independent japanese study - kumamoto jetkumamotojet.com/documents/ijspresentation.pdf · –n3 the...
TRANSCRIPT
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Independent Japanese Study
Presented by:
Jonathon Allred
Kameron Monterroso
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Learn Japanese: The Hard Way
a part of the Independent Japanese Workshop
Going from beginner to… at least above average.
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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…
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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:
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MAKING MISTAKES IS IMPORTANT
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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
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GETTING MOTIVATED Step 1:
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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”
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IMMERSION Step 2:
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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.
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USING YOUR TOOLS EFFECTIVELY
Step 4:
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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BATTLE
Step 5:
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Study Materials
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Study Materials
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Study Materials
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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
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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
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ALC ALC is one of the best English ⇔ Japanese dictionaries available with example sentences. For example:
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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
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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
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Finding Japanese Speakers DORO International Party(国際交流):
facebook.com/yoriyoritai
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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!
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Are you burned out on our presentation?
Take a look at some of the less than impressive
technology to come from Japan
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Are you burned out? Some more proof of Japan’s technological prowess
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Are you burned out? How did we live before these life-changing inventions?
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Are you burned out? Japanese technology conquers the fashion world
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Are you burned out? Do you know “Japanese technology?” Only in Japan!
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Question & Answer
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Thank You for listening!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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!”
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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