My Head Hurts: The Language Journey - 10 Months Later

If you were to ask me to give you a word or short phrase to describe my current thoughts about my "Japanese language learning journey" - I would have to say...あたまがいたいです。Which translates to - "My head hurts." 

About two months ago, my sensei mentioned to me that another student of hers was taking the Japanese proficiency test (aka - JLPT). The JLPT has five levels - N5 being the lowest and N1 being the highest (native speaker status). The test is offered twice a year - in July and December - and from what I understand, you can choose the test level that you want to take...based on where you are in your learning process. You don't have to pass N5 to take N4, for example. 

Japanese Homework

When I started this language journey - my main goal was to learn as much functional Japanese as I could. I wanted to be able to understand and speak enough to get through daily life. From the start - I had decided that both writing (because I can type) and learning kanji (the picture-symbol system) were not on my "learning list" - at least for year 1 - because they just weren't functional for me. During lessons, I follow the text book, and learn grammar rules and vocabulary. I work to increase my understanding of what others say to me, my ability to respond/communicate very basic wants/needs, and my basic reading skills (as long as it contains no kanji). 

So, ten months later - where are you in this journey...you ask?  Hmmm...that's a good question...and actually the question that lead to my decision to take the JLPT - N5 this coming weekend. During my lessons, I "feel" like I am progressing. I can understand more complex sentences, I can create sentences (usually using a target grammatical concept), I can read short paragraphs, and I can usually complete the homework at the end of the chapter...with help from the book, of course!

However, and this is a big however, what does this "progress" look like outside of my lessons? Not much different...to be honest. Without Japanese friends - my use of the language remains transactional. I can navigate the grocery store, the dryer cleaner, and public transit - as long as they follow the scripts I am used to. I can "get by" at restaurants - with a lot of pointing, using Google translate...and learning to be okay with eating things I didn't think/know I ordered. When Kaz tells me about his day - I can understand at least generally what he is talking about...context and knowing his typical routine helps a lot. I can follow conversations a bit more...depending on what they are about, who is talking, and how much English is being inserted. I can sometimes make out a sign, a subway announcement, or something that is said...however, I still cannot understand WAY more than I can. 

And, to be honest, I am not surprised...and I am not upset. Though, sometimes I have my days. I think I have started to "get used to" living in a world in which I can only minimally communicate and understand. Luckily, in many ways...like work, family, friends, and even TV (when we are able to stream US shows)...my world still functions mainly in English. I do wonder sometimes...where my skills would be, if English was not an option. Total immersion...my SLP brain knows that's one major way to increase learning. 

Since I am someone who likes to set goals for myself...and because I secretly wanted a more objective measure of my progress...I decided to "challenge" myself and take the N5. I told myself from the get-go that the test was to be "just for fun." And, I really haven't told anyone about it - until now - because I didn't want it to become stressful. Though with less than a week to go...I'm definitely feeling some stress...er, at least having a few weird dreams that involve not having a pencil and having to take the test in a field without a clock. Random...

These last two months of preparing for the test/studying in a different way have been interesting for me...and have lead to even more realizations about the language-learning process...AND, the way in which I learn language. Here are a few of my reflections...

1. Context is everything. 

The JLPT test has four main parts - at least at the N5 level. They are: vocabulary (which does include about 100 possible kanji), grammar, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension. There is no oral expression (or open-ended) part of the test - it is all multiple choice. I have come to realize that out of these four areas - reading comprehension and listening comprehension are my strongest areas. And, I truly believe that context has a lot to do with this. With vocabulary and grammar - you either know it or you don't. However, if I am listening to a short conversation or reading a paragraph - all I really need to do is get the basic gist...and that gist can go a long way.

