On Thursday's I try to focus on speaking.
Speaking is another exercise for the mouth.
Japanese feels like a tongue-twister for me sometimes.
Things I do that I feel help:
1. Dialogue
This can be from any text you have.
The conversation in these is very simple,
but saying them for me is very complex.
I ran through the same dialogue over
and over till I can say it flowingly.
I read the dialogue of the chapter I'm currently on,
and one of a chapter I'm reviewing.
2. Grammar
I read over a part of the grammar section I want to practice saying.
So I can refresh the grammar rules in my mind and drill them in.
I know many language learners are against drilling grammar rules,
but it works for me. I have a much easier time conjugating
what I want to say when
in conversation because my mind goes through the steps.
We all do it in our own language naturally.
We're just not conscious of it.
If you're going to take the JLPT or plan to study in Japan,
then I recommend it.
3. Genki Practice
After reading over the grammar section
I do all the exercises in the book out loud.
4. Particle Exercise
One of the things I always mess up on when I speak is
particles. I'm still looking for good sources to practice this.
So far I've only found this site that let's me fill in the blank.
Just like JLPT.
Genki Particle Practice
5. iTouch
I'm not a huge fan of this so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep doing it.
I haven't found any program that I love. I have "JLPT Study", "Essentials", "Japanese Phrases", and "Kids 日本語単語”. If you are a lover of SRS then you might like these programs. I find them more of a chore. The only one I really enjoy is the kid one. The lite version will do, because I bought the full version and they don't add any more words to it. When it comes to flash cards I like my words with pictures, and this one does. The rest are bland text that make me sleepy.
6. Vlogs
Since am terrified of speaking I figured the next best thing is to video blog.
I can tell you it is almost as frightening for me as speaking to a person.
Something about pressing record is nerve racking.
It has helped me a lot though.
Some people just say what comes to mind,
some write down a script.
Whatever your comfort level is.
You can post them on YouTube to get
help, feedback, and encouragement from the community.
Or make them private so only you see your progress.
I like posting them because I get real encouragement and
helps me work harder at speaking.
7. Skype
This one is not always possible.
When I can though I talk to my friend Rachel.
It is good because I also have to figure out what she is saying.
I also made a friend in Japan who I will also be practicing with.
If you can find anyone willing to do this go for it.
I hope this gave you some ideas or tools to help study.
Remember this is not the only way.
This is the way that helps me.
I'm always tinkering with my methods to make them better.
Sorry if this post seemed like it was all over the place.
I'm still struggling in this area and feel a little lost.
How do you study speaking?
Speaking is another exercise for the mouth.
Japanese feels like a tongue-twister for me sometimes.
Things I do that I feel help:
1. Dialogue
This can be from any text you have.
The conversation in these is very simple,
but saying them for me is very complex.
I ran through the same dialogue over
and over till I can say it flowingly.
I read the dialogue of the chapter I'm currently on,
and one of a chapter I'm reviewing.
2. Grammar
I read over a part of the grammar section I want to practice saying.
So I can refresh the grammar rules in my mind and drill them in.
I know many language learners are against drilling grammar rules,
but it works for me. I have a much easier time conjugating
what I want to say when
in conversation because my mind goes through the steps.
We all do it in our own language naturally.
We're just not conscious of it.
If you're going to take the JLPT or plan to study in Japan,
then I recommend it.
3. Genki Practice
After reading over the grammar section
I do all the exercises in the book out loud.
4. Particle Exercise
One of the things I always mess up on when I speak is
particles. I'm still looking for good sources to practice this.
So far I've only found this site that let's me fill in the blank.
Just like JLPT.
Genki Particle Practice
5. iTouch
I'm not a huge fan of this so I'm not sure if I'm going to keep doing it.
I haven't found any program that I love. I have "JLPT Study", "Essentials", "Japanese Phrases", and "Kids 日本語単語”. If you are a lover of SRS then you might like these programs. I find them more of a chore. The only one I really enjoy is the kid one. The lite version will do, because I bought the full version and they don't add any more words to it. When it comes to flash cards I like my words with pictures, and this one does. The rest are bland text that make me sleepy.
6. Vlogs
Since am terrified of speaking I figured the next best thing is to video blog.
I can tell you it is almost as frightening for me as speaking to a person.
Something about pressing record is nerve racking.
It has helped me a lot though.
Some people just say what comes to mind,
some write down a script.
Whatever your comfort level is.
You can post them on YouTube to get
help, feedback, and encouragement from the community.
Or make them private so only you see your progress.
I like posting them because I get real encouragement and
helps me work harder at speaking.
7. Skype
This one is not always possible.
When I can though I talk to my friend Rachel.
It is good because I also have to figure out what she is saying.
I also made a friend in Japan who I will also be practicing with.
If you can find anyone willing to do this go for it.
I hope this gave you some ideas or tools to help study.
Remember this is not the only way.
This is the way that helps me.
I'm always tinkering with my methods to make them better.
Sorry if this post seemed like it was all over the place.
I'm still struggling in this area and feel a little lost.
How do you study speaking?
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