
I have recently taken an interest in relearning what little knowledge I had about the Japanese language. It’s proving to be a challenge, but quite fun nevertheless. I stayed in Japan for a year between 2006 and 2007. For those of you who don’t know, atashi wa Eigo no sensei desu. Nihon no ikara. I used to teach English as a Second Language for a language school located at Sukagawa-shi, Fukushima-ken. It was a fun experience, one that I wouldn’t mind happening again.
I’ve started self-studying with some practical lessons on conversational Japanese. As with any other language, I find it much easier to learn how to speak first, rather than to learn how to read and write. That’s why I’m studying lessons in Romaji. I do have resources on Kana, and even elementary Kanji, but I am still too intimidated to start on learning the writing process just yet.
Why the sudden interest? It’s too soon to say the primary reason. But for one thing, I really miss Japan and all my former students. Also, knowing several languages would always be an advantage wherever you go. I am currently fluent in both English and Filipino, and I can speak conversational Spanish. I’m at the lowest rung of learning Nihonggo, but I’ll go up the ladder bit by bit. Seeing as I have some time in my hands, I don’t see any reason why I would not improve, albeit in small increments.
I even took pains in researching on the JLPT or the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It is given once a year, every December, in various locations in the country. the closest being De La Salle University – Manila, where I went to college. The lowest level, which is level 4, requires an individual to have mastered at least 100 Kanji characters and at least 800 vocabulary words. The test is divided into 3 parts: Kanji and Vocabulary [100 items], Listening Comprehension [100 items], and Reading Comprehension and Grammar [200 items]. The minimum passing rate for level 4 is 60% or 300 points.
My friends Paul and Mherrie are also studying Nihonggo as of now, but unlike me, they’re focusing on Kana first, rather than conversation. We’re all planning to take the JLPT this year if we feel ready enough to register by August. Wish us luck! For the meantime, Watashi wa Nihonggo no benkyo suru desu. Yamenaide!