There is a trend to raise Japanese’s difficulty status to a magical language of eternal struggle. So extreme a language that even the people born into the language can’t fathom it. I first heard this comment from a Japanese person many years ago, who was telling me why it was cute that I was studying Japanese, but why I didn’t stand a chance. No matter … Continue reading →
I starting studying back in 2005. Information was limited. Textbooks were limited. Tools were limited. No smartphone. But 2005 still puts me in the modern era of studying Japanese. I still had the internet, and that of course is one of the biggest educational game changers of human history. There are people who studied Japanese in the 1990s and 1890s and I’m glad I wasn’t one of … Continue reading →
There are a seemingly infinite number of ways to study Japanese. The one way you don’t want to study is the “wrong” way. “There is no wrong way!” may be your internal response. For the most part this is true, but there are “bad” methods considered by the majority of people studying Japanese. What happens when the method you choose falls under this category? What … Continue reading →
I have mixed opinions about the JLPT. I’ve outlined the benefits and my opinion of the negatives on that post, but I always encourage people who want (or need) to take it, should. For many, it’s a major learner milestone, and allows you to gauge your progress and have something big to work towards. That’s all great… until you fail. Then what? Not worried because … Continue reading →
You’re learning Japanese? Really? Oh… are you sure that’s a good idea? Wouldn’t you rather learn or do (insert anything more reasonable than learning Japanese). Have you heard this yet? If you haven’t, I promise you that you will. Multiple times… from an absolute stranger, an acquaintance, a friend, or even a close family member. Someone is going to question what in the world you … Continue reading →
Studying Japanese is a continued test of confidence. You build it up and have it knocked down repeatedly. Mostly you knock it down yourself. But there are plenty of other people to also knock it down for you. “You are studying wrong!” “You won’t become fluent like that.” “I wouldn’t listen to that website/method.” One of the strangely common e-mails I’ve received from many readers goes … Continue reading →
You’ve heard of culture shock, and how a person adjusts to living abroad. How about language shock, where you experience a completely new set of trials you must face as you acquire a foreign language? *Click on Captions for English subtitles*
Continue reading →You can’t do it. You can’t become fluent in Japanese. Said by no one ever, right? Keep dreaming. While most people you meet will be nice and supportive, or at least neutral, you will run into one specific person, who will eagerly tell you something like the following: “Learning Japanese as an adult is not possible, especially as a Gaijin (foreigner). Save your time and … Continue reading →
