Japanese language arsenal I possess. Overcoming this hurdle is a priority for me. I do practice by feel and interpretation, meaning I typically refuse to translate 1:1, unless I ask what a new word was. For example, I learned yesterday Dog Breed is 犬種。It seems asking questions shouldn’t be a problem lol.
I’ll probably provide an update depending on how I feel in the future. I believe sharing my progress will help me gain different perspectives and hopefully receive some corrections along the way.
9 comments
This is amazing! keep it up! It’s good you’re acknowledging your weaknesses, knowing your gaps is essential for improvement.
That’s amazing, I have been learning Japanese for little under 6 months and I feel I have improved a little. That said I do have the same issue where unless the Situation arises it is hard from me to think of the words.
My knowledge is about a few hundred words, I know most Forms and can make sentences with words that I learn.
Just started learning Kanji 3 weeks ago so I only know 30. learning the next set of 10 right now.
Though, It is very difficult for me, I wish I had more time. I am sadly a functioning Adult, single and have a son. Not to mention a Full time Job a house to maintain, bills and responsibilities it makes it really difficult for me to learn.
Though, like I have said before I am not quitting I will learn and become fluent in Japanese no matter if it takes 2-3-4 or more years. I will master a 3rd Language and hopefully more.
We only live once so let’s take advantage right?
Also, if the Discord Server is Open to everyone mind sharing it?
That’s great! The blanking thing will get better with time. You just have to keep speaking. It might take a *while* for it to get better, but you’ll get there one day. Just keep at it. Working with a tutor on italki can be helpful if you have the funds and want some one on one practice
You’ve encountered the most frustrating aspect of language learning, which is that your brain wants to have adult-level social interactions but your language ability is less than a toddler’s. If you have a budget for the amount of time you spend on language learning, I would strongly recommend limiting conversation practice to no more than 20%, and preferably closer to 10%, because it’s just not that effective on its own.
One of the most recent things I realized, is that I blank out in English too, but in our native tongue we dont worry about it as much, use fillers, gestures and even other’s input to fill it in.
So the blanks will always happen from time to time, just make em natural
My first conversation with native japanese speakers was the big boost I needed to keep on going, it just puts it into your head that “It works!” much more than anything, not reading nor listening. It just feels different
Congrats
If possible, try speaking with the same people on a regular basis. They’ll be the best ones to notice your gradual improvements. Also, don’t worry about blanking. It happens. If you cannot recall the word, or whatever, then use an electronic dictionary to look it up real quick and continue. No one will mind.
Well, back when I was in Moscow, I spoke a bit of Japanese with a Japanese student from Osaka. I presented myself, then she started talking and I could not understand a thing… Since I was only there for a month and a half, I just said things like “Ohayou ” and “Mata ne”. Still, a fun experience.
Congrats to you!