Making this mistake in Japan will leave you speechless

Summary

In this video, EV Grar reflects on his first few years living in Japan, focusing on the challenges of language learning. He shares his initial struggles with understanding Japanese but being unable to speak, and the sensory overload of his language school experience. He talks about using music and jam sessions as a way to connect with locals and overcome his anxieties. EV also emphasizes the importance of active language practice, including self-talk and shadowing, and urges future travelers to Japan to start speaking Japanese before arrival to develop stamina and fluency.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language learning is a two-part process: understanding the language and being able to speak it fluently. Both require different parts of the brain and can be challenging, especially in real-life situations.
• 😀 The first year in Japan can be overwhelming due to the inability to express oneself despite understanding the language, leading to a sensory overload in social interactions.
• 😀 Immersing yourself in local environments, like jam sessions and live performances, helps overcome language barriers and builds confidence in speaking Japanese outside a classroom setting.
• 😀 Rejection therapy, or putting oneself in awkward situations like performing in public, can help build resilience and reduce anxiety when learning a new language.
• 😀 Musicians, particularly those with performance anxiety, often have a mix of risk-taking and catastrophizing tendencies, which can impact language learning and social interaction.
• 😀 Early experiences with locals in Japan can be awkward due to the 'unicorn face' reaction to foreign visitors, but over time the experience becomes more normalized as Japan becomes more accustomed to international visitors.
• 😀 Practice speaking Japanese in environments like Discord servers or gaming communities, even if it feels awkward at first, to push through the discomfort and build muscle memory for the language.
• 😀 Learning Japanese involves not only mastering vocabulary and grammar but also training your brain to switch between languages quickly, especially in high-stress situations like work or socializing.
• 😀 Stamina is crucial for mastering Japanese, particularly the ability to speak Japanese for extended periods. Being able to maintain fluency for longer stretches is a key part of language learning.
• 😀 To improve fluency in Japanese, practice speaking to yourself, use shadowing techniques, and simulate real conversations. Active participation in the language is essential for success.

Q & A

What was the main struggle the speaker faced when they first moved to Japan?

The speaker's main struggle was the ability to understand Japanese but not being able to respond. Despite comprehending conversations, the words wouldn’t come out when they tried to speak.

How does the speaker describe the difference between understanding and speaking a language?

The speaker explains that understanding and speaking are controlled by different parts of the brain, making it a challenging experience to switch from comprehension to production of speech.

What role did the language school play in the speaker’s experience, and what was unique about it?

The speaker attended a language school where they were the only English speaker, surrounded by students from different Asian countries. This made it difficult to interact in Japanese since most of the classmates spoke other languages, contributing to sensory overload.

How did the speaker use music to overcome language barriers?

The speaker used their background in music, attending jam sessions and open mic nights at bars to practice speaking Japanese. This allowed them to interact with locals in a casual, low-pressure environment while using music as a common ground.

What is the 'unicorn face' and how did it relate to the speaker’s experience?

The 'unicorn face' refers to the puzzled or surprised expressions people would give when they saw a foreigner attempting to perform or speak in a Japanese environment. It symbolizes the initial awkwardness and curiosity faced by the speaker in social settings.

Why does the speaker suggest joining Discord servers or other online communities to practice Japanese?

The speaker recommends joining Discord servers or online groups to practice speaking Japanese because it provides a space to communicate regularly and push through the awkwardness of speaking in a new language, helping to build confidence.

What is 'shadowing,' and how did the speaker use it to improve their Japanese?

Shadowing is a language learning technique where the learner repeats what they hear in real time, mirroring the speaker’s words and rhythm. The speaker used shadowing to improve their fluency and speaking skills, particularly when learning Japanese.

What is the importance of stamina in language learning, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that stamina is critical in language learning, particularly for maintaining the ability to speak in Japanese for extended periods. It's about being able to switch between languages effortlessly and sustain conversations for long durations, such as during work or social interactions.

How does the speaker define 'language stamina,' and why is it essential?

Language stamina refers to the ability to use a foreign language for long stretches without losing fluency or tiring. It’s essential because it’s not just about learning vocabulary but being able to actively participate in conversations all day, which is a real challenge for those living in Japan.

What advice does the speaker give to anyone planning to visit or live in Japan?

The speaker advises that if you are planning to visit or live in Japan, start practicing Japanese actively before you arrive. They stress the importance of speaking the language as much as possible, even if it's just talking to yourself, to build a foundation for real-world interactions.