Do not get me wrong. We have been taught a lot, and I loved every minute of it. The vocab that I knew before I took this class was limited to the random words that I picked up while watching subbed versions of anime. I have learned the vocab, the intonation, and even the culture. But it is still extremely hard for me to keep up in class. I never seem to say it right, or know enough, etc. But this will not defeat me; no, this will be motivation for me. I will simply have to try harder.
I believe that the main problem that I have is that I have not fully immersed myself in the language. Perhaps at a certain time studying has to stop and applying has to begin. This could explain why I feel a little overwhelmed even though I have spent time studying. More manga and more conversations with my friends will need to take place. The problem doesn't seem to be a lack of doing the activities as much as it is I simply need to do more of said activities.
My new goal for the rest of the semester is a hard one to decide. I feel that I am lacking in every area. Therefore, I will try to force myself to think in Japanese at random times. I want Japanese to be a second language; I want to be fluent in it. And the ultimate test of fluency, in my opinion, is being able to think in another language. Of course, to go about this many things will need to happen. I WILL make the study group. I WILL force myself to work harder. I WILL go out of my way to improve my speaking by watching anime and having conversations. I WILL listen to more Japanese music. The things that I tried to do earlier in the year will be done.
Of course, this will be hard. But I have two things behind me. I have a love of Japanese, and the knowledge of anime characters overcoming adversity. And of course, what other anime to signfy this than one that not only is debatably the most famous one in America, but one that signifies giving your all no matter what? That's right, the legendary DBZ, the great Dragon Ball Z.
This time, I'll show you two of the sons of Vegeta and Goku - Trunks (Vegeta's) on the right, Goten (Goku's) on the left.
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| By Samanddean08; found on Zedge |
フェミくん、Your reflection was very inspirational. I think that as long as you have the drive you can accomplish anything. I too wish to learn Japanese very badly and I am motivated by the fact that I was fluent in it before. Don't let your struggling get you down because it means that it will be that much more rewarding in the long run. Don't be afraid come ask to check workbook stuff with me again whenever you would like or just have someone to speak Japanese to! I also hope you apply to Princeton in Ichikawa with me!
ReplyDeleteちゃんぐくん、ありがとうございうます。Haha I just gotta give it all I got and pray. Thanks man, I appreciate it. Haha don't be shocked if you see a couple of text messages! And I will apply to Princeton in Ichikawa, it sounds awesome!
DeleteYour dedication is unrivaled. Just don't get too down when you realize that 3 year olds can learn languages faster than we can. It's not our fault, they have simpler minds and can immerse themselves in it more quickly. I have compiled a small list of inspirational quotes to help you:
ReplyDelete-you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
-you only have to believe to achieve.
-there is no telling how many miles you will have to run while chasing a dream.
Good luck.
キンンさん、ありがとうございます！Haha I will try not to get discouraged, I know that it's true. And I love the quotes man, I'm gonna try to keep them in mind as I go!
DeleteInspirational! in turn a fav quote of mine:
ReplyDelete"I’m not telling you it is going to be easy — I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it”
~ Art Williams
がんばった！
そした、
かめーはめーは！
かめーーーーーーはめーーーーーーはーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー！
日食さん、
Deleteありがとうございます！Nice quote!
And for the last two lines that you wrote, I love you. Like, honestly.