Opportunity on Learn Japanese on 43 Things

Opportunity 4 years ago

It can be really hard to find an opportunity to practice Japanese outside of Japan. That’s not surprising. But, I’ve found some native speakers online that are interested in language exchange, and I’ve even spoken to a few of them via Skype. Each conversation has been great; there’s the experimentation with using Skype and the giggles that follow, my surprise at their good Swedish pronunciation, and some general talking.

However, I haven’t had a second conversation, and I think it’s my fault. Sure, I’ve been very busy lately, since I started a new job. But even when one of my language friends are online and I want to talk, I can’t bring myself to ask if they want to talk to me. I don’t want to intrude. I tell myself that maybe they’re busy, maybe they don’t want to talk to me, maybe they’ll think I’m annoying if I ask again.

This is connected to two of my other goals: “be more social” and “think less and do more”.

Sep 23, 2005, 09:42AM PDT | 2 cheers

Comments:

cathy

totally agree with you:be more social and think less and do more.

I’m also a beginner of learning Japanese, but I’m not so active, so,you are my example!

Sep 24, 2005, 08:44AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

joaquim

Actually, I’ve studied Japanese for two years. Some people claim that I do know Japanese, but in my opinion I still have to learn a lot more to say that I’ve learned the language. In fact, I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to say that, so it’s kind of an never-ending project.

And I’m sorry, but I’m probably not a good example. :) I’m kind of a slacker and only do what I’m forced to do, or what I really like to do. Please find someone with more self-confidence and persistence.

Sep 24, 2005, 02:50PM PDT | Respond to this

milkbox is happy! is even happier still :D

online status

I suppose that’s why you’ve got online status indicators. Learn to use them well, grasshopper. ;) What I suppose I’m saying is that you can always just drop by to say hi and ask them what’s up, people can always spare three seconds to respond to that, and if they’re busy, they’ll let you know. Chances are, they’re just shy. After all, you’ve said that you’ve not had any second conversations, and at that point you’re still feeling your way with the other person. Don’t worry too much, it seldom hurts to make the first move.

Good luck!

Sep 25, 2005, 03:50AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

joaquim

Indeed. I’ve thought to myself that by going online, one is practically throwing open the door and screaming an invitation to the world. You might say that I’m turning down that invitation, maybe even disappointing someone.

Well, we’ll see. There’s also the issue of actually having time for a voice conversation. Chatting is usually fine, it’s much more laid back.

Sep 25, 2005, 04:14AM PDT | Respond to this

heather

language exchange on skype

i was wondering where you met japanese speakers for language exchange?

i have done face to face language exchanges, but it’s hard if you don’t know what to do. i’ve often ended up just speaking english most of the time.

a friend of mine (also studying J) and i are practicing together skype and we figured the best thing was to be working from the same worksheets. if we come up with anything useful, we’ll be sure to share it.

it would be great to get in contact with native speakers too!

Sep 25, 2005, 09:19AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

joaquim

Well, there are at least three ways that I know of.

1. Do a search in Skype after someone from Japan with the word “English” in the About field. Then check each result and look for people who want to learn English.

2. Go to jyve.com, a Skype community with a language exchange section. Become a member and fill in your profile and hope that someone contacts you. Do a search there after people who know Japanese and want to learn English and contact them. Leave a post in their forum.

3. Get invited to mixi.jp, the japanese community site and find a community there that focuses on learning/practicing English. Put up a post there about how you’d like to practice Japanese and would love to teach English.

My approach is mostly 3, although I posted in a community about Swedish. However, I’ve mostly just spoken in English too. I should try to prepare some questions or phrases I want to practice.

Sep 25, 2005, 02:07PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

heather

thank you!

there seem to be just so many places out there.. hard to know where is good. and alot of the sites seem to be geared towards match/dating, you know?

(esp western men to japanese women like at http://www.3yen.com/friends/ )

alas!

i have experience teaching english (not japanese) and i’m thinking along the lines of making little worksheets you can use for language exchange. with the necc vocabulary, practice sentences, then some prompts or games to help you produce language. something you can do with someone else via audio only- though both would need the sheets to work with.

would you be interested in testing one out? you’d have to find your own partner and test it out.

btw- anything i make will be GPL, so it’s for anyone!

Sep 26, 2005, 02:32PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

joaquim

Awesome

That sounds like a really great initiative, I would love to help in any way I can.

It would be really neat to have web based versions of the worksheets, especially since I only meet Japanese speakers through the internet. I might be able to help set that up, as I have experience with PHP/mySQL.

You said you’ve taught English; does that mean the worksheets will be purely for teaching English? Are you working together with someone to make Japanese worksheets as well, or are you fluent enough to do them yourself?

Sep 27, 2005, 09:12AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

heather

cool!

i just referenced my teaching experience, in that i have an understanding of language learning activities. (and i worked for a compaany making learning materials and i designed games with linguists, etc).

i’m working with my language exchange partner to make the activites (he’s an english speaker, but intermediate level japanese). and i have my japanese native language speaking tutor who is helping me with making sure the language is correct.

today, in fact we tested out the first one on ‘telling time’. i’m estimating that each activity will take about 30 mins max, and cover a very specific topic or set of structures.

i want to make something that will work for non-native speakers to practice together; as well as to practice with native speakers.

i need to polish up the sheet, and come up with some feedbaack questions so you can try it out probably next week, or whenever you have the time!

contact me here: http://japanese.nearlythere.com/contact/

Sep 29, 2005, 08:19AM PDT | Respond to this

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online status

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