The best way to learn a language, so they say, is to immerse yourself in it. Living in a country that the official language is the language you are trying to acquire is a good way to try to learn. But I've lived in Japan before and I wasn't able to conquer it then. It wasn't just living here, it was needing to get out of my English bubble.
So this time, not only am I living in a Japanese speaking country, I am also taking classes and trying to put myself in situations where I have to speak Japanese. My son tries to encourage me by giving me drills and testing my vocabulary. He has declared that our home is his personal Japanese school, where he is the teacher and I am the student.
My classes are going well. Twice a week, I go to class where I am immersed in Japanese. There are no English descriptions (only a single handout that explains the class's grammar point).
The teacher is very strict about pronunciation, which I really appreciate. She gives us lots of handouts inserted into clear plastic folders that we use as white boards to write our answers on and then the next class can use the same papers.
I was sitting in class today and realized that I was retaining more and more. It felt so good as I was able to construct some simple sentences. I am also getting much better at reading Hiragana (one of the three alphabets that are used in Japan).
We have started to learn Katakana (another alphabet, used for foreign words). It is difficult, but I am getting it. Slowly, but surely.
I would have to say that the real key this time is the park moms. They have been so supportive. They help me with my homework, encourage me, and even watched my son on the days that he got out of school while I was still in class.
It is still hard and can be frustrating. But I will keep trying. This time, I have a huge team as a support system!
No comments:
Post a Comment