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My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - haabaato - 2011-04-03

I'm no longer an active member on this site, but I thought I'd share my story of how I passed the big test after two and a half years of Japanese study: one year in America, and 16 months in Japan. This won't be as useful to you RTK advocates since you already know about the book, this site, and the SRS model of learning (Anki, etc). But it should at least be motivational to those who wonder what tangible results you can obtain in a short period of time. Smile

http://www.herbert-siojo.com/japanese/

Edits, questions, comments, hate mail: I'll entertain it all.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - gyuujuice - 2011-04-04

I skimmed it because my brain is fried but I enjoyed your article and I liked your writing style -- it was easy to follow.

Actually I DO have a question. I am all over when it comes to Japanese skills but I WANT to make the big jump and go J-J because I am sick of having such a low understanding of what I hear. How would you do things to make it easier?

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - zachandhobbes - 2011-04-04

I read it! Truly an interesting read - I read the uncut version Big Grin

I hope to do something similar to you in College. I went to Japan for 1.5 months but that just wasn't enough. When summer comes I'm going to finish RTK then begin planning my next expedition to Japan - like you said, being there REALLY jumpstarts you, even in my few weeks I was able to learn a lot.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - vileru - 2011-04-04

@OP

I noticed your resume says you're fluent in Tagalog. Are you Filipino? I'm asking because I'm part Filipino, and I'm curious to learn about what Southeast Asians and Asian Americans think about their experiences in Japan. Even though the total time I've spent in Japan is less than three months, I have the impression that Japanese people generally treat ethnic Asians differently and also have different expectations for them.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - napurenon - 2011-04-04

Thanks for that, I read it all and found it quite motivational. Also, that Polygot plugin was new to me, so I'll certainly be trying it.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - AlexandreC - 2011-04-04

How long do you estimate it would have taken you had you NOT stayed in Japan?

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - jettyke - 2011-04-04

"peak words and phrases out loud. Mouth them out if you’re in public. It’s quite acceptable to talk to yourself in Japan, so consider this an exercise in fitting in."

wow didn't know that...

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - jettyke - 2011-04-04

napurenon Wrote:Thanks for that, I read it all and found it quite motivational. Also, that Polygot plugin was new to me, so I'll certainly be trying it.
It's interesting, but I really wonder whether things like this do really work.
There was one for heisig kanji also.

I'm curious as to whether someone can say that he/she used it and that it really was effective.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - haabaato - 2011-04-04

Oh dear, I didn't expect such a deluge of responses. Smile

@gyuujuice: Thanks! My writing "style" is elementary since this is my first attempt at blogging.

What do you mean by being all over Japanese skills but wanting to jump to J-J? You possess a large formal vocabulary but find yourself struggling with interpreting casual speak? I hacked at the tree of learning little by little, noting unknown words I heard and looking them up, one by one. If someone spoke to me and threw out an unknown word, I would stop the conversation to have them explain its meaning.

It helps to pronounce these new words yourself, so you can at least get used to hearing it from yourself. For example, the word とりあえず sounded like a jumble of syllables to me at first despite often hearing the word. I needed someone to spell it out for me.

@zachandhobbes: Thanks! Yup, complete immersion can only help you. Though I've met tons of foreigners who still had mediocre Japanese ability after years of living there. You're already a step ahead by having the gung-ho to apply yourself to studying.

@vileru: Yes, 75% Filipino and 25% Chinese. Asians are treated differently in Japan, but I wouldn't say better or worse. This topic could be an entirely new blog post, but simply put, the Japanese cannot tell other Asians apart from looks alone. Even when I first moved there and had an American haircut--short by their standards--they thought I was one of them. After I grew my hair out, no one would assume I was non-Japanese.

What does visually fitting in do for you? You won't experience the clearing of space around you on a crowded train, a phenomenon described quite humorously by the Gaijin Smash blog. As for expectations, I found that they had none. Most were surprised that I knew how to use chopsticks. No one expected me to speak perfect Japanese, and that's even after I passed the JLPT 1 and obtained a new job through interviewing in Japanese.

