Independent Japanese Study

Presented by:

Jonathon Allred

Kameron Monterroso

About Me (Kam) Name: Kameron Monterroso

High School ALT

Schools: Minamata High School, Ashikita High School

Hobbies: Japanese Study, Snow Boarding, Programming Useless Applications

Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish(very rusty), Ebonics(Most fluent)

Special Skill: A somewhat decent Bane Impression

About Me (Jonathon) Name: Jonathon Allred

5th Year Elementary/Junior High ALT

Schools: 8 JHS, Miyaji ES, Hachiryu ES, Sakamoto JHS (all in Yatsushiro)

Hobbies: Studying Japanese, Badminton, Watching movies, Listening to music, Fishkeeping

Languages: English, Japanese, French (very basic), German (very basic)

Dream Job: Movie subtitle translator

Kam’s (Pre-Japan) Japanese Experience

• In college I (actively) took a total of two classes in Japanese.

• In total I knew about 100-150

words in Japanese before coming to Japan.

• Kanji: I had a strong disdain for

Kanji. In total I could read approximately 5 kanji.

Kam’s Current Japanese Level • Current vocabulary: 9,000 + words • Current easily identifiable/ Readable Kanji

: 2000 + • First JLPT taken: N2 in July 2014 (two

years after arrival, year and half after starting to seriously study) Score: 91%

Can communicate with almost no problem unless technical jargon is being thrown around.

Jonathon’s pre-JET Experience

• Self-taught Hiragana/Katakana in high school

• 2 years of university Japanese classes

– Conversation-based learning

• 1 year study abroad in Japan

• Low N2 ~ High N3 level at the end of study abroad

• Young and naive

Jonathon’s Current Japanese Level

• 4 years as an ALT • Narrowly passed JLPT N1 in

February 2012 • Passed level 8 and 9 of Kanji

Kentei test in September 2014 • Currently studying for level 6

and 7 of Kanji Kentei Test • 8.5 years of total study thus

far

Defining Levels

• The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is the most widely accepted Japanese test and is convenient for defining proficiency

• The levels break down as follows:

– N1 The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances

– N2 The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree

– N3 The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations to a certain degree

– N4 The ability to understand basic Japanese

– N5 The ability to understand some basic Japanese

Defining Levels

• For our purposes, we are going to define:

– “Beginners” as JLPT level N5 and N4

– “Intermediate learners” as JLPT level N3 and N2

– “Advanced learners” as JLPT level N1 and above

Learn Japanese: The Hard Way

a part of the Independent Japanese Workshop

Going from beginner to… at least above average.

What I can show you • I can show you how to increase your vocabulary

exponentially.

• I can show you the most important part of the Japanese(any?) language.

• I can show you how to go from hating Kanji to not even thinking about it.*

• I can show you how to become a Japanese Speaker.

• I can show you what worked for ME.

*It’s better than nothing…

Things to keep in mind as a beginner.

• You will be overwhelmed.

• You will never feel completely comfortable.

• There will always be words you do not know.

• It is ok to not fully understand.

• And the most important thing to remember:

MAKING MISTAKES IS IMPORTANT

The 5 steps to Evolving

• 1.) Get Motivated

• 2.)Immerse Yourself

• 3.) Get the Right Tools

• 4.) Use those tools effectively.

• 5.) Battle to Gain Experience

GETTING MOTIVATED Step 1:

What are your goals? • Set up a reasonable short term goal(1-

2 months): • E.G. “I want to be able to introduce

myself to someone with confidence.”

• Set up a reasonable long term goal(6 months-year):

• E.G. “I want to watch an episode of

Fairy Tail without looking up more than 10 words”

IMMERSION Step 2:

Surround Yourself With Japanese

• Even if you don’t understand it, put on Japanese television. Listen to the rhythm. Listen to the flow, the intonation.

• Put on Japanese music.

• Have conversations with yourself in Japanese using

whatever you can think of. If you can only introduce yourself, then make yourself into multiple people and introduce them.

• Watch understandable adult-oriented ANIME(in Japanese

of course). You will learn how to speak as Japanese people speak to each other. Like a child, learn the basics first, then move onto being a proper adult.

USING YOUR TOOLS EFFECTIVELY

Step 4:

Language == Vocabulary

• The single most important element in learning any language is vocabulary.

• Without a vast vocabulary, you cannot begin to describe or convey anything accurately.

• Grammar, while necessary, pales in comparison to the importance of vocabulary.

Anki

Anki is a Flashcard program for iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, and Windows FRONT BACK

AND a Bottom to choose how long before the words reappear

Power Up! Learn 6000+ words a year.

• Use the Core2k/6k pre-made Anki Deck:

• Learn a reasonable amount of new words every day.

• Do your reviews during the day.

• Learn new words right before going to bed.

