Why and How I learned Japanese-My story/I have lived in Japan for more than 30 years

[@whatisthetruth5878]

I fee like you normally make people very happy through your calm voice.

[@LittleMerlion-bd6bw]

Thank you for watching and your encouraging comment 😍Really brighten up this cold day 😂

[@koobzandthekeys]

Hello Floria, I share your view that a combination of a good text-boox, knowledgeable teacher and one's eagerness to go over the notes on a regular basis can ensure noticeable and satisfactory progress in one's studies of a foreign language. This has certainly been the case for me, as far as English is concerned. First, my English teacher provided me with insights into how to approach learning the language and what elements to look out for in particular, the foundation which I then supplemented with studying the "English in Use" series by Cambridge University Press on my own. A couple of years down the road, I have now passed all the Cambridge ESOL exams and topped them off with an introductory teaching qualification (CELTA). As is often the case in life, when one thing draws to a close, soon another one emerges: almost a year ago, having seemingly exhausted the examinatory pathway to improving my English, I made up my mind and decided to shift my attention to studying the Japanese language in earnest. Many conducive factors led to my decision, e.g. a) having already studied one foreign language to the point of being a proficient user of it (English), b) the experience of being in Japan and having already had the opportunity to do sight-seeing in various towns across the country (which was made possible thanks to my employment as a jazz pianist on a Japanese cruise ship pre-pandemic), and c) a knack for hand-writing kanji characters, which remain my favourite part of learning Japanese; the visual aspect of it plays a huge role in my finding motivation for further hard work. As of now, I have passed the JLPT N5 exam and I am about to take the N4 one in a little under a month's time. Regarding these exams - I am definitely in for the long haul here and expect to go on to prepare for higher levels later on as well. At some point in the future, I hope to find a way to make good use of knowing both English and Japanese well as a native Pole. In what shape or form exactly - that I don't know yet, but I expect the idea to eventually crystallise sometime during the learning process. Kind regards 👋

[@LittleMerlion-bd6bw]

Thank you for sharing! I really respect your passion for learning languages. Many people find Japanese kanji difficult, but you find kanji fascinating, which is so refreshing. I’m glad to know that you resonate with me about the importance of learning the basic grammar of any language well. がんばりましょうね。

[@spartan.falbion2761]

I learned Swedish but it was a frustrating process. I attended compulsory Swedish classes and found the tutors quite lacking; they were obviously primary school teachers who changed careers to one that was less demanding. The standards were really low, and a couple of my classmates had been in the same class for over a decade. Though an exaggeration, a kernel of truth holds a lot of weight: the education system for immigrants seemed to serve the purpose of slowing down their progress to university and did not teach enough for them to stand a chance competing with Swedish people, thus people with masters degrees take jobs that natives feel is below them. The system keeps running. On thing my first teacher told me proved to be true: the classes are not enough. Those who purchased books (a minority) became more proficient in Swedish, but at a cost; the other students only understand each other's childlike, mispronounced and 'alternative' grammar (incorrect but regular). My then fiance only spoke Swedish with me a family gatherings, most of which were spent not understanding what people were saying and keeping quiet. Whenever I had to speak everyone went quiet and I felt really self-conscious. I did not have anyone to really practise the language with on daily basis. I joined an 'English speaking society' and noticed a couple there had good Swedish skills. Why had I been struggling for 3 years, yet I get no help at home? This caused a few arguments with my then fiance. She did not seem to understand - or was disingenuous - how important it was for me to be able to speak with strangers. I think on one level she did not want to lose her domestic English practice machine. One of the group members said even since residing for 25 years his Swedish was awkward at best. I joined a small Swedish practice group. This really helped, but the leader became frustrated with my questions and eagerness to learn; refer to 'my fiance's attitude'. Later, something happened which improved or rather 'synthesised' the Swedish I already knew. I used the college's public computers and found someone hadn't logged out of MSN messenger. I added her and started text chat conversations and within a very short time something clicked. I think I was listening to audiobooks at the time and found I remembered things quite effortlessly. Obliquely, she was one of the Swedish practice group members, but neither of us revealed we knew who the other was (or indeed, she may not have known). I don't know how I learned listening comprehension. It really is a mystery, and I can't pinpoint when the pieces fell into place - when I could effortlessly understand comedy (I disagree with the suggestion that comedy is a useful learning tool, as it can really only be understood when one has almost mastered a language). I did eavesdrop on conversations when I ate lunch at cafes, and perhaps this taught me unconsciously. What is most peculiar is I forget that I know this language. I no longer live in Sweden, but I can read wiki articles and it doesn't register that I'm not reading my native tongue. I actively avoid listening to Swedish content for a few minutes as retain the program that I don't understand. My next language-learning venture was a failure. I wanted to learn Chinese then it dawned on me that there is little to no Chinese (or diaspora) content that I like and I have had too many bad experiences with 'mainlanders' to want to pursue it any further. Another thing is I know too little to participate in audio chat rooms and it's just an annoyance for other people. Another thing that got in my way is the tendency of western Asian language learners: it's all about points, getting a badge for acquiring the trickiest of tricky languages and the persist in comparing me with others. No comfortable language-learning environment. I resigned myself to the understanding that I can only learn Chinese if I live in China or a diaspora country. Oh...wait... half the time people speak dialects in China rather than Mandarin, so there truly is NO POINT. I have since started learning Japanese. Anime is in Japanese; what better reason does one need?

