Yep. It’s time to get serious about studying Japanese!
Okay, it’s time to make a pledge here and now on our blog. As of today, 11 June 2006, I, John Koons, am going to make a regular and diligent effort to improve my Japanese l
angauge ability. Furthermore, I’m going to register for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) which is given in early December every year. I could attempt the Level 4 (easiest) exam, but I think I’m going to sign up for the Level 3 exam.
The Japanese writing system is pretty complex. It combines two Japanese alphabets (katakana and hiragana) with the ideograms (kanji) of the Chinese language. I now know a few kanji, but it’s going to take a lot of hours of studying to learn all of the ones I need for the formal Japanese exams!! For the JLPT Level 3 test, I’ll need to learn about 300 kanji.
Yes!! It’s really time to get serious about my Japanese language studies. I’ve developed a basic gameplan of the materials that I’m going to use. Here’s a list, and I’ll add more in the future:
- Use three or four different textbooks that I have laying around. (multiple choices tend to keep away the boredom)
- Listen to podcasts at: JapanesePod101.com
- Download and read the lesson notes from JPod101
- Use the online ‘Learning Center’ at JPod101
- Listen to other Japanese audio cd’s and podcasts (MORE Japanese when I’m using the mp3 player and LESS news, politics and tech podcasts!)
- optional: sign up for a pretty serious online or cd set from a language training firm like Rosetta Stone. (These programs are NOT cheap!)
That’s about all I can handle right now. I’ll post updates about my new learning approach and new commitment. Let’s do it!
June 24th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Well…..just to say good luck!!! because I think writing must be so complicated…speaking might be easier. Can you speak any japanese at the moment?
The good side is that being in Japon you can practice with your wife and evarybody around you, even in shops, cafes, etc and I believe that’s the best way to learn a language.
all the best
June 24th, 2006 at 11:44 pm
Lauri right said. I was also not able to write English but with little practise now I can write/spk/understand. 🙂
August 25th, 2006 at 11:03 am
[…] So where to place yourself? Take the easy route and get a guaranteed ‘Pass’, or challenge and see how far you get it with a harder level. What level are you signing up for this year? […]