Do NOT forget to look up New Words on ALC

What worked for you Kam? • Vocabulary: Core2k/6k Anki deck with example

sentences and Audio. • New Words/Day: 25

• Kanji: Kanji is PART of the core2k/6k. You learn to

recognize the Kanji. • Grammar: J-Gram and Nihongo Sou Matome

• Context: ALC for each word I learn, to understand

and remember in context. • Add every word I come across that isn’t in core2k/6k

into the Deck.

BATTLE

Step 5:

SPEAK IT! • You cannot learn how to speak a language

solely by reading it. You MUST speak it! • Find Japanese speakers who will actually

speak to you in Japanese. • It is ok to make mistakes. It is alright to fail

at first. Trying is the first step to success. • 注意：If someone has a huge interest in

English, they will probably be of very little help in your Japanese studies.

Intermediate Learners

• Work on using 丁寧語 (desu/masu) vs. casual speech correctly

• Drop personal pronouns like “I,” “you,” and “she” except when absolutely necessary

• Try to start thinking in Japanese

• Create your language “switch” and practice using it

• Use Japanese fillers

日本語 English

Advanced Learners • Use it or lose it

• Find new ways to challenge yourself

• Study a topic or two in depth

• Study your weakest areas to be well-rounded

• Study things hard even for native speakers:

– Keigo

– Writing Kanji by hand

– Ancient Japanese

Jonathon’s General Advice • Speak as much as possible

• Make lots of mistakes

• Have work to look back on

• Set meaningful goals

• Be an active learner, not a passive one

• Aim to be a well-rounded learner

• Study kanji smart

– Study kanji in context/words

– Learn about radicals

– Find a system that works for you

• Ask when you don’t know

• Review helps retention

Potential Motivators • Useful for career

• Makes life in Japan much easier

• Improves communication with co-workers

• Know what your kids are saying

• Helpful for talking with a loved one or for impressing that special someone

• People who speak two languages are better at multi-tasking and are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s

• Can enjoy Japanese media in original

• Personal challenge

What worked for me (Jonathon) • A good start—lots of speaking practice,

only a few grammar structures

• Highly motivated

• Study abroad/JET

• Studying for the JLPT

• Creating a Japanese/English “switch”

• Daily practice

– Almost all workplace conversations are in Japanese, except those with JTEs

– Daily conversations with girlfriend in Japanese

• Always trying to learn more

The JLPT • Tests proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, reading and

listening

• No speaking or writing portion

• Can be taken in July or December

• Can apply through packet available at larger bookstores like Tsutaya on Shimotori

• Can be taken in Kumamoto or other big cities in Japan/abroad

• Reasons for taking the JLPT:

– Looks good on your CV

– Decent measure of your proficiency

– Can be a good motivator

– Will definitely improve your Japanese reading/grammatical/vocabulary comprehension

JLPT Study Hacks • Take practice tests

– www.jlpt.jp/e/reference/books.html

• Focus on studying your weakest areas

• Study with and/or get advice from a sempai who passed the test

• Find the book that is best for you

– Tsutaya on Shimotori has a good selection of JLPT study materials

• Higher levels (N1/N2) emphasize reading long passages

– Buy reading comprehension books (読解) and thank me later

Drawbacks of the JLPT • The main drawback is the JLPT’s

almost exclusive focus on reading

• The active skills of speaking and writing are not tested

• Many say the listening is disproportionately easy while the reading is disproportionately difficult

• Studying for a test like the JLPT is not as fun as studying through conversation

• Passing the test doesn’t guarantee you can hold a conversation

Extra Study Tips • Check out the last slides in the handout or online for

more info on:

– Tests other than the JLPT

– Avoiding “textbook Japanese”

– Maximizing speaking time

– Learning dialects

– Keeping a log of words

– Blogging/Vlogging/Journaling

– Reading manga

– Entering a speech contest

– Studying pop culture

– Playing video games

Study Materials

Study Materials

Study Materials

The App You Need

• “Japanese” app

– Dictionary

– Example sentences

– Stroke order animation

– Can input kanji by hand, or search by components

– Can create vocabulary lists and study with flashcards

– Only $4.99 on iTunes

– Available for iOS and Android

Websites • Online Translator for words/phrases

– ALC www.alc.co.jp

– Denshi Jisho jisho.org

• Blog

– www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog

• Easy news (Furigana)

– www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/index.html

• Remembering the Kanji

– kanji.koohii.com

– kakijun.jp/main/point.html (stroke order)

• Online lessons

– japanesepod101.com

– www3.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english

• Grammar Guide

– Tae Kim’s Guide www.guidetojapanese.org/learn/grammar

ALC ALC is one of the best English ⇔ Japanese dictionaries available with example sentences. For example:

Native Speakers • Boyfriends/Girlfriends can help with

language study – If they want to study English, work out an

arrangement from the beginning

• Japanese friends also provide a way to try out your Japanese, but...

