Studying Japanese can be a real challenge, especially for those who struggle with procrastination. If you feel that time slips away and study hours never arrive, know that you are not alone. Procrastinating, whether by social media, games, or other distractions, is something common, but there are practical ways to overcome it and achieve your goals in learning Japanese. This article presents effective strategies to overcome procrastination and tips on tools that can transform your studies.
Table of Content
Facing Procrastination in Japanese Studies
1. Understand Your Difficulties and Create Customized Methods
Before starting, it is essential to identify the reasons that lead you to procrastinate. It may be a lack of motivation, fatigue, or even the idea that the language seems too difficult. A powerful strategy to combat this is to incorporate Japanese into activities you already do daily. For example, changing your phone's language or playing video games in Japanese creates an immersion environment without feeling like extra effort.
In addition, set small and specific goals. Trying to study for long hours when you're not used to it can be discouraging. Try dedicating just 5 to 10 minutes a day to an aspect of the language, such as learning three new words or reviewing a sentence in Anki. Small accumulated progress leads to significant results.
2. Use Writing as a Learning Tool
Writing about the Japanese language is a practical and efficient way to learn. I created the Suki Desu website with the goal of forcing myself to research, organize ideas, and study the Japanese language more deeply. Even if you don't publish, keeping a diary of what you’ve learned can help solidify knowledge and create a record of progress.
Writing involves using tools like Jisho.org to research kanjis and sentences, which, in itself, is already a study method. Moreover, writing is a way to share knowledge and help others, which can serve as additional motivation.
3. Tools for Study and Correction
Digital tools are indispensable allies in learning Japanese. Among the most useful are:
- Jisho.org: A comprehensive online dictionary that helps to understand the meaning of words and kanjis in different contexts.
- Google Translate: Although your translations are not always perfect, it can be used as a starting point, being refined with Jisho.org.
- Anki: A flashcard app based on spaced repetition, ideal for reviewing what you have already studied and not forgetting important content.
To maximize the use of these tools, insert whole sentences into Anki instead of isolated words. This improves your understanding of context and helps with practical memorization.
The Importance of Immersion in the Language
1. Practicing Listening and Reading
Learning just words and grammar is not enough to master Japanese. It is crucial to practice listening and reading regularly. Listening to music, watching anime or TV shows in Japanese are fun ways to improve your understanding. One tip is to watch something with Japanese subtitles, pausing to jot down unfamiliar words and reviewing them later.
If possible, read texts in Japanese frequently, such as articles from Japanese websites or even study materials related to your hobbies. Even if progress seems slow, consistent practice will make all the difference.
2. Applying Japanese in Daily Life
Another way to immerse yourself is to use the language in everyday situations. For example:
- Configure the language of your devices to Japanese.
- Write task lists or personal notes in Japanese.
- Engage in online communities that speak the language.
In addition, if you participate in regular activities such as meetings or religious studies, try to access materials in Japanese. This creates real opportunities to use the language in a practical and productive way.
3. Turn Tasks into Opportunities
Connect Japanese with something you already do. If you enjoy games, join Japanese online communities. If you prefer reading, try mangas or simplified books for beginners. This connection between learning and your personal interests keeps motivation high and makes studying more enjoyable.
Other Useful Tools and Methods
In addition to those mentioned, there are several options to complement your studies:
- Animelon: Platform that combines learning Japanese with anime, allowing you to study subtitles and vocabulary.
- Social networks and messaging apps: Find groups on WhatsApp or LINE to interact with other students and native speakers.
- Educational sites: Use portals like Tangorin or online learning resources to explore new content.
Many of these tools are free and accessible, making them perfect for those who want to study at home without spending much.
Conclusion
Studying Japanese, especially when facing procrastination, requires creativity and determination. Incorporating the language into your routine, using tools like Anki and Jisho.org, and exploring immersion methods are essential steps to advance in learning. Remember that small daily actions lead to great results over time. Don't worry about the speed of progress, but rather about the consistency of your efforts.
Make Japanese part of your life and, little by little, you'll see that studying the language will become more natural and less of a "burden" in your routine.