2. Previous experiences definitely shape how one views current experiences. 

While context does help quite a bit...I have learned that "my context" is often very different than "Japan's context." And, when this happens...confusion often results! Along with misunderstanding. The other day, I was reading a short paragraph which contained a lot of words that I didn't know. I was able to understand that a child had come home from school, turned the lights on in the living room, had a snack, and then went into their dark bedroom. From there - I was able to gather some additional bits...they turned their light on, they started playing guitar, and then another person was mentioned. My brain began to fill in the blanks...and I pieced together that the child's mom was outside and was able to hear the music outside of the window. However, to my surprise...the person was actually a random person - who was in the dark bedroom and then ran out of the room and house when they heard the music. The paragraph apparently ended with a statement about the child still not knowing to this day who the person in the house was. Scary!! 

Now, this paragraph may seem strange to most people...regardless of language or experience. My sensei thought it was equally as strange. However, I think it paints the picture perfectly of how we use "what we know" to help us fill in those "blanks." 

3. You learn language #2 through language #1.
Because I am working with many multiple-language learners, I have been taking some continuing education courses on topics such as determining difference versus disorder; and, what speech/language development of an additional language can look like. One of the topics that is brought up time after time...is that individuals use language #1 to learn language #2.  So, of particular interest to SLPs, are students who struggle in both languages...since that is more representative of a language disorder in general (that spans across languages) instead of simply a weakness in language #2 because of limited exposure.

Japanese sentence structure is completely different than English...and I am finding that my "English-way of thinking" makes using Japanese grammar extremely difficult. When listening to a sentence - I tend to focus on the meaning-filled words to get an idea. However, when I am given the words in a sentence and asked to put them in order...I struggle big time. And then, when I try to verbally create a grammatically-correct sentence...the struggle grows! Grammar has been my main area of focus as I prepare for this test...and whew, is it tough! I am constantly asking both Kaz and my sensei "why" something is a certain way or what the rule is. Some of the time - there is a rule; however, most of the time - there really isn't an answer - other than "it doesn't sound right when you word it that way." As frustrating as that response is...I realize that we use that reasoning/judgment all the time in English. I may not know what is wrong exactly - I just know it doesn't sound right. I think it's just fascinating that most of us just know...without being explicitly taught. 

4. There can be a huge difference between "learning" a language and "functionally" using a language. 
I've mentioned it before - and I'll mention it again, as I feel this thought bears repeating...SO MUCH goes into learning a language!! Through my test preparation...I have had to put various aspects of language aside in order to focus on other aspects...because my brain just cannot hold all of this information. At first, I was spending a lot of time learning grammar and vocabulary - but more in a memorization kind of way than a functional kind of way. The more I got into studying for the test - the more I started to realize that in "typical" test-like fashion...doing well on the test was going to be more about "outsmarting" the test than actually showing what I know when it comes to the Japanese language. Many of the test questions are worded in ways that are very tricky - and even Kaz struggled to understand some of the sample questions. I guess standardized tests everywhere are the same! 

As the test approaches, my plan is to take it...as I am not one who tends to back out of challenges that I've set for myself. However, after the test, my plan is to refocus my language journey a bit. Conversation and oral expression are definitely going to be at the top of my priority list.  My sensei and I have already talked about me allowing myself to struggle through lessons conducted mainly in Japanese - so I can start speaking more. I am hoping that as I shift this focus...the foundation that I have been building even more recently (through memorization-type activities) will surprise me by helping my conversational skills to improve even quicker. I guess we'll see how the journey goes! 

I'll close this post again with both the realization and appreciation for how naturally so many of us have acquired language. And, for the lessons that I am learning first-hand that continue to challenge me personally and professionally (as an SLP - who works to help children learn language). If you think of it...send some "pass N5" vibes my way on Sunday...and look for a future blog post about how the test played out! 

Sunny Moments: Language learning...
Cloudy Moments: Language learning...

Family Visits & Month 10 in Review

Dad and Sherri's visit marked the start of our tenth month in Japan. The summer heat and humidity has begun to subside and we've survived the rainiest September that I've ever experienced. The fall foliage hasn't quite begun; however, the cooler nights and mornings are reminders that fall is upon us! Fall is my absolute favorite season - and I am curious to see what fall is like in Japan. I've heard that foliage tends to peak around the first or second week of December...shouldn't it be snowing?! 