• Don’t use people as a means to an end

• Make your intentions clear from the beginning

• We don’t like it when people use us to practice English, so don’t do the same thing with Japanese

Native Speakers • You have to ask to be corrected specifically (no

blanket statements)

• Two people will speak the language they can best communicate in – Negotiating is a two-way process

• Learn from a variety of people to acquire different vocabulary and understand different types of speech – Kids

– Elderly people

– Peers

– Teachers

– Non-teachers

Finding Japanese Speakers DORO International Party（国際交流）:

facebook.com/yoriyoritai

Burnout Tips

• Manage your expectations

• Do some self-reflection

• Don’t compare yourself to others

• Take it slow and steady

• Use compliments and corrections as motivational fuel

• Breaks are important!

Are you burned out on our presentation?

Take a look at some of the less than impressive

technology to come from Japan

Are you burned out? Some more proof of Japan’s technological prowess

Are you burned out? How did we live before these life-changing inventions?

Are you burned out? Japanese technology conquers the fashion world

Are you burned out? Do you know “Japanese technology?” Only in Japan!

Question & Answer

Thank You for listening!

Additional Tests

• The JLPT is not the only test out there! Try these for a challenge:

• Business Japanese Proficiency Test

• www.kanken.or.jp/bjt

• Kanji Kentei

• www.kanken.or.jp/kanken

• Bunshoken

• www.kanken.or.jp/bunshoken

• Nihongo Kentei

• www.nihongokentei.jp/info/exam/outline.html

Avoid Textbook Japanese

• Japanese often drops personal pronouns like “I” and “she”

• Written Japanese often sounds strange when spoken

– Notice the differences in word choice, grammar and formality between written and spoken forms

• Direct translation often doesn’t work, learning to think in Japanese is crucial for improvement

• Learn how to use Japanese only phrases like よろしくお願いします and お疲れ様です

Maximize Speaking Time • Speaking too much English every day can

impede Japanese progress

• Try speaking aloud to yourself in Japanese when doing mundane tasks like dishes or laundry

• Try speaking Japanese with other non-native speakers or having a “Japanse study night”

• Push yourself to make Japanese friends who don’t speak much English so you’re forced to use Japanese

• The key to speaking a language well is creating and finding chances to speak whenever possible

Learn the Local Dialect

• Great way to connect with the local community

• Interesting way to learn about the local culture, history and people

• Usually brings a smile to the listener’s face

• Challenge for those who have reached a “plateau” in their studies

• Some dialects are particularly useful:

– The Kansai dialect is commonly used on TV and in movies

– The local dialect obviously allows you to understand more of what is going on around you

Take Notes

• Keep a written record of words you:

– Want to be able to use in daily conversation

– Want to know how to say naturally in Japanese

– Find funny, inspirational, interesting, etc.

• Taking notes makes learning a more active process and thus increases retention

• Asking about words in your notes can lead to interesting conversations and often leads to learning even more words

• Notes are a tangible record of your effort which can be reflected upon later

• Can be used in flashcards

Blog, Vlog or Journal

• These outlets allow you to practice your typing, handwriting and/or speaking

• You can have a native speaker check your work to improve accuracy and learn from your mistakes

• Another tangible way to track your progress in Japanese

• These outlets offer a way to review what you’ve learned and see what kind of Japanese you have retained well enough to use on your own

Read Manga

• Not all manga are representative of how the Japanese actually speak, but some manga can prove highly educational

• My recommendations for insightful, interesting manga are:

– The 日本人の知らない日本語 series

– 日本人が気づいていないヘンな日本語

– 日本人でも知らない！？外国人の大疑問

– The 大の字 series（トニーラズロー）

Enter a Speech Contest

• The Japan Foundation holds a speech contest in Japan every year, which goes by the name of 外国人による日本語弁論大会

• Speech contests help you refine and polish your Japanese to a high level by working with a native speaker

• Challenges students who have reached a “plateau” in their studies

• Offers perspective on what our kids go through preparing for the English recitation contest

Study Pop Culture

• Try watching movies, TV shows and/or anime in Japanese with Japanese subtitles, which works your listening and reading muscles simultaneously

• Listen to music CDs while reading lyrics (you can rent CDs at Tsutaya!)

• Read manga, magazines, or popular novels in their original text

• Watch TV, it often includes subtitles

• Studying pop culture gives you something to talk about with your students, fellow teachers and friends

• It’s probably the most fun way to “study!”

Play Video Games

• Japan has a huge video game industry

• Try re-playing some of your childhood favorites in their original Japanese

• Trying to get through a game in Japanese can be good motivation to study

• Video games can become a topic of conversation

• A much more fun and less stressful way of studying than hitting the books

• Good for when you need a break from formal study but still want to do something with Japanese