Japanese DLPT

Sousuke-Sagara · 15 Oct 2004

Hello all, this is my first post on this forum and I'm wondering if anyone can help me out.

I'm in the process of preparing myself for 4 years as a Japanese linguist in the US Marine Corps. To become a linguist in the US military, a score of L2R2 is required on a test given by the DoD called the DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test). I've searched everywhere, but I can't seem to locate anyone who has taken the DLPT for Japanese.

I've found dozens of sites on the web dedicated to helping individuals practice for the JLPT. I've looked over the practice materials, and I'm fairly certain that I could pass the level 2 JLPT. However, I have no idea whether or not that translates into an adequate score on the DLPT. I'm getting rather nervous over this test, as I have absolutely no idea what to expect on it. My recruiter didn't seem to know much about the test; all he was able to tell me was that I would have to take it in late April

If there is anyone out there with experience taking the Japanese DLPT, I would greatly appreciate any tips or pointers you could give me that might help me prepare for it. Thank you for taking the time to read my post!

Mike Cash · 16 Oct 2004

I bet these folks Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center | Monterey, Ca could help you out with what you need to know.

And perhaps this excerpt:

from the web said:
Comparison with Japanese

I didn't find Japanese too difficult while studying it at Defense Language Institute, but when I arrived in Japan, I found that I had a lot of trouble communicating. This was very different from my experience with Mandarin. When I arrived in Taiwan, I could pretty much discuss any topic. On the other hand, I spent a total of 7.5 years in Japan, much of it associating with people who spoke little or no English, yet I never felt confident in the language. It's not so much the syntax--the conjugation of verbs and adjectives is quite regular--but the way the language is used. In many respects, it seems to be as much a problem of culture as of language per se.

Japanese syntax, as usually taught in schools, covers about 25 percent of the syntax. Even Defense Language Institute probably wasn't able to cover more than about 60 percent. It's not that it's so difficult--there's just so much of it. Compared with conversational Mandarin, there seem to be many more common ways of expressing any particular idea. The Japanese seem to be more fond of synonyms, too, leading to the need for more vocabulary items. Japanese culture adds to the burden. The Japanese don't like to just come right out and make blunt statements. They talk around the subject. By comparison, Chinese speakers and English speakers are very much alike. They tend to be direct and precise. Although this is a matter of culture, it has a big impact on the ease or difficulty of learning the language of a particular culture.

So, I'd say that what made Japanese difficult for me (and for all of my fellow Defense Language Institute graduates) is that there seems to be so much of it, and that it's spoken by people who are living in the Japanese culture.

Many of my friends had similar experiences, including one who graduated from the Japanese course with a 98 average--the highest on record. He was quite angry when he arrived in Japan and found that he couldn't get around in the language as he had been able to do with Mandarin in Taiwan.

from Chinese Mandarin is Easy might as least give you a little encouragement. The way I read it, anyone who can handle JLPT2 certainly shouldn't have the troubles that guy seems to have had.

Sousuke-Sagara · 16 Oct 2004

Thanks a ton!

Some fantastic links there! Thanks a ton for your help, I'm not sure how I missed something like that DLI Alumni site in the process of searching the net, but I greatly appreciate those links. Thanks again for your reply, Mike.

Mike Cash · 16 Oct 2004

I just searched on "Defense Language Institute" and then again with "Japanese" added.

Kamisama · 17 Oct 2004

hmm. shouldn't be too hard if you can pass the jlpt 2. Or hold a conversation with a japanese person for more than 4 hours. Or else figure out people talking a lot about making bombs in a toyota company warehouse.

DoctorP · 17 Oct 2004

One thing to remember...

Just because you are good with Japanese, doesn't ensure that you will be given that language as your assignment. The military is notorious for putting people in areas needed, not necessarily where people are the best fit! Be prepared to learn arabic or some other language. Not just because they need it though, but because you already have a good knowledge of Japanese, why would they spend money to train you in it more? They would rather have the diversity of you knowing more than one language!

Sousuke-Sagara · 17 Oct 2004

Like my recruiter says, you are a marine first, all other things second...there aren't any promises given or guarantees made when you sign up; the only guarnatee is that you will be a marine.

However, if I score well enough on the Japanese DLPT there's a good chance that I might get assigned as a Japanese linguist. In any event, I won't be attending the DLI (USMC DLI students are almost all trained in Arabic at this point, and I really don't want to learn that language). That's why I'll be taking the DLPT right off the bat, as it currently is the only way to become a Japanese linguist in the Corps. In any event, even if I'm not assigned as a Japanese linguist, I'd still be happy as an MOS 311 grunt, so long as I can serve my country.

Thanks a ton for all the additional responses! This forum seems to have a friendly community, and I'll certainly take advantage of all your generosity in the future if I need any further help with the language.

