03: Kimberly Oda (USA) - すこしずつ: Little by Little
■Job Type: ALT |
■Prefecture: Yamanashi |
■Years on Programme: 2005 - present |
Acquiring a new language is a highly individual process: it’s what you make of it. Everyone has different goals and learning methods. Some of us want to be fluent and become famous foreign talk show hosts on Japanese television, while others just want to make new friends or figure out how to distinguish laundry detergent from shampoo. There is a lot to manage when you decide to learn Japanese; just remember that you are in the absolute best environment to accomplish this aspiration. You have an incredible advantage over anyone else in the world studying Japanese and are more likely to get a hold of the language, as you’ll be living it.
When it comes to studying, the three best pieces of advice I have received are:
1) Determine a clear and realistic goal
2) Commit to a regular weekly study time
3) Don’t be afraid to make mistakes... a lot of them!
If your goal is to pass a Japanese language proficiency test or become fluent for a future job, your learning method will be significantly different from that of someone who wants to socialize at the local coffee shop. Like any journey, establishing a direction, destination and even a time of arrival will help you stay focused, show you how to get there and how far you’ve come.
Committing to a weekly study schedule was the most difficult for me. The thought of sitting at a desk for two hours a week greatly dampened my desire to study. However, you are always surrounded by motivating and appealing opportunities to engage the language. Join a pottery class or go to local concerts and meet new people with common interests.
Lastly, be confident in making mistakes, it’s the easiest of the three and unquestionably advances your skill. You will eventually learn the language but anxiety of making mistakes will seriously inhibit your progress and prolong your length of study.
Good luck! Ganbatte!
Kimberly is a 3rd-year ALT at the base of Mt. Fuji, in picturesque Fujiyoshida-city in Yamanashi-Prefecture.