Instead of telling you all about Dad and Sherri's 12-day adventure in Japan...they decided that it might be fun for them to tell you about their trip...so you can get a different perspective than mine for a change. They put together a PowerPoint movie with pictures, happenings, and reflections on their time in Japan. Click on the link below and ENJOY! 

CLICK HERE! :)

Places Visited and Activities

-Dad and Sherri Visit - see above! 

-Celebrated our Second Anniversary - On October 18th, Kaz and I celebrated our second anniversary. We enjoyed a nice quiet dinner at home - which was much needed and enjoyed. I successfully made a caprese chicken dish with a cheese/cracker appetizer, an asparagus caesar salad, and cheese bread. We decided that the theme of the meal was "cheese" - and who doesn't like cheese? I really do think it should be a food group of its own! 

Our friend, Inga, sent us a text commenting on how it seemed as though we'd been married for more than two years...with all the adventures and happenings we've been through together. I have to say that her text matched my thoughts exactly. The past year has been filled with lots of transitions, changes, and adventures...and I'm lucky that Kaz is (and has been) by my side every step of the way.

20,000 Leagues under the Sea

-Tokyo Disney Sea - One of the things I quickly learned about Japan is that they love Disney! At least daily, I see kids and adults wearing clothes covered with various Disney characters. When dad and Sherri were here, we visited Universal Studios Japan...so that we could check "listening to Harry Potter speak Japanese" off of our "To-Do" list. In addition to USJ, Japan has both Disney World and Disney Sea in Tokyo. Both parks are within walking distance from each other - and the area feels similar to Orlando. 

Since Kaz and I have been to Disney World before, we didn't feel like fighting the crowds again in Japan. However, I was excited to visit Tokyo Disney Sea since it isn't a theme park that we have in the States. We'd heard that the park is packed on the weekends...so it's best to go during the week. We'd also heard that the Halloween season tends to be the busiest time...so it's best to avoid that time of year - if you don't want to wait hours in line. SO...naturally - we went on a Saturday during the Halloween season.

LINES?!

We got to the park early...right around the time it opened...and as we waited to get in, we made a plan about which "Fast Pass" to get first. At Disney Sea, you can get a Fast Pass every hour for a particular ride. Then, when you come back at the designated time listed on your pass - you don't have to wait in the long line. Randomly, we decided we'd get the Fast Pass for the newest ride...Toy Story. When we arrived at the ride, we were greeted by pure craziness...there was an hour wait JUST to get a Fast Pass for the ride?! The line literally looked to me like the beginning of a marathon - all you could see in front and behind you were people. To make a long story short, we did not get a Fast Pass...and we never rode the ride because there was a three-hour wait all day long. This was the case for many rides.

Aladdin

In addition to Mickey and Minnie, Japan has another Disney mascot...a bear named Duffy. And, not only were all the shops selling the bears - people were dressed like the bear and also carrying giant stuffed bears around with them. And it wasn't just kids...it was adults too! In fact, more adults were dressed like bears than kids! 

Little Mermaid

Regardless, we had a great time - and were able to ride some rides. We also watched a show in which all of the Disney villains fought each other in the middle of the water...the villains were featured for Halloween. To those who plan to visit - go early and possibly on a week day. Oh, and be sure to eat at the Mexican restaurant in the park...we had the best Mexican food we've had since coming to Japan. Kaz's rice even looked like Donald Duck. 

-Halloween - While Japan doesn't have the same holidays as the United States - they sure seem to enjoy celebrating our holidays! Leading up to Halloween - the stores were full of decorations and candy. And, we saw many children, teens, and adults dressed up in costumes. Upon asking some

Japanese teachers at school - children don't go trick-or-treating in Japan. However, over the last two to three years Halloween has become much more popular and often times children with have Halloween parties with their friends.

