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+--- Thread: Extensive writing - is there such a thing? (/thread-13685.html)
Extensive writing - is there such a thing? - ariariari - 2016-04-08
Extensive reading has turned into one of my great joys and study tools. I'm wondering if you can do something similar for writing.
To give context, a Japanese friend who has lived in the US for ages just sent me an email asking if I wanted to practice writing with him. He wrote it in both Japanese and English (I guess he doesn't know about rikaikun). He offered to correct what I wrote.
I have mixed feelings on that. On the one hand, I am excited at the prospect of practicing and building up my ability to communicate in written Japanese. I think that it would be both fun and useful. On the other hand, I don't really want to deal with "yet more" corrections to my Japanese. I do anki daily and lessons weekly. I'm also studying for the JLPT, which doesn't have a writing section.
What I'd like to do propose to him is that we communicate in a style similar to "extensive reading". By that I mean:
1. We write exclusively in Japanese
2. If he doesn't understand what I write, he asks me (in Japanese) to clarify it.
3. He tries to find a level that I can understand.
4. He minimizes corrections to my writing.
Have people ever tried this? In case it's not clear, I do virtually no writing in Japanese. In terms of my ability, I'm currently preparing for the N3.
RE: Extensive writing - is there such a thing? - RawrPk - 2016-04-08
Sounds like your friend is willing to be your "language helper". That's great! It's different from a tutor mind you.
Quote:So what is a language helper?http://www.everydaylanguagelearner.com/2010/12/26/a-language-helper/
A language helper is a native speaker of the language you are wanting to learn. They should be fairly outgoing, have a good accent in the eyes of their peers and be open to your doing a way of learning language that they will most likely be entirely unfamiliar with. They are not lesson planners and will not be planning the time you spend with them – they just get to talk and sip tea.
I think one the activities you can do with him such as "Language Learning Tip: Retell It", which can easily be done in written form. I think this might specifically work for you as I know you have been extensively reading some well known stories according to one of your posts in the N3 thread. This can also apply to your watching of shirokuma
Quote:Here is the activity in bullet form:
- Agree with a native speaker to watch the same program or event.
- The following day, have your native speaking friend retell the event to you in five minutes or less.
- Share your thoughts about the event, ask clarifying questions and enter into discussion about the event or program.
I bolded the portion I think you would benefit from most.
Aaron also mentions the LACE manual in the first link but that link is dead so have a look here. LACE manual has a ton of great language learning activities you can do with your friend.
As for my writing experience, I had 2 years of formal Japanese courses in college. Didn't seriously get into writing until the 2nd year courses though. I had even written out a speech I did about my vacation to Hawaii and posted on lang-8 before I presented to the class. Probably the longest thing I've ever written in Japanese. Since then, I don't really write in terms of production with the exception of RTK.