Have you ever thought about studying and learning Japanese on your own? I'm Vinicius Ayedo and in this article I'll tell you some points to study on your own.
Let's understand the situation. You started studying Japanese now, you don't know how to study on your own and that reflects in procrastination and frustration. Know that many people go through this and I have experienced difficult situations along this path. Let's put it by topics:
1 - WHERE DO I START?
There is a lot of quality material available on the internet and for free, it is not difficult to choose a quality one or ask which one is good for beginners. Once you have access to a teaching material that suits you, it's time to see and study it completely, extracting all the information you can.
2 - Oops...THE STUDY GOT BORING:
This is normal in the beginning, I believe that to study long periods of time you need a "Learning Resistance" that initially does not match the excitement we have at the beginning of studies. That's why it happens that "today study 3h and morning 1h". It needs to have a balance.
3 - ACQUIRING RESISTANCE:
It's just time, but it can help to consume material you like. I acquired "resistance" with my favorite anime, I entered Japanese sites to look at the news even without understanding almost anything.
We tend to consume more of the things we like, Japanese is no different. You need to like it to wake up and want to study more and more. Love Japanese.
The article is still halfway through, but we recommend also reading:
4 - I STILL HAVE NO WILL TO STUDY, HELP ME:
It's already great news that you haven't given up, time for plan B.
Let's make a schedule now, before planning the study routine, take time to study quietly. On this day read, listen, study phrases and watch video lessons.
After that day, choose which activities were pleasurable for you along with the least fun. Okay, now you know what your strengths are in your study routine and what your weaknesses are.
5 - "LET'S SEE" TIME:
Just like in a game, distribute your skill points and from there put the activity you like the most as the most important in the study routine and gradually the following ones of your choice. Just like in a game again, you'll be stronger at one thing, and weaker at another, but over time you'll be able to find the balance.
6 - NOW I HAVE A SCHEDULE:
Calm down, it's not over yet, you need to have a good time to study or your schedule won't be worth anything, it's very important that you study in just 1 time only and don't divide it into parts of the day because it can happen to be motivated now but not later or some unexpected appointment. What is the best time for you?
7 - ARE YOU TOO EXCITED? BEWARE!
Excitement generates expectation, and for anyone studying Japanese, the process is quite slow. Studying Japanese is like climbing a mountain, you need to be calm, patient and careful.
It's good to start with your head and have a defined goal, but waiting for you to speak Japanese in 3 months or 1 year is a serious mistake that many make and end up giving up. Japanese is not difficult, just know how to study.
8 - STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS:
Self-discipline is essential!
Knowing that you have a commitment and making it at a certain time of day is not easy even though it seems, you need to train your focus and know the obligations you have. Unfortunately you can't find it on YouTube videos or on the internet, because the maturity to study is only you can have with yourself.
9 - ESTABLISH A GOAL:
The ultimate goal is something that moves us, and it is of the most varied types, being fluent, watching anime, interacting with Japanese women (laughs). The goal is something that will make you wake up early and know that if you don't study you won't be able to achieve what you want. So before knowing WHAT to study, before knowing HOW to study, setting a goal is the key to staying on track.
10 - MAKE FRIENDS, CHALLENGE YOURSELF:
Having a rivalry in Japanese is very healthy as it will make participants always want to improve. Make friends who study Japanese and chat, interact, create bonds because learning the language is learning culture and the ultimate goal is to communicate.
Yet not having friends or people to communicate with in Japanese is no excuse for not studying. The objective comes first.
FINAL - EXCUSES FOR NOT STUDYING:
"- I have no time."
"- I learn slowly."
"- The "so-and-so" is better than me."
"- I'm too lazy!"
I will talk here about self-deception, people who want, who see themselves in the future doing something, going somewhere but make no effort to study and dedicate themselves...1,000 excuses, but they will not succeed.
Wanting to learn Japanese, learning Japanese is giving up time, energy and often fun.
The time you could be playing video games, the time you could be hanging out with friends, the time you could be sleeping you're studying. This mainly happens with those who don't plan the time they have, anyone can get 1h or 30min of free time but few are willing to use this time to study.
This is self-deception, the person saying he wants to do it but doesn't.
If you really want to study Japanese mostly on your own, I hope this post will be helpful. Good studies and see.