Cafes Enjoyed

- Cawaii Bread and Coffee - Tokyo 
- Chocolate by the Bald Man: Max Brenner - Tokyo

Kit Kat Flavors Tasted

-Daily Indulgence
-Momiji Manju 

Victories

-Although dad and Sherri were our third set of visitors in Japan - I still consider successfully showing them around Japan to be a success! On a day to day basis, I think I often lose sight of the fact that I have learned a lot about Japan in the past ten months. I really enjoyed getting the chance to show dad and Sherri a little bit of what my life is like here. Plus...it was really fun to see Japan through their eyes...the things they found similar, different, and also just plain odd! 

Goals

-Last month, one of the goals that I wanted to work on for myself was getting back into running. Even with the set back of withdrawing from my first half-marathon ever (which ended up being a good decision)...I've started the process. And, during the second half of this month, I've managed to run about three days per week. Step by step...I'll get there. 

-Continue to work on my class; and prep for my upcoming presentation in Tokyo 

-Step up my Japanese language learning...as I have set a challenge for myself at the beginning of December related to this process (more about this in Month 11)

-Channel the Thanksgiving holiday in Japan...since it's not recognized or celebrated here :(

Sunny Moments

-Visiting new places with dad and Sherri - Universal Studios Japan, Nikko

-Celebrating dad's retirement in person with a yummy shabu shabu dinner - Congratulations, Dad! 

-Winning free beer! Kaz collected stickers off of his beer cans and sent them in to a contest. Four months later - without any notice - a case of beer was hand delivered to our door! :)

Cloudy Moments

-Taking a huge fall while running

-Spiders, spiders, spiders...need I say more?! (There is something about Japan...and spiders that just seem to hang from the air)

 Sun, clouds, and lots of love!

~Jaime

Travel Entry: 24 Hours Exploring one of the World's Most Sacred Mountains

A few weeks ago, I took an overnight trip with two friends to Koyasan, Japan. Koyasan is a small town nestled in the mountains and is the world headquarters of the Koyasan Shingon esoteric sect of Japanese Buddhism. Koyasan was founded in 816 and is considered a sacred site by many; in fact, it is a very popular pilgrimage destination. Tourists visiting Koyasan can stay overnight in a temple (called a shukubo) and can experience the lifestyle of a Japanese monk. Koyasan is also considered one of the world's most sacred mountains and after spending only twenty-four hours there...I couldn't agree more. 

Our four-hour drive to Koyasan was filled with beautiful fall foliage and ended with a rather twisty (and occasionally frightening) ascent up the mountain. We were immediately greeted with greenery that gave the town a very remote and immediately calming feel. The pops of fall color and glimpses of temples every which way added to the magic. Koyasan has one main road, which runs from one famous landmark (Danjo Garan-on) to another famous landmark (Okunoin). Our shukubo was conveniently situated in the middle and made exploring the town on foot extremely convenient.

In the last few hours of sunlight, we decided to explore Danjo Garan-on. Danjo Garan-on was the first complex built by Kobo Daishi in Koyasan and is filled with temples, buildings, and even a pagoda.  It is said that Kobo Daishi spent years traveling around Japan - trying to find the best place to start his religion - before settling in Koyasan. The most important of the buildings in this complex is Kongobu-ji - the head temple of Shingon Buddhism.  

After a bit of exploring, we were able to take part in a thirty-minute meditation class offered by the temple next door to ours. I've been wanting to take a meditation class since arriving in Japan (however, they are offered a lot less than I think I expected)....and so I've been doing some meditation on my own. I haven't created as much of a habit out of daily meditation as I have wanted to - and Koyasan was the perfect place to remind me of just how important it is to take time out of each day to just be with my breath. The class was even offered in English which was a great bonus! 

Once we finished class, we headed back to our temple to get ready for dinner. A traditional "monk" meal was served - no meat, no fish, no onion, and no garlic. The food was delicious - and we ate together in a traditional tatami room. Aside from the space heaters in the individual rooms, there was no heat in the temple...so we were extra thankful for the kotatsu table and the wool coats they gave us to wear over our yukatas. 

