Friday, October 1, 2010

The JLPT

Trying to learn Japanese is like trying to exercise a muscle that I have never used before, let alone even knew I had. And trying to speak Japanese is like trying to use that muscle for the first time.
I have motivation to learn the language because I do love communicating with people and I enjoy conversation. I want to have coherent conversations with my Japanese friends and potential new friends!
So recently I sent in my application for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). It will take place on December 5th. I am not looking forward to it. Nor do I feel prepared. The test is held at five different levels; N5-N1, N1 being the most difficult and N5 being the easiest. I signed up for N4. But after recently purchasing some test prep. books I am feeling like maybe I am not ready for even the N4. I saw some pre-tests for N5 and decided that that test was far to easy. I am somewhere in-between N5 and N4 as far as proficiency is concerned.
So I have two months to radically improve my Japanese grammar and vocabulary and Kanji knowledge.
I it will take God pouring knowledge directly into my brain for me to actually do well I feel. But nothing is impossible, right?
This is a personal challenge. The IMB doesn't require this test. But i knew that if I did not have a challenge in front of me, like this test, that I would never get further in my language comprehension.