A Year of Language Learning: Reflections on a Journey of Growth
December 09, 2023
A couple of years ago, I started watching anime. As my interest grew, so did my frustration. It was challenging to find content dubbed in English, given that most episodes are originally aired in Japanese. Consequently, I had to rely on subtitles while watching. To overcome this obstacle, I made the decision to learn a new language last year. Yesterday marked the 365 days since I took my first Japanese language lesson, and I want to share that journey with you all. Welcome to 'A Piece of My Learning.'
I believe languages serve as doorways to learning myriad things. Being born in Bharat, I am fortunate to have been exposed to many languages, and I further expanded my linguistic repertoire during my college years. Japanese is the second foreign language that captured my interest. It was last year that I made the decision, and here I am sharing my experiences after a year.
The Early Days: Excitement and Initial Hurdles
The journey began with excitement and anticipation, much like any new endeavor. The first few weeks were marked by the novelty of exploring a new language's sounds, characters, and cultural nuances. However, it was also a time when challenges arose – unfamiliar grammar rules, pronunciation hurdles, and the sheer vastness of vocabulary. I believe that these early struggles serve as the building blocks for resilience and determination.
Building Consistency: The Key to Progress
As the weeks turned into months, a routine was established. Daily language practice became a consistent part of my life, dedicating a few minutes each day to this pursuit. Consistency proved to be the linchpin of progress, as small, daily efforts compounded over time, shaping a solid foundation of language skills.
I also want to mention the tool that helped me practice consistently: an app called 'Duolingo.' Its features, such as streaks and daily reminders, significantly improved my consistency score. The app employs an incredibly interactive method of learning a language, helping me grasp Japanese quickly. I encourage you to check out the app on your smartphones and experience it for yourself.
On a final note, this all boils down to two things – making decisions and consistently acting on those decisions. With a new year approaching, many of us are excited to make resolutions, but we often falter in maintaining consistency. I am pleased that I made decisions and worked consistently on them. While this might seem like a small achievement, imagine the positive change a couple of decisions and consistent actions could bring. So tell me one decision that you will take today and consistently work towards for the next year. You can write down your decisions in the comment section.
You can also read such weekly content through a newsletter which inspired me to take action.
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