After dinner, we bundled up with as many layers as we could and headed out for an English-guided tour (we really lucked out!) of Okunoin. Okunoin is the largest and perhaps most sacred cemetery in Japan. It currently houses more than 200,000 graves and is nestled in a forest filled with tall Japanese cedars. Anyone, regardless of religious belief or ethnicity, can be buried here. I have to say, I was initially hesitant about agreeing to walk through a cemetery at night...however, I was surprised that instead of being filled with a sense of eeriness...I was instead filled with a sense of calm. 

Throughout our tour, we learned a lot of interesting information about Okunoin...which enabled us to enjoy our stroll through the next morning even more. Since we actually knew and understood what we were looking at. Upon first entering the cemetery, we walked over a bridge meant to separate the physical and spiritual world. We then followed a paved path which was lined with lanterns. On the sides of the lanterns were different phases of the moon. Our guide told us that Shingon Buddhists believed our mind to be the shape of a moon...always changing depending on our understanding and experiences. We crossed another bridge which brought us even deeper into the cemetery. At night, we could just barely make out the shapes of the graves and trees...in the morning, we found that we had actually been surrounded by graves and statues as far as our eyes could see. 

Upon crossing a third bridge, we were told that we were entering the most sacred part of the cemetery. Guests are not allowed to eat, take pictures, or even wear hats. Apparently, in the past, when guests would enter this part of the cemetery - they would rinse themselves with water. Currently, many Buddhist statues now line this last entry point and visitors are instructed to splash them gently with water before entering. Once crossing the bridge, we could make out a beautiful building covered in lanterns in the distance. Families and friends buy lanterns to honor their loved ones...and they remain lit. In fact, many are said to have been burning for the past 900 years. In addition to the outside, the inside of the building is filled with rows and rows of lit lanterns as well.

Finally, we came to the most important building in the entire cemetery - and the one nestled the deepest inside. The Gobyo is said to house Kukai (better known as Kobu Daishi) - the founder of this sect of Buddhism. Kukai is very famous in Japan - and is known by many as the "father of Japanese culture." He is credited with starting public education in Japan as well as creating the Japanese language systems of hiragana and katakana. Legend has it that when he was sixty, Kukai locked himself inside the Gobyo to meditate. It is said that he will continue to meditate until the Buddha of the future arrives. The head monk of Okunoin is the only person that has the power to enter this building - but has not done so (that we know of anyway). Two times per day - the monks cook meals (in a kitchen that is housed in Okunoin) and bring the meals as offerings to support Kukai's meditation. While stories are obviously open to one's own beliefs and interpretations - hearing these stories helped me to understand one of the reasons why Okunoin (and Koyasan in general) gave off such a sacred feel. 

The next morning, we awoke early so that we would be able to participate in the monks daily prayer service. As we entered the room, we rubbed incense on our hands and then kneeled as the monks sang and chanted for about thirty minutes. Then, we were walked into another part of the temple where the monks carried out a fire ritual meant to offer up prayers, wishes, and requests. We each were given a wooden stick and told to write a prayer/message on. As part of the ceremony, each of us tossed our sticks into the fire. The entire experience was fascinating to watch and impossible to explain in words. I was able to take a short video clip that I hope will help you to understand the experience at least a little bit. 

After another traditional Japanese meal, we checked out and spent a few hours exploring Okunoin in the daylight before making our way back to Nagoya. As we explored, rain began to fall which added even more to the solidarity and vastness of the cemetery. Hopefully the pictures will do Okunoin at least a little bit of justice! 

If you are looking for a break from the craziness of life - and want some time to slow down and just be....Koyasan is definitely the place to visit! I am thankful that I had an opportunity to visit...and hope to spend some time here again before leaving Japan. 

Sunny Moments: Time to breath; slowness; nature; beauty; reconnecting with self; road trip with new friends.

Cloudy Moments: Lack of heaters...if I had to pick one! ;)