I suggest you don't go into Japan with preconceptions. Gaijin are treated as gaijin, one way or another. No one will gawk at the sight of you, but if you speak any sort of Japanese, you might still cause a few mouths to drop open in surprise. Wink

@napurenon: Thanks! Tell me how it works out for you.

@AlexandreC: That's a good question, but impossible to answer. Had I not even moved to Japan, I would not have had the motivation to study. I watched anime growing up, but not enough to compel me to learning the language.

But let's say I was focused and determined...I would still have to say about the same amount of time. I would have probably still flunked the listening portion, but I might have achieve better scores if I had concentrated solely on the test, without being distracted by learning words for work and casual conversations. My first year in Japan was dedicated to learning the language as a whole, not learning for a test.

@jettyke: Salarymen are the worst offenders. Even in bathrooms, I heard a よいしょ！ Too much info? Tongue

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - ta12121 - 2011-04-04

nice to see someone succeeding. Keep up with the blog!

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - ta12121 - 2011-04-04

gyuujuice Wrote:I skimmed it because my brain is fried but I enjoyed your article and I liked your writing style -- it was easy to follow.

Actually I DO have a question. I am all over when it comes to Japanese skills but I WANT to make the big jump and go J-J because I am sick of having such a low understanding of what I hear. How would you do things to make it easier?
it shouldn't be hard to jump to J-J. You could use that basic dictionary, forgot what it was called though. Something like sanesido or something. I usual use yahoo dictionary

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - Asriel - 2011-04-04

gyuujuice Wrote:Actually I DO have a question. I am all over when it comes to Japanese skills but I WANT to make the big jump and go J-J because I am sick of having such a low understanding of what I hear. How would you do things to make it easier?
He said in the article, and I agree, that going J-J isn't really as important as some people seem to think. It's faster for me to go J-E, and I actually know that I'm understanding the translations correctly. Of course, you've gotta have a good dictionary to get the nuances correct...I like the GG.

But, if you're looking to dive into J-J without too much trouble, I'd suggest Sanseido like ta says. http://www.sanseido.net/
Just regular searches are in Sanseido's Daily Concise dictionary. I like it, because it's "concise" and easy to understand.
You can sign up and get access to more dictionaries, but I personally wouldn't bother.

If you're looking for something a little bit more robust, I've found that Meikyo's dictionary is pretty easy to understand. Other a step up from that might be Daijirin...and after that you'll be set for pretty much any dictionary.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - gyuujuice - 2011-04-04

Thank you Asriel and ta12121!

I have been doing well with an JE dictionary but I need JJ for both eliminating my fear of Japanese text and a way to streamline my reading time. Thank you so much!

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - ta12121 - 2011-04-04

gyuujuice Wrote:Thank you Asriel and ta12121!

I have been doing well with an JE dictionary but I need JJ for both eliminating my fear of Japanese text and a way to streamline my reading time. Thank you so much!
hmm, take your time. It's not hard to go full J-J. But relax when you see words you don't know, it's natural. Even advancer learners still find words they don't know. But there are many definitions for one word. So pick the simpliest one first and then work your way to harder ones

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - Cranks - 2011-04-04

Ah, I wish people would shy away from me in the trains... Tonight I got pressed up front and center to a business man (who had been drinking), a 50 year old house wife and her daughter who wouldn't stop chatting, two rather attractive girls and someone with bad foot work who was wearing some rather spiky heels (my ankles were getting a bit sore after a bit). Some might say this would be fun, but, lol, it wasn't.

A few of my friends are half Japanese, half westerner. Most sort of complain to me how I have it really easy (I'm pretty white) - everyone just assumes I don't follow Japanese rules, and, to be honest, I don't, and treats me accordingly.

