learning japanese

[alicia94]

grammar and reading is quite easy actually. For the reading compre, only the first one was a little hard. A few careless mistakes here and there but still quite easy. Listening was quite easy too. All except the first section. Lots of words i haven't learned before.

 

[dimitri_can]

alicia, 学校は文化ですか、いこまですか。

 

[alicia94]

うん。文化で勉強しています

 

[cnstar]

How fast is it compared to n5?

erm, as fast as n5 cos I was taking the n5 exam ok lah I think the n5 listening is actually slow compared to actual converstations, just that I didn't practise for listening and didn't know how the format was going to be like that's why.

They dont see how many questions u get correct, but they see the answering pattern of how u answer the question.

I see, still not exactly sure what that means but I guess just got to wait for the results to be out, although it'll be a super long wait

 

[Konstine]

i've already zoned out on N3 listening part... time management on the grammar/reading compre was realy bad...............

 

[dimitri_can]

erm, as fast as n5 cos I was taking the n5 exam ok lah I think the n5 listening is actually slow compared to actual converstations, just that I didn't practise for listening and didn't know how the format was going to be like that's why.



I see, still not exactly sure what that means but I guess just got to wait for the results to be out, although it'll be a super long wait

Basically, all questions don't have the same weightage. They see the options you put.

E.g if answer for
qns 1: 1
qns 2: 2
qns 3: 3
qns 4: 4

you put

qns 1: 2
qns 2: 1
qns 3: 4
qns 4: 3

You will still get some marks, even though your answers are wrong. They wanna see who tikam and who really try... So those who got try and get wrong, they still give some marks... get it?
===================
Scaled scores are determined mathematically based on “answering patterns” of how examinees answer particular questions (correctly or incorrectly). For example, a test consisting of 10 questions (items) has a maximum of 1024 answering patterns (210 patterns). For the scaled-score calculation process for the new test, based on these answering patterns Japanese-language proficiency of examinees is positioned on a scale
between 0 and 60 points for one scoring section (0-120 points for Language Knowledge
[Vocabulary/Grammar]・Reading for N4 and N5). Because the maximum 1024 answering patterns of a test consisting of 10 questions (actual exams have more questions) are categorized into 61 groups, scaled scores sometimes become identical for different answering patterns. Therefore, scaled scores can be identical for two
examinees even when the number of questions they correctly answer or their answering pattern does not match. On the other hand, scaled scores may not be identical even though the number of correctly answered questions is the same when answering patterns are different.

 

[dimitri_can]

For those who are interested in free Japanese conversation sessions: Practise conversation.

Requirements: Attended beginner or intermediate japanese (JLPT N5 standard-JLPT N4 standard)

Dates: 31st December 2011, 7th January 2012, 14th January 2012
Time: 1-4pm

Topics:
31st December 2011: Moving around in Japan, Asking directions, Buying food
7th January 2012: Asking for discounts, Reserving a hotel in Japan
14th January 2012: Basic Business Japanese

To enrol, drop me a message with your name/contact number.

 

[Keiryl]

Woah - this is the longest thread I've ever seen. 478 pages!

Anyway, I hope to get some advice or recommendations here on the best way to pick up the Japanese language again. Here's the story:

I learnt the language up to Intermediate-advanced in Uni (Passed only JLPT3 based on previous syllabus). After graduation I wanted to work a while to save up b4 I picked it up again. Before I knew it, 2yrs passed...then another 2 yrs...So it's been 4 yrs since I left it on the backburner.

I can still read simple sentences, but can't think or respond well. Am not good at listening too (I need slow sentences!)

I've tried to do some revision of elementary grammar and vocab. But it's hard to continue the streak. I'd be motivated to pore through them at night after work for a week --but then the habit breaks off.

Also, I find that practices such as simple written exercises where you change grammar forms are not as effective for me anymore, prob because now with a first layer of faded knowledge, practice and being forced to think on the feet is a better way to shake off the rust. Simply repainting doesn't seem to work.

Hence I have ponnndddered for a long time on whether to attend classes. The first part of elementary classes are going to waste my time as it's teaching hirangana characters. Yet grammar and vocab and conversational skills are usually combined within each lesson that I can't go direct into these areas.

I had considered going for lower intermediate - but I don't want to risk going to class to find that I am rushing to catch up instead of being able to rebuilt my foundation before piling on more info. Weekly classes also don't cut it for me - I prefer something more regular.

SO, I'm thinking of whether there is an online forum/ tutor which holds lessons and 'homework' about thrice weekly.

Am also open to suggestions on how I can go about picking up the language again. I love anime songs and once I was crazy about finding translation of their lyrics.

P.S.
Unfortunately I came to realise I have a really bad habit - I think of words in romanji!! Can you imagine thinking of Chinese words in han yu pin yin where it's all English alphabets put together to spell/pronounce the word?!
I think it's because of my initial learning stage back in Uni. where you are forced to pick up words fast 'coz of the pace rather than really understanding. How can I get rid of this bad habit also?