Scrivener · 17 Oct 2004

Japanese and Chinese have a lot of synergy in terms of READING (only). I imagine they are going to be wanting a lot of Chinese linguists in the next few decades, so keep that in mind and be sure to pay attention to learning kanji. A little flip book of kanji might pass the time on guard duty or something... That way, if they ever ask you to pick up Chinese (or the opportunity arises) you will find reading Chinese ten times easier than other people, as well as being able to really increase your Japanese vocab by reading comics/newspapers. (That's my two cents)

Sousuke-Sagara · 17 Oct 2004

Well, while the US is expending its resources to primarily train linguists in Arabic, Chinese, and Korean, there still is a need for Japanese linguists. There are tens of thousands of American servicemen stationed on bases in Japan right now. These bases aren't entirely isolated from the surrounding areas, and interactions between the bases and local municipalities are regular.

Plus, many of the American soldiers who are sent to Japan are not the top-shelf guys. Most of the soldiers who demonstrate excellence and get first choice of units wind up on bases in Hawaii or in the continental US. Because many servicemen sent to Japan are not of exceptionally high caliber, they have a propensity to misbehave (usually only minor stuff, but this type of behavior creates disturbances nonetheless). From what I've gathered from a discussion with a former Japanese linguist in the Navy, they spend a considerable portion of their time helping to sort out these problems.

So, as long there are US bases in Japan and the US Overseas Screening process remains lax, there will still be a considerable demand for Japanese linguists in the military. Odds are that if one demonstrates proficiency in the language by scoring well on his DLPT and qualifies for a job in intelligence via the ASVAB, one can certainly become a Japanese linguist.

DoctorP · 18 Oct 2004

Sousuke-Sagara said:
Well, while the US is expending its resources to primarily train linguists in Arabic, Chinese, and Korean, there still is a need for Japanese linguists. There are tens of thousands of American servicemen stationed on bases in Japan right now. These bases aren't entirely isolated from the surrounding areas, and interactions between the bases and local municipalities are regular.

Plus, many of the American soldiers who are sent to Japan are not the top-shelf guys. Most of the soldiers who demonstrate excellence and get first choice of units wind up on bases in Hawaii or in the continental US. Because many servicemen sent to Japan are not of exceptionally high caliber, they have a propensity to misbehave (usually only minor stuff, but this type of behavior creates disturbances nonetheless). From what I've gathered from a discussion with a former Japanese linguist in the Navy, they spend a considerable portion of their time helping to sort out these problems.

So, as long there are US bases in Japan and the US Overseas Screening process remains lax, there will still be a considerable demand for Japanese linguists in the military. Odds are that if one demonstrates proficiency in the language by scoring well on his DLPT and qualifies for a job in intelligence via the ASVAB, one can certainly become a Japanese linguist.

Not entirely true...the screening process to send people overseas is totally random. On top of that, the need for militarily trained Japanese linquists is not that great! There are plenty of Japanese citizens and Japanese/Americans who can translate, and also many servicemembers who are married to Japanese who serve as translators on various jobs around Japan. I myself went to Tokyo as a translator, and I have only 6 semester hours of Japanese.

Not trying to burst your bubble, but just want you to know everything that you are getting into.

Sousuke-Sagara · 18 Oct 2004

I fully understand and appreciate your advice. I'm entirely aware that I will not receive any military training as a Japanese linguist, and that the demand for Japanese linguists is much smaller than the demand for linguists proficient in other languages.

However, there is a chance, if I demonstrate adequate skill on the Japanese DLPT (Qualifying test for actually becoming a linguist in said language, not to be trained as such), that I could be assigned as an MOS 2739 (Japanese Linguist). I'm not saying it will happen, even if I attain a perfect score on my DLPT, I'm just saying that it could. Passing the test doesn't mean that I will be automatically made a Japanese linguist, it just verifies that I would be qualified for the position.

Also, I should note that my assertion about the quality of American soldiers in Japan is based on what other former and current servicemen have told me; I lack concrete empirical data to support my statement. However, determining which soldiers get stationed where isn't random. If you complete training for your MOS in the top tier of your class, you have more of a say in deciding where you get stationed than the dregs. And from what I've been told, the most skilled soldiers generally do not opt to spend their years in Japan.

DoctorP · 18 Oct 2004

Sousuke-Sagara said:
Also, I should note that my assertion about the quality of American soldiers in Japan is based on what other former and current servicemen have told me; I lack concrete empirical data to support my statement. However, determining which soldiers get stationed where isn't random. If you complete training for your MOS in the top tier of your class, you have more of a say in deciding where you get stationed than the dregs. And from what I've been told, the most skilled soldiers generally do not opt to spend their years in Japan.

