In July, I did my first Japanese JLPT test. Here's great news and a lesson for anyone learning a language. And also just for life.
I saw my results today.
I PASSED!
I learn Japanese in the family scenario quite informally because we're raising our young son bilingually, and I was curious how that fitted in with the JLPT curriculum as I haven't been studying textbook-based so my knowledge is very scattered!
It was a very interesting process. From the way we sat in a university lecture hall, to how they organised the question sheets. The biggest thing I found curious was the rigidness in learning formally.
I listen and speak well, but my reading and writing is lower level because I don't focus on it much in the household. And I know so many baby-friendly versions of words too, but of course they're not going to test for that in an exam!
As if I get to use the term 'wanwan' for dog in a test ...
When I speak with our Japanese friends and family, they're all very casual (with countryside family slang!) and even they don't use grammar like the textbooks teach.
They skip particles, sentence endings, and we all understand.
If I say something a little incorrectly, they don't even blink. They just keep talking to me.
In the formal setting, you get incorrect marks if you mix up particles or (oh my gosh!) miss them completely. If you make even one tiny error.
It's so different.
And for that, it's so interesting.
I'll keep learning for the next tests, as it's a good gauge on my level and helps me see gaps in my learning.
But really, if it shows me anything, it's that you don't need to worry about being so rigid. Unless you're learning to become a translator or interpreter, for work, if you just want to communicate with people, get immersion experience too. Learn casual speak. Slang. Toddler-speak. Enjoy it.
Don't worry if you miss a few key grammar points.
Because the point is to grow a new mindset, become more open-minded, learn and engage with a new culture, communicate with a wider range of people.
Learn a new identity of yourself (because learning a new language shows you who you are in ways you can't discover in just your home language).
Don't worry about being perfect.
Take tests if you want to see how you're travelling.
But just enjoy it. And practice holistically. Explore song lyrics, anime, manga, posters, conversations, food packaging, try cooking some Japanese recipes (I love my Japanese quick, simple recipes for mamas cookbook!)
And that's the same in all of life. Business. Learning. Not just languages. Grow your skills because you want to and because you're curious.
Play with it. Have fun with it. Don't worry about being perfect.
Language is about connection, not perfection. So, embrace the process and let it enrich your life in unexpected ways.
(And of course I had to make the picture for this post me posing with one of my fav anime characters in Narita Airport 2019 when they had him up in their feature area! If you've not seen Sword Art Online, make it your first Japanese immersion show.)
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