These are just random thoughts from random questions I received about my Japanese language learning journey. It's still a journey, because I don't know when I'll ever reach the destination. But if I do, then it doesn't really stop there. But well, let's see what the future holds.
This photo was when I was studying for JLPT N3 way back 2020.
How did the benkyoukai (group study) come to fruition?
Learning alone doesn't motivate me that much, and I don't know why. I think I'm so used to having a competition or a companion when studying. It kinda gives me inspiration and motivation to give my best in studying.
That's why I realized I'm not effective at studying on my own at home.
The last time I studied a lot was when I was taking JLPT N3. I even paid for an app just to unlock some features that I needed for my study. That was way back 2022 and well, it paid off because I passed the exam.
Nowadays, I'm just so out of fuel to study on my own. I start then I couldn't continue. I hate my self being like this.
One day, @appleeatingapple and I just randomly talked about our Japanese language level. We were both kinda frustrated because we're going nowhere after passing N3. We both wanted to get N2. And we have the same issue - we cannot study at home. We just couldn't concentrate at home. That's the time our benkyoukai (εεΌ·δΌ or group study) was formed. We both want to study so we can encourage each other and learn together.
How do you plan to continue the benkyoukai (group study)?
@appleeatingapple and I planned to do this weekly, particularly the weekend. It's a bit tough though because sometimes we have plans like how she went to a trip last weekend so we had not studied. I'll try to see if we can both manage to do it in the weekdays too, but I'm sure it would be tough for us because our brain cells are already fried by the end of our working day. π
We also invited our other friends though some of them aren't on the same level as ours. I understand some people would say it's better if everyone is on the same level but I'm not that kind of person who would leave someone else alone. Even if our levels are not the same, it's okay to join us because we'll still be doing self study for a bit before we dive into discussions. Besides, I'm always happy to help.
These questions were left by @elsieyaaa in this comment here.
What made you first learn the language? Like, what motivated you?
I don't know what motivated me to study Japanese. Contrary to what everyone else was saying about wanting to watch anime without subs, I was introduced to learning Japanese because of work.
Prior to that, I was already exposed to anime and Japanese culture because of a half Japanese, half Filipino college classmate. Maki was her name and she taught me many things including anime and cosplay. It would be nice to watch anime without minding the subtitles like her but at that time, I didn't really mind reading subs. I even read English subtitles in English films.
What forced me though was because I was part of a special group at work that would be given a chance to go to Japan to become a bridge engineer. To be successful, I needed to learn the language so our company back then let us attend Japanese lessons at work. We have a Japanese sensei (teacher) and we spent our 8 hour work time just for Japanese lessons. It went on for 4-5 months. Then, we were required to take the JLPT exam, and not the beginner level but the intermediate level - JLPT N3.
The deployment to Japan being a bridge engineer didn't happen though.
Let me explain the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) levels. In my previous post, I already gave a summary but let me explain a bit further.
What is JLPT?
JLPT is just one of the Japanese proficiency exams. There's also JPT which works like TOEIC and there's Kanji Kentei which focuses on kanji and even Japanese people take this exam. I heard there's also a Japanese exam for business called BJT. Now, why JLPT? Probably because it's been widely used and recognized by many.
| Level | Description | Vocabulary Count | Kanji Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| JLPT N5 | basic level | 800 words | 80 kanji |
| JLPT N4 | daily conversational level | 1,500 words | 250 kanji |
| JLPT N3 | business level but more like in between the everyday usage and intermediate level | 3,750 words | 650 kanji |
| JLPT N2 | business level | 6,000 words | 1,000 kanji |
| JLPT N1 | almost like native or even more than a native | 10,000 words | 2,000 kanji |
You don't really need to take them all. If you're confident with taking N1 right away, there's no stopping you to do so. It's just that most people want to take the exam one level each time, although that would be time-consuming because JLPT exams are only done twice a year. Before it was even once a year.
What made you continue pursuing it, going for N2 now?
To be honest, I've been taking JLPT exams for a long time already. I failed a lot of times but I never gave up. I took a break yes, but I still tried.
I also don't know why I keep pursuing this. Passing JLPT doesn't really prove I'm a good Japanese speaker because there's no speaking test. But I think I just want that sense of achievement of passing this hard exam. Plus, I need to know more Japanese if I want to keep living in Japan.
Speaking of which, @cli4d asked me in this comment if it's required to learn Japanese while in Japan. I already answered him in the comment but I'll also reiterate it here.
Is it compulsory to learn Japanese while in Japan?
It's not really required to learn Japanese at all while living here but to survive, you need to know Japanese. When I first arrived in Japan 6 years ago, my level was N4 going N3. Google Translate helped me a lot but I didn't want to keep relying on it. Imagine me using my phone in the supermarket because I couldn't read what was written on the label. Plus when someone talked to me I couldn't figure out what they're trying to say right away, I still needed to analyze and let them explain in simple terms. Translation tools were only good if you have time but when you're talking with someone, you'll have to rely on your knowledge.
The me now is getting better. I could read and understand a few sentences now. But I still want to be able to read more. When someone talks to me behind my back, I could right away understand what they're saying and I can reply quickly. That's why I keep pursuing my Japanese language studies.
Besides, the higher JLPT level you have, the greater the points for the PR application which I'm aiming for years from now.
If you're wondering if I would take N1, hmmm, at the moment I am not sure. N2 is a big hurdle for me already and I just want to pass it for now. It took me a decade to pass N3 (on and off study), so right now my focus is just passing N2. More than passing the exam, I want to learn the words and the kanji. So maybe after passing N2, that will be the time to think about taking N1 or not.
What are your future plans?
Because we're studying for JLPT N2, I want to take the exam in December. There's only a little time left and I'm pretty sure I'm not halfway in studying so I'm not so sure yet if I should take the exam in December or not. After December, it will be in July next year. I'll probably just try and donate to the foundation and see how it goes.
I'm also planning to take JPT so maybe if I couldn't take JLPT this December, I'll take JPT to know my level if I'm ready for JLPT N2 or not.
Everything is not so clear yet in terms of taking the tests.
What's sure is that I want to keep learning Japanese to be able to communicate with the people here.
How about you? Are you learning a new language? Are you also interested in learning Japanese? How do you keep motivated? How do you study?
Thanks for reading!
See you around! γγγγγΎγγοΌ
With love,
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.