I can only reply based upon the Marines (which you mentioned in one of your posts!) In your MOS school, you fill out a "dream sheet" of where you would like to be stationed. That is only a request, and as for my MOS school, 3 of the top 5 went overseas, I went to Cherry Point (I was 4th overall). Bottom line is you fill out this sheet and if possible, they will try to station you in that area. Note that the Marines only guarantee a geographical location, not a specific base. So...even if you list Japan, you could get Korea! See how it works?
As for you taking the word of military members saying that the "dregs" (my word not yours) are sent overseas...that is their opinion! I had some great Marines work with me overseas. It is all according to your own perspective I guess!

Sousuke-Sagara · 19 Oct 2004

Ah, some excellent advice! I'm glad I can get the low-down from an actual marine, the guys I've been talking to have all been air force and navy. I figured all the branches did things the same way (I thought wrong I guess). I'm still going to be a marine anyway (you just can't beat the Marine Corps College Fund), but I appreciate your clearing this matter up for me! Thanks a ton for your help, I really appreciate it!

DoctorP · 19 Oct 2004

Sousuke-Sagara said:
Ah, some excellent advice! I'm glad I can get the low-down from an actual marine, the guys I've been talking to have all been air force and navy. I figured all the branches did things the same way (I thought wrong I guess). I'm still going to be a marine anyway (you just can't beat the Marine Corps College Fund), but I appreciate your clearing this matter up for me! Thanks a ton for your help, I really appreciate it!

I usually don't badmouth the Corps, but what are you talking about? The Marine Corps gives you about $13K for school after you invest $1200. The Army gives you around $50K! Unless something has changed. $13K is not enough to pay for an education...that is unless you knock out many classes while you are on active duty. I have kicked myself in the butt many times for switching from Army to Marines. (but only because of the college money)

Sousuke-Sagara · 19 Oct 2004

Wow, only $13k? I've got some stuff in front of me from my recruiter that indicates that one can receive a lot more than that. If you do 48 months in the USMC you can become eligible for the Marine Corps College Fund, which, in conjunction with the GI Bill can supposedly provide you with up to $50k in benefits. I'm not making this stuff up either :
http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/counselorsupport/infoline/usmc-text.htm
Check #1686, there's also more info on the Marine Corps Collge Fund on the USMC's official website. They claim that it "provides almost all of the funding necessary for your college education."

How did you only end up with $13k, I'm VERY interested in knowing how that came to pass. Did you qualify for all of the USMC's tuition assistance programs? I'm looking forward to a response, as now I'm worried You are most kind for putting up with all my questions! I appreciate this help a TON!

Kamisama · 19 Oct 2004

i should've given you more info on the dlab. yeah that's true about the arabic thing. i was going to say how most people get put in the class 4 arabic class.

usmilitary.about.com can tell you alot about the dlab and it's procedures. i know what it is but don't feel like talking about it because its BS. they will stick you in arab if you score high. it's as simple as that. and it's stupid. i suggest you score low to learn a different language like russian. russian is a class 4 i think drr.. anyways screw all that. become an officer it's better. i'm looking at the navy as the best choice for money and college degrees. although all the MOS's suck there. airforce is all packed up though sadly. one more thing. the army will pay you more for getting into their program. i forget how much of a bonus they give you but it's better. read the usmilitary.about.com site. I've read it through and through. By the way, the marines suck. I don't know why people think it's great. and yes the enlistee's earn a stupid 13k which they keep. But with the army language program it's nice because i think it was 20k sign up bonus? plus the point is it takes 1 year and 3 months plus vacation time. it's as if you're going to work only for 2 years in a 4 year period. add in weekends when you don't work and so forth.

If you were to seriously ask me, they will be training in korean sooner than you think. more in korean. or whoever is start stuff with us right now.

DoctorP · 19 Oct 2004

Well first let me say that I got out about 2 years ago, so they may have changed something since the war started. But looking at the site you provided, there is nothing specific that states they give you $50K. I would investigate further if I were you...I will ask some of my friends who are still active and see what they can tell me! I know that all of my Marines only had contributed $1200, and were to receive $13K in return. Then came an option to contribute an extra amount later that gave them a few thousand more...I will check this out and tell you more later.

Mike Cash · 19 Oct 2004

I don't know any of the details of what you're talking about, but the "can" in "can become eligible" prompted me to point out that "can" only indicates potential, and not certainty.

Kamisama · 19 Oct 2004

one more thing. The airforce allows you to go to japan if you have the right MOS. The airforce is getting packed up but if you can find out enough information about it, you could get a job in japan. I think that would be better than taking a language learning job.

Sousuke-Sagara · 20 Oct 2004

As far as the can is concerned, a few factors come into play, such as the income bracket your parents belong to and the like. I'm in the process of looking into all of the said factors with my recruiter to determine how much I actally WOULD (not could) receive. I should have this issue resolved very soon.

As far as the Air Force is concerned, I never contacted a recruiter for that branch. Perhpas I will explore that option. Thanks for the tip, Kamisama!

And CC1, I really appreciate all of your help too! I really would like to join the USMC if at all possible, but if it's going to end up costing me an arm and a leg, I will have to think twice.

Japanese DLPT

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