3/19/13

Manga: Experience with Hakuoki

After the achievement of reading 35 pages in one sitting, I challenged myself to read everyday without breaking the streak. I wrote my thoughts down after each sitting. I thought it'd be interesting to share my experience with you. 

Day 1:

I read 14 pages. So excited to read but I had to stop.

Day 2:

Only read 5 pages.
But at least I read!
I wanted to keep going back and re-read scenes of my favorite character. (Saito Hajime)

Day 3:

I read 13 pages during my break at work.
For some reason I had difficulty pronouncing the words. 
It might have been because the characters in the scenes had a different speech pattern.

Day 4:

Only read 4 pages.
To be honest I didn't really feel like reading. I was getting bored.

Day 5:

I read 8 pages in the car. Slightly more interesting then the day before, but not as excited. 
Not sure why.

I broke my streak on the 6th day. I wasn't interested anymore, and became busy with school work. Felt a tad disappointed that I didn't last even a week. Every time I picked up the manga I couldn't get myself to resume reading. 


Sometimes you have to give yourself a break if it stops being fun. 


After a while I resumed.

Day 1.1:
Read 14 pages. 
I stuttered a lot. I figured it was because it had been awhile since I read, 
but again, it might have been the character's speech pattern.

Day 1.2
I suddenly felt like reading Saiunkoku instead. (I was re-watching the show)
I read 12 pages. 
I aimed to finish the chapter, but started to fall asleep. 
That's the negative of reading in bed. 
I did understand some stuff though.

Day 1.3
I read 7 pages of Saiunkoku to finish the chapter.
Then I read the same chapter in English to compare how well I understood it.
(I can't do this with Hakuoki)
I understood the plot about 80%, but the other 20% I was WAY off!

Day 1.4
I returned to Hakuoki.
I was running errands and waiting.
It was a new challenge because there was a lot of distractions.
There was the TV with American programs on, people on the phone, etc.
I've never had to read in a loud English environment before,
and focus on Japanese.
I usually read in seclusion. It was hard to focus and understand the manga.
I read 33 pages!
I finished it!
My second manga!

Now I will resume Saiunkoku and finish it.
I need to finish transcribing DBZ before I can do that for Hakuoki. 

What's your experience like trying to read Japanese?

3/11/13

Searching for a Tutor

It can be hard learning on your own. 
I'm not a fan of language classes, but I do find a tutor to be very helpful.
It's 1-on-1, your pace, your needs.
It's nice to have someone to ask for help.
Not everyone has a Japanese-speaking friend.

I thought I'd just quickly share a website that I used to find my new Japanese teacher.

I hope it can help some of you. 

My experience has been very good so far. I get to shape the lesson on what I really want to focus on. I've told my teacher that I want to focus on reading and Genki II. So that is what we base our lessons on. She brings out her own materials she has prepared to help me. The nice thing too is that my teacher makes sure to stay on track, and not waste any minute. We also are able to schedule around our busy lives. I go once a month.

I was very lucky to find a tutor near me. She has passion for teaching, and experience in teaching all kinds of different students with different needs. She makes sure I understand the vocab and the readings. She doesn't rush through. 

I feel I really benefit from these sessions. It helps to make sure I don't fall into bad habits that are hard to unlearn afterward. It also gives me speaking practice and someone to correct my pronunciation.

It has also given me a new friend I would have not met otherwise. We clicked the moment we met, and she makes me very excited for our lessons. 

3/5/13

My February Fun Study Materials







On JALUP's website there is a series where you share what materials you've been using during the past month. I thought it was a fun idea, and wanted to answer them here:

1.What are you watching?

 I'm still watching しろくまカフェ and アムネシア, but I also began watching マギ. It's a fantasy adventure story with some fun characters. (and a strong kick-ass female character!) The main character kinda reminds me of Goku. Sweet personality and great power.This is a show I would definitively not understand without subtitles. If you like shows that let you explore the world and interesting character I would recommend it.







I also started watching たまこまーけっと. It's a cute slice-of-life anime with a talking bird, mochi, and a friendly market. If you liked K-On, you'll like this. 





2.What are you listening to?




I got another drama CD of one of my favorite 乙女games: Pirates in Love. It's hilarious with some very funny phrases. ⌐_⌐ Some of the CV include Morikubo Shoutaro and Kousuke Toriumi♪








What fun stuff have you been using?