Anyway, just want to say "Gratz!" It's not too strange an achievement considering the work you've put in, but I have to say I respect you for your effort!

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - haabaato - 2011-04-04

@Cranks: Hah, I thought the same thing whenever I boarded a rush hour train or the last train home. I also didn't follow Japanese rules, especially when it came to showing up on time at work. I still put in my 40 hours, but I wanted to go by California time. Plus, the more you act like them, the more they'll subject you to their rules. So it really behooves you to maintain your identity and not completely assimilate.

Actually, I think I probably broke the most "rules" out of the other American coworkers, despite being the most outspoken and looking more Japanese than the rest of them.

Thanks for the gratz! There definitely was a ton of effort invested, but nothing that prevented me from going out on weekends or enjoying TV at night.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - jettyke - 2011-04-04

I'm curious as to what kind of Japanese rules are you talking about.

Any examples? Big Grin

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - haabaato - 2011-04-04

I was referring mostly to workplace rules. Punctuality, dress code (I never wore a suit to my first job), staying at work until your bucho leaves, not using vacation days unless you're sick. Some of these rules are written, and some are what the Japanese oft refer to as 常識.

Outside the workplace, I probably broke more rules, though I can't think of many now. I'd use my cell on a train, but I'd usually go near a door first and do so in a hushed voice. I'd eat food in public, another Western habit that's frowned upon.

Japan is a land of paradoxes. That's also another topic for a later post...

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - zoletype - 2011-04-12

haabaato Wrote:There definitely was a ton of effort invested, but nothing that prevented me from going out on weekends or enjoying TV at night.
These are lies. I know for a fact you had no TV and you never wanted to go out and spend money when you were in Osaka!

Haabaato's method is lies. He learnt all his Japanese from picking up chicks, and speaks with a squeaky high pitched voice, and uses "あたし" instead of "僕" or "俺"!!!!

________

His Japanese is ace. Although I know him well, when I met him he had already passed JLPT1, so I never knew him during his hardcore study phase, but I can confirm that he is a great speaker.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - Evangelo - 2011-06-11

Thanks for the links to the polyglot plugin, it's really helpful!

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - thurd - 2011-06-12

Great story and well written. It sure is good to know I'm on the right path and using the same tools to get there, though a bit slower Wink

Polyglot looks awesome!! It looks like it could be the tool that gets me into reading more and overcoming my fear of "kanji wall".

Edit: Btw this "SECRETS OF A MIND-GAMER" article is great too. I need to try memory palace sometime.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - dusmar84 - 2011-06-12

@haabaato

For the most part I think my study habits are pretty similar to yours. SRS for two hours a day on the train, watch TV shows, read manga etc. What I havent tried but will be doing soon is taking Japanese lessons. This is a first for me and Im really looking forward to it. Seeing as how you got solid results in a fairly short time Id like to hear what you think worked for you in class. What was the right mix? Following a textbook or trying to get away from it and focus on free talk? The reason I ask is because the tutor I will be working with has asked me what I want to do and I told him I wanted to improve my conversation skills but Im not quite sure how to achieve this end effectively. Any input you may have would be appreciated.

Thanks

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - Hashiriya - 2011-06-12

@dusmar84

For speaking Japanese, I think I have found out the most important thing is to SRS grammar formations instead of random sentences that just happen to use a certain grammar point. Like use a verb, adjective, or noun with each grammar point in it's past/present/negative forms and it'll really help that grammar point come to mind when you want to use it. Make production cards like this and it will give you nice results. Combined with vocabulary sentences, it should give you everything you need to start speaking.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - kitakitsune - 2011-06-12

Finding conversation partners who will actively point out mistakes and correct them is the best way to improve conversation IMO.

My story of JLPT 1 in 2.5 years - Hashiriya - 2011-06-12

conversation partners are really nice but you need to be able to create somewhat logical sentences in the first place so that they can be corrected.