Note: Not a normal Kid Ethnic post, but I wrote this way back for a foreigners-in-Japan newsletter and did not want it to rot on my hard drive (smelly!). See links/notes at bottom.
So, summer’s over and you’re burned out on Japanese study? Here’s what’s worked for me. Illustrated!
Tip 1: Don’t Fight the Fun
Above is a science-y graph of the fun potential of several different things. Note that all four of the things on the left are good for one’s Japanese. Note the difference in fun potential.
When I get burned out, I try to spend lots of time in the circled area, and maybe just a smidge with the textbook.
Because if it’s between fun and good for you or just good for you, well, you know, the choice is clear.
( * Just kidding! I love you, Janey! Call me!)
Tip 2: Set tiny, wimpy, goals
One foolish thing I do when I’m behind is attempt to catch up. Really fast.
This inevitably makes me really sad.
Stuff goes a lot better when I’m like, ‘Yo, I’m gonna just study for 15 minutes then go outside and play.’
Actually, when I’ve got 15 minutes a day as a goal, I usually end up doing lots more.
(If I have 3 hours a day as a goal, I often end up doing nothing instead. ‘Cause I’m weak like that.)
Tip 3: Chill with the locals, alone
Note the happy, peaceful, vibe of Diagram A.
Show up at a Japanese izakaya, noodle shop, whatever, sit at the counter alone and someone will talk to you. If not the first time you go, then probably the second, and definitely by the third.
Free, often bizarre and/or interesting Japanese practice. Quite motivating.
(Diagram B provided for contrast.)
Tip 4: Don’t stress. It’s no race.
Sometimes there’s so much talking about Japanese in the JET community that folks can get a little too caught up in it.
‘Dang, his Japanese is so good,’ or ‘yeah, his Japanese is okay, but not as good as Laverne’s Japanese,’ or ‘Man, that basset hound’s only been living here 3 months, and his kanji’s already better than mine. I am sad now and shall make a frowny face!
But, really, that’s all silly.
THE END
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Postscript:
Lots of other sites out there talk about language motivation way more in depth than this post. Perhaps try AllJapaneseAllTheTime.com or the book How to Learn Any Language.
YOU: Hey, Bouncer. How’s things at the club tonight?
BOUNCER: Sorry, club’s full. You can’t come in.
YOU: What? But I just saw you wave in the three hot girls behind me?
BOUNCER: Club’s full.
YOU [reaching into pocket for a very special government issued card]: Ah, but sir, perhaps you were unaware. I am carrying… [showing card]…
BOUNCER [nearly coughing cigarrette out of mouth]: Sir! my apologies, I was indeed unaware! Please, my Safe Driving friend, right this way. May I take your coat?
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NOTE:
The blinging piece of paper above is an actual card issued by the Kumamoto government to people who drive safely for a set number of years. It won’t really get you into clubs, but it should.
For it is beautiful and bright and true. And gaudily magnificent.