[@LittleMerlion-bd6bw]

Thank you for sharing your story about learning languages. Your resilience in learning Swedish really moved me, and I wish you had had more support during that time. If you're considering learning Chinese, perhaps you could look into Taiwan or Singapore as environments for immersion. As for Japanese, your interest in music, anime, and movies will definitely help you master the language. Good luck in learning Japanese😊

[@ianrowcliffe]

Hi again, Floria.Thanks for your input... I suppose your knowledge of Chinese must have helped in terms of the written language that uses Kanji and possibly loan words - although the Japanese pronunciation seems to make them almost unrecognisable, doesn't it? And English, too, as there seem to be so many loan words, written conveniently in Katakana.. I guess what I am asking or looking for is: are there any specific approaches that make it easier to learn Japanese in particular - rather than languages in general. What you do seem to stress is starting off with a grammar book, which probably would stifle most people's interest rather quickly. That said you were learning at university, which would tend to use a more linguistic approach, I guess. Later, you had a common interest in bringing up children with other mothers. So finding an interest one needs to express is also a strong line of thought (I grow fruit and flowers - camellias) Anyway, food for thought..Thanks once again: I was looking forward to this video. Perhaps, you can make another one targeting the language and culture more specifically... if you have the time and inclination. Bye for now...

[@LittleMerlion-bd6bw]

Hi Ian. Thanks for commenting! You have a wonderful interest in growing fruits and flowers. I love nature and flowers too, and you may have noticed that I took many videos of them. Being able to read Chinese definitely helps with understanding the kanji in Japanese, but the pronunciation is quite different. I’m learning Japanese the hard way, grinding through the books. I see you’re looking for an easier way to learn Japanese. May I ask why you want to learn it?

[@ianrowcliffe]

@@LittleMerlion-bd6bw Re loving nature and flowers, yes, I see that reflected in your videos, making them very pleasant to watch:-) Re, learning Japanese, there are lots of unique aspects of Japanese culture which make me want to understand more deeply where it is coming from and what it tells us - the eye for detail and what that approach makes possible, the way Japan recovers after disasters - like replanting ancient trees, preservation of the past, while embracing the future in creative and fascinating ways - lots of art on lots of levels - and last but not least Zen thought:-)

[@ianrowcliffe]

@@LittleMerlion-bd6bw Just thinking that the focus on minute detail is significant but somewhat demanding -- いってらっしゃい:いてらっしゃい :)

[@LittleMerlion-bd6bw]

The Japanese are incredibly detailed in everything, which can be both unbelievable and overwhelming for newcomers to the country and culture. I understand your concerns. Unfortunately, I don't think there are shortcuts to learning a language if you want to communicate fluently. However, if you're visiting as a tourist, there are certainly phrases and sentences you can learn that will help you navigate. I have Singaporean friends who lived here for a few years without knowing any Japanese, and they had no major problems, which I hope offers you some reassurance. However, I will keep your comments in mind, and if I can, I will create a video about learning the language in relation to understanding the culture.😊

[@LittleMerlion-bd6bw]

Totally agree with you😊