 

[dimitri_can]

Actually, i personally feel that in your case, u just need someone, maybe a tutor to practise with you the language, to give u like a refresher to start ur "rusty" engine going again...

I used to think of words in Romanji too... You need to start thinking like a Japanese to force urself not to think that way... Every day, go to the mirror and tell yourself "I am a Japanese"...

Just kidding, you need to just expose urself more to the language, like start watching drama/listen to Japanese music...

Check ur pm

 

[Ah_keong]

Woah - this is the longest thread I've ever seen. 478 pages!

Anyway, I hope to get some advice or recommendations here on the best way to pick up the Japanese language again. Here's the story:

I learnt the language up to Intermediate-advanced in Uni (Passed only JLPT3 based on previous syllabus). After graduation I wanted to work a while to save up b4 I picked it up again. Before I knew it, 2yrs passed...then another 2 yrs...So it's been 4 yrs since I left it on the backburner.

I can still read simple sentences, but can't think or respond well. Am not good at listening too (I need slow sentences!)

I've tried to do some revision of elementary grammar and vocab. But it's hard to continue the streak. I'd be motivated to pore through them at night after work for a week --but then the habit breaks off.

Also, I find that practices such as simple written exercises where you change grammar forms are not as effective for me anymore, prob because now with a first layer of faded knowledge, practice and being forced to think on the feet is a better way to shake off the rust. Simply repainting doesn't seem to work.

Hence I have ponnndddered for a long time on whether to attend classes. The first part of elementary classes are going to waste my time as it's teaching hirangana characters. Yet grammar and vocab and conversational skills are usually combined within each lesson that I can't go direct into these areas.

I had considered going for lower intermediate - but I don't want to risk going to class to find that I am rushing to catch up instead of being able to rebuilt my foundation before piling on more info. Weekly classes also don't cut it for me - I prefer something more regular.

SO, I'm thinking of whether there is an online forum/ tutor which holds lessons and 'homework' about thrice weekly.

Am also open to suggestions on how I can go about picking up the language again. I love anime songs and once I was crazy about finding translation of their lyrics.

P.S.
Unfortunately I came to realise I have a really bad habit - I think of words in romanji!! Can you imagine thinking of Chinese words in han yu pin yin where it's all English alphabets put together to spell/pronounce the word?!
I think it's because of my initial learning stage back in Uni. where you are forced to pick up words fast 'coz of the pace rather than really understanding. How can I get rid of this bad habit also?

hmm, I am thinking along the line of applying for a say JLPT N4 preparation class say at IKOMA (to put in motivation and habit) and maybe a conversational classes at JCS?

meanwhile try to watch drama, anime to spike the interest and oil away the rustiness.

Think with the interest and motivation coming in, I believe shouldn't be a problem in oiling the language machinery

 

[dimitri_can]

Keongさん、Prep class only starts in Sept...

 

[Ah_keong]

yup, i know that, before prep class there is conversational class to boost the interest.
in addition, please don't use ちゃん on me.

Thanks

 

[dimitri_can]

lol 10 chars

 

[solarwings]

actually I think its better if the sensei points out certain kanji that is written differently from the chinese version. for example, 曜. many students would write this wrongly and there are not many books that point out the problem.

I think it's interesting how the Chinese and Japanese write some kanji differently.
My sensei points out this after we get our kanji tests back from her.

 

[cnstar]

I think it's interesting how the Chinese and Japanese write some kanji differently.
My sensei points out this after we get our kanji tests back from her.

Sometimes I can't tell whether there is really a difference between how a kanji is written in Chinese and Japanese, or it's just due to the computer font used.

Looks like knowing Chinese can be both a good and bad thing; on one hand it's much easier to remember the meaning for kanji but on the other, have to learn to differentiate subtle differences in the writing.

 

[alicia94]

Dimitriさん、返事できない。Your inbox is full

 

[dimitri_can]

Cleared...

 

[hoshiyume]

hey i browsed through some books and I realised some of the books used a weird sentence format that I have yet to see. Can someone tell me what is the difference?
Eg : どうして学校をやすんだんですか(saw in book)
どうして学校をやすみますか (taught)

 

[dimitri_can]

どうして学校をやすんだんですか。->More emphasis on asking why...

I guess you are not at intermediate level yet (N4), that's why u ask this question. This will be taught in N4 syllabus.

 

[curryudon]

hello everyone, i took up e1 class with bunka but currently im v confused with the verbs n particles. im afraid i'll struggle during e2 lessons. is there any self help books relevant for me to read up on? minna no nihongo seems gd but i can't seem to find the relevant download link to check it out. anyone has the pdf or the link can PM me? Thanks alot! my aim is to study jap until minimum Int2 and head off to F&e white xmas 2012 trip to nihon~