I decided I would make my transition into using monolingual sources for my Japanese acquisition. It’s only been a few days, but I think this is the way to go. It just feels really good to look up a definition, see a line of kanji, and say “I can figure this out.”
Category: Language
General posts about languages and language learning.
What My Nephew Taught Me About Learning Languages
This post has been chillin’ in draft limbo for a few months now. It’s time to release it. Actually, it should’ve been released a while ago. But I’m finding it even more relevant now that I’ve switched up my study habits. But at the same time, I don’t really want to publish it, because it’s old news. But then again, people just starting out could possibly benefit from this, which is the entire point of this blog. I’m so indecisive (or am I?)
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Progress leads to Motivation leads to Progress….
Hello world! I have some imporant news. I can’t spel.
But seriously, I have some awesome news and I have to share it now!
Today I felt the results of my new “study schedule”! And I just poked myself in the eye, so this will be typed with my left hand. (I’m right-handed.)
It’s hard to feel like you’re actually learning when you’re just enjoying yourself, but today showed me that yes, it is happening. I am learning. I am not aware of it. And that’s the best feeling. So, if you don’t feel like you’re making progress, here’s the secret:
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Serious Learning – Immersion
Hello all!
I have joined the legion of people who use immersion as part of their language learning routine. I like to call them the Immersioneers. And as a direct result of this change, I’m finally taking everything more seriously by, of course, having more fun. After all, that’s the best way to learn, right?
I also realized why my progress in Japanese had felt so unsatisfactory. I was only learning in class, and only studying what I “learned” in class.
Studying Latin didn’t really give me a chance to try out immersion as a learning technique, so this is my first attempt at such a technique. (Actually, I guess Korean was my first attempt at immersion learning, though I’m only realizing it now as I type this…) Anyways, to the point!
Inspiration Through Failure
Learning a new language is not something that you can attempt half-assed and expect to make ridiculous improvements. Lazy efforts bring about lazy results. On the other side of the spectrum, we have those who entirely devote themselves to learning. I like to think I am somewhere close to the latter.
Language Exchange – First Step
Today was my first day of language exchange. At least, the way I envisioned language exchange. I am a huge fan of sites such as lang-8 and Livemocha (both sites I will discuss in greater detail later), it’s just I always imagined actually talking to someone in real-time instead of playing message tag. I wanted instant gratification, ya know?