Every time someone asks me if Japanese is a hard language to learn, my mind immediately jumps to this chart I was shown when studying abroad in college.

It’s pretty much self-explanatory, but, yes, learning Japanese is challenging.

In fact, learning any language really is a challenge, especially when you’re not used to making a fool of yourself (Ever tried to ask a question in English and instead just said random words that came to mind in whatever incoherent order? Yupp, been there in Japanese).

The process of learning a language is truly a vulnerable experience. An experience you get to share with many native speakers, from the local 7-11 store clerk, to your new potential best friend at work. 😊

After a 4.5 year hiatus from studying Japanese, I’ve taken advantage of 2020 and spent most of the year studying in my spare time. Self-study is a monster of its own, and maybe I’ll write a post on that another day.

If there’s anything I’ve learned this year it’s that a good chunk of language learning is staying motivated and keeping a healthy perspective.
I wanted to share three truths I remind myself of every day when learning Japanese.

It’s a Journey – Have Fun!

Of course, this is easier said than done. Frustration comes quick (especially in the never-ending intermediate level🙄) and it’s easy to just want to get to the results, whatever that goal may be for you.
Fortunately, what comes with every “end” is a journey.

Did Frodo appear out of nowhere in Mordor from the Shire with the ring?
Did Harry suddenly have all the horcruxes, Voldemort just disappeared on his own, and all was well in the wizarding world?
Nope. There was a journey. Whether it was three books or seven, it took time.

Learn to enjoy that time. Find the little victories in ways you’ve improved, and celebrate them. Remember that one word you couldn’t for the life of you remember four months ago, but now you use like a boss? That’s a victory in itself!

Essentially I’m saying, have a positive outlook on the tough stuff. Take time to reflect on what was challenging before that you’ve now conquered. And the next time your blubbering through a sentence or story you’re trying to tell someone, remind yourself that in time even this will become easy.

Enjoy What You Study

Can’t stand that article your reading?
Just move on.
Is sitting and reading a textbook not for you?
Try a YouTube grammar video.
Are you in a conversation and you don’t know how to express what you want to say?
Give your self permission to let go of the expectations you have for your language ability. Then, be vulnerable and have fun with it– crack a joke or just share smiles with your conversation partner.

How did you learn your first language as a child?
Sure you had school and textbooks, but the majority of your learning was through life experiences. These life experiences were based out of things you enjoyed– people, hobbies, events, games.

Find what you enjoy and run after your target language using it.
Of course you have to study grammar and vocabulary to some degree. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, our brains only have so much daily capacity for intentional study-studying.

Fun-studying, though, that’s different.
If this journey is going to take time, we might as well enjoy ourselves along the way. Have fun, try your best, and forget the rest.

It’s an Honor to Learn this Language

2020 was a rough year, this is for sure. But it’s also a crazy time to live in and have resources at our fingers tips, especially when it comes to language learning. It’s an honor to have the time, technology, and ability to learn a language.

Yes, ability. You do have the ability to learn a language.
It’s not just some gene you missed out on. It truly is open to any one who has the will and motivation, and then gives intentional time and effort.

Remember, having this ability to learn a language is a gift. Sure you’ve worked hard and put hours into your Anki deck, but even this alone is a gift.

If you study out of a heart focused on yourself, any mistake or failure will feel overwhelmingly personal.
If you study out of a heart that you’ve been given a gift and have the ability to connect with native speakers, any mistake or failure (while challenging to face) is a step towards greater growth.

So here’s to 2021 and pursuing new goals! And here’s to having a good perspective on the (definitely possible to overcome) hurdle of language learning.