Hi all,
First background on my current level – I have been studying by myself for about 1.3 years now. I am texting my language exchange Japanese friends in Japanese every day and also talk to them or a tutor face-to-face or virtually once a week on average. I am regularly taking notes, asking many questions, and studying the conversation content. I am already fluent in Chinese which has been helpful. In terms of main study sources, I have gone through 75% of Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide and completed the first elementary Genki book. Currently studying the second book (still elementary). I try my best to think in Japanese when I get home from work.
I am considering taking a month to stay in Japan from November to December this year after my project finishes here in China and before returning to the US. If I can go from studying 1 hour a day on average to about 14 hours a day for that month, dedicate myself to speaking and thinking in Japanese, then I think this perhaps can really jump start Japanese language progression. I do plan on having the second Genki book completed by this time. I want to think hard on this one though before pursuing because of family considerations.
Should I go for it? Worth it? Am I too early in my studies? If I were to go, what should I do exactly? Is there like a one month boot camp or something I can do to maximize benefits? Seems to be a lot of good school resources on the site if any recommendations specific to this situation though?
Thanks very much for the advice!
J
First background on my current level – I have been studying by myself for about 1.3 years now. I am texting my language exchange Japanese friends in Japanese every day and also talk to them or a tutor face-to-face or virtually once a week on average. I am regularly taking notes, asking many questions, and studying the conversation content. I am already fluent in Chinese which has been helpful. In terms of main study sources, I have gone through 75% of Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide and completed the first elementary Genki book. Currently studying the second book (still elementary). I try my best to think in Japanese when I get home from work.
I am considering taking a month to stay in Japan from November to December this year after my project finishes here in China and before returning to the US. If I can go from studying 1 hour a day on average to about 14 hours a day for that month, dedicate myself to speaking and thinking in Japanese, then I think this perhaps can really jump start Japanese language progression. I do plan on having the second Genki book completed by this time. I want to think hard on this one though before pursuing because of family considerations.
Should I go for it? Worth it? Am I too early in my studies? If I were to go, what should I do exactly? Is there like a one month boot camp or something I can do to maximize benefits? Seems to be a lot of good school resources on the site if any recommendations specific to this situation though?
Thanks very much for the advice!
J