December 06, 2004

Learn Japanese Kanji and Discover the World

I took the Japanese Language Proficiency Test yesterday. I think I did well. It's a relief but not much to brag about, because I've been living here for more than two years and studied quite a bit. This year I had a choice to take Level 3 (and probably pass easily) or take Level 2 (and most likely fail). I was leaning toward the second option, but all the practical people I know (everyone but me, I think) recommended option number one. And I have to admit it feels good that this is "behind me" (hopefully, I'll get the official results in a month or two).

I checked in at Darren Chang's blog about learning Japanese to see how he did on the Level 2 test. It looks like he may have passed, but he'll have to wait for the results. While reading the comments to his post, I learned about a free Kanji study program that looks very promising. I've already downloaded it (here), and I'll give it a try. My plan to pass Level 2 is to start preparing now. Actually, it's not so much a "plan to pass the test" as a plan to KEEP PROGRESSING in Japanese. But seriously, Level 2 is much, much harder than Level 3, and I don't want to be cramming for it next November. Ganbarimas!

I'm still planning to follow up my "Fall and Friends" entry.

So on to discoverying the world. In my last post I mentioned the Asian Blog Awards. First of all, thanks to Wulong for nominating me in the Japan section. When it comes to voting, this contest is simply a test of who can generate the most clicks. So if you like this blog, I'll soon exhort you to "vote early and vote often" (as they say). I spent some time last night looking at some of the blogs nominated from other countries, and I found several blogs that I want to start visiting. Here 3 that I bookmarked:

Danwei - from China, impressions: insightful, informative, well written

Java Jive - from various parts, impressions: a wonderful photo blog with stunning images of people

Give Me Spirit Fingers - Hong Kong, impressions: very funny, good writing, photos, and as the slogan says, "More snark than you could ever hope for." For example, "(This year Louis Vuitton) celebrated 150 years of perpetuating the myth that style is something that can be bought...(so) the Counterfeiters Association of Hong Kong released a special limited edition pair of pants."

I've run out of time/space/energy to keep listing links (that was fast), but if you go over to the contest pages I'm sure you'll also find some blogs worth returning to.

By the way, via Danwei, how did a blog about "dogs" emerge as the "World's Best Blog" in a German contest? By using dogs "as a metaphor for the situation of people living in China and other nations." The blog is written in Chinese, but it's still worth a look.

See my other website to save on long distance calls from the USA

Read my tips about credit cards that earn free travel

Posted by jw at December 6, 2004 09:46 PM
Comments

Thanks for posting those links about learning Kanji, and to the other blogs. They're now added to my bookmarks. :-) Personally, I find it really hard to remember so many Kanji.. and I'm Chinese! Even my parents will have to pull out a Kanji dictionary from time to time to figure out the meaning of a character they see in a newspaper.

Posted by: Karen at December 6, 2004 11:30 PM

Hi. Thanks a lot for the links to my site. I'm also happy to know that we can find new and helpful software through blogging - the kanji software mentioned looks very promising.

You're 3kyu vs 2kyu decision is a common problem. Either choice has its pros and cons. As you say though, it's nice to have something under your belt.

The best of luck on preparing for 2kyu. All I will say is that you shouldn't be like me and try to learn it all in 2 months. The jump to 2kyu is not something to be underestimated!

Posted by: Darren at December 7, 2004 09:33 AM

I really appreciate the kind words and link to my work. I'm actually an American living on the island of Java, Indonesia - I've been here for going on 3 years. I do travel frequently, but this is my "home" I suppose.

I enjoy your writing and photos as well - I'd like to link to you on my site, under "asian blogs" if you don't mind.

Cheers,
Brandon

Posted by: brandon at December 8, 2004 09:26 AM

I took the JLPT3 in Singapore and i think i did badly for the listening part. Nevertheless, do hope that i might pass.

I find learning grammar a very difficult task...remembering kanji is challenging too. But compared to you, guess i'm having a much more easier time...since as a chinese, chinese words that i have learned and kanji are rather similar.

Posted by: bec at December 9, 2004 03:47 AM

jw: Ooops... my URI isn't http://daisygrrl.com/ -- it's http://eden.siuyue.li/ however incomplete/useless it may be

Posted by: wulong at December 9, 2004 11:48 AM

I am amazed by your website. My name is Yohan Forbes and am a student filmmaker from London England. I am making a film with a other of other students from our uni (Surrey Institute of Art and Design) in March we are planning to travel to Tokyo Japan to make a film about the Hikikomori problem that effects young male teenagers who decide to shut themselves from the rest of society. Your images give a gentle and fasinating feel towards Japanese life. Just at looking at the images and comments you have given, i feel ever more inspired to make this film and explore why some youth decide to make that choice of lifestyle. This is my first time visiting your website, and i will be visiting again and promise to make further comments and questions. Cool website!

Posted by: Yohan Forbes at January 4, 2005 07:45 AM