Learning Japanese
[project]
I have been self-studying Japanese on and off since I was 13. For the longest time my methods were very inefficient and my efforts didn't amount to much. I found Wanikani and Anki and spaced repetition some years later, but failed to set them up in a reasonable way, leading to me spending a lot of energy doing mostly useless reviews. Around 2020, after a frustration-induced pause I decided to re-evaluate my approach. I set up a proper Anki deck, acquired a number of "graded reader" books to read (see Tadoku) and started listening to a lot of Japanese-only learner podcasts. This made my learning skyrocket.
In terms of proficiency I would self-assess my level to be around JLPT N4-N3. I know that self-assessment is kind of a meme, but still. I've yet to take an exam, but I'm planning to.
I'm currently taking an extended break from daily learning again because of time issues. However, I feel like starting again. I still read and watch Japanese content every now and then.
I feel like the thing I lose the fastest by taking a break is kanji reading ability.
Jan Tuomi