I think that any language can be very exciting at first and then after a few weeks you realize it is harder than you initially anticipated, lose motivation, and quit.
But Japanese especially provides a specially unique challenge. So many people I know personally have an interest in learning or started studying, but can’t make it past the beginner levels.
Why is that?
The main reason I think is many people truly underestimate how hard Japanese is once you are past おはようございます and the time it takes to even reach N5 level. It’s freaking hard at first. People who watch anime may think they know the basics already, but really that’s just the TOP of the tip of the iceberg.
Japanese is a Category 4 language, according to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), aka the hardest level from an English point-of-view. The writing system is famously difficult, but also there are just so few words that sound alike to English. Also since there are so few similarities, it’s incredibly easy to burn out or forget everything because you have nothing to build upon in the beginning.
Believe it or not, NO amount of anime will save you from burnout.
Accept this will probably happen and let it become part of the process.
If this was a race, Japanese is more of a test of endurance rather than speed.
Some Beginning Tips
*The initial beginner hurdle is by far the hardest, so I HIGHLY recommend enrolling in a Japanese class for your first couple months — also take this class for a LETTER grade (pass or no pass will make you lazier and less motivated when things start to become difficult)
*For self-study — set up a study routine or put studying Japanese on a habit tracking app, so you get a daily reminder until you can remember study it without thinking about it
*REMEMBER why you are studying and how great it would make you feel if you could understand and speak
*Keep SURROUNDING yourself with Japanese material (media, books, magazines in your room or environment)
*Start a studygram or online journal with other people to keep you ACCOUNTABLE (I didn’t do this until 2021, but I wish I did early on)
Just remember, you ARE smart enough to learn Japanese.
It just takes a longer time than other languages to reach fluency.
My Experience
My first semester of studying Japanese was probably ironically the hardest of all the classes I took, even though the material builds. It’s just so radically different from English, and even though I had motivation to watch dramas, more than once I wanted to scream, cry, or throw my textbook out the window. You have learn to use particles, conjugate adjectives, know 5+ different counters for things/animals/etc., which isn’t in English.
It is really difficult at first, but do not worry. It does get easier over time. You will eventually start to get it with the more you learn. I believe in you!
framed in beige 