MY *ADVANCED* JAPANESE VOCAB STUDY ROUTINE 🇯🇵

Summary

In this video, Ali shares his strategies for enhancing his Japanese vocabulary after achieving N1 proficiency. Despite his advanced level, he acknowledges areas for improvement, particularly in vocabulary range and retrieval. Ali outlines his three main study routines: active studying with textbooks and resources for both JLPT and native speakers, immersion practice through extensive reading and media consumption, and output practice by speaking and writing in Japanese. He emphasizes the importance of natural acquisition over systematic methods like flashcards and discusses his current resources, including the Yiwa app and various study books.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ali has achieved an advanced level in Japanese after passing the N1 level of the Japanese Proficiency Test (JPT), but acknowledges there is still room for improvement, particularly in vocabulary output.
• 📈 Ali is focusing on expanding vocabulary by addressing two main issues: limited vocabulary range and lack of vocabulary retrieval practice.
• 🚫 Ali does not use flashcards or spaced repetition systems (SRS) for vocabulary learning, preferring a more natural acquisition method.
• 📖 Ali's active studying routine involves using both JPT-specific and native-level Japanese resources, including textbooks and exercise books, to bridge the gap in vocabulary knowledge.
• 🔍 Ali uses the Yiwa app for looking up words and kanji, but does not utilize its flashcard functionality, instead preferring to consult saved lists occasionally.
• 📚 Ali is currently using resources such as Shinken Master for N1, Poweru for N1, and Shin Kanzen Master for N1 to cover JPT vocabulary.
• 📚 For native-level resources, Ali is using exercise books like 'Minna no Nihongo' and vocabulary books like 'Shaaku' to expand vocabulary range and knowledge.
• 🌐 Ali practices immersion by reading extensively in Japanese, including manga, novels, and non-fiction, as well as watching Japanese dramas, films, and TV programs.
• 🔍 During intensive immersion, Ali actively looks up unknown words and practices finding advanced, specialized vocabulary, especially in the field of science.
• 🗣️ Ali emphasizes the importance of output practice, including speaking and writing, to improve language production skills and feels this is a key area for improvement.
• 📝 Ali practices oral expression by speaking to themselves on specific topics and recording it for self-correction, and plans to write essays in Japanese to improve written expression.

Q & A

What is Ali's current level in Japanese after passing the N1 level of the JLPT?

Ali considers their current level in Japanese to be Advanced, but they acknowledge that there is still room for improvement, particularly in their output level, which they feel is lower than their input level.

What are the two specific problems Ali identifies with their vocabulary in Japanese?

Ali has two main issues with their vocabulary: a lack of vocabulary range, meaning they often use the same words and lack specialized words, and a lack of vocabulary retrieval practice, where they know many words but struggle to recall them in certain situations.

Why does Ali choose not to use flashcards or the SRS method for vocabulary learning?

Ali does not use flashcards or the SRS method because they prefer a more natural acquisition approach to language learning. They find systematic study methods distracting and unengaging, losing focus quickly.

What is Ali's approach to studying vocabulary from textbooks and other resources?

Ali goes through textbooks and study resources once, aiming to retain as much information as possible from the first read. If there are still unknown words after the first read, they review the resource at least once until they feel comfortable enough to discard it.

What are the resources Ali is currently using for active studying of their Japanese vocabulary?

Ali is using resources designed for the JLPT exam, such as Shinken Master for N1, Poweru for N1, and Shin Kanzen Master for N1, as well as resources meant for Japanese natives like an exercise book for Japanese adults and the vocab book Shaaku.

How does Ali practice immersion in Japanese?

Ali practices immersion by reading extensively in Japanese, watching dramas, films, and TV programs, and by surrounding themselves with the language as much as possible. They alternate between passive immersion, where they do not need to understand everything, and active immersion, where they look up unknown words.

What is Ali's strategy for finding and learning specialized vocabulary in Japanese?

Ali looks for specialized vocabulary in the fields of science and other areas of interest, especially words found in journal and news articles. They use a variety of resources, including books, comics, YouTube channels, and Netflix shows, to find and learn these words.

Why is Ali focusing on improving their output skills in Japanese?

Ali is focusing on output skills because they believe that active studying and immersion practice are not enough. They want to be able to use the language effectively in both speaking and writing, and they feel that practicing output is crucial for this.

How does Ali practice their oral expression in Japanese without a tutor?

Ali practices speaking to themselves on specific topics for 10 to 15 minutes, recording or dictating their speech to correct themselves afterward and ensure they are using correct expressions and vocabulary.

What is Ali's approach to practicing written expression in Japanese?

Ali practices writing small essays in Japanese every week, focusing on creating, correcting, and developing their written expression skills. They plan to make a video detailing this process and the resources they use for this practice.

What is the significance of using resources meant for Japanese natives in Ali's study routine?

Using resources meant for Japanese natives helps Ali to bridge the gap between JLPT level vocabulary and native speaker vocabulary. It also allows them to understand the differences and expand their vocabulary to a level expected of native speakers.