In the world of language learning, diverse approaches and motivations drive individuals on their linguistic journeys. Today, we delve into the experience of someone who approaches language acquisition through the fascinating lens of linguistics. In this interview, we explore their personal journey with Japanese, their motivations, study methods, and how a linguistic background shapes their unique perspective.
Understanding Language Proficiency
“What is your current level in Japanese?” is a common question for language learners. For our interviewee, proficiency is nuanced. “I’m a much better reader and writer than I am a speaker,” they admit. They describe being able to navigate articles and type conversations reasonably well, a testament to their receptive and productive skills in written Japanese. Listening comprehension is also strong, often requiring subtitles only for the first viewing of films or series.
Their formal qualifications include passing the N5 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in 2012 and attempting the N2 level more recently. Despite not passing the N2 due to work constraints limiting study time, their continued dedication is evident. Having started studying Japanese in college, including a summer program at Harvard and two years at Boston College, their commitment spans years. Currently, they are fully immersed in language learning through the J-Sub Experiment, a project we’ll explore later.
Sparking the Language Learning Journey
The initial spark for learning Japanese came from an unexpected source: Aikido. “I grew up doing Aikido, and thankfully my school maintained a lot of the traditional terminology and the teachers knew what they meant.” This early exposure to Japanese terminology within the context of martial arts ignited an initial interest. However, it was their foray into linguistics in college that truly solidified their passion. “It was when I started studying linguistics in college that I realized that Japanese is a fascinating and fun language to study from that perspective, and it’s something worth looking into.” The realization that Japanese offered a rich landscape for linguistic exploration, coupled with a supportive linguistics professor who taught Japanese philology, cemented their path.
Delving into Philology: Language Through Texts
Philology, a term that might be unfamiliar to many language learners, is central to our interviewee’s approach. “Philology is the study of a language through texts.” Historically, philologists often focused on classical texts, like Latin scholars analyzing Tacitus or Julius Caesar. However, our interviewee applies this approach in a modern and engaging way: “I use anime scripts for Japanese.” This unconventional choice highlights the adaptability of philological methods.
“It’s the job of philology to contextualize and analyze the use of a language in the text.” This involves a deep dive into understanding the nuances of language use: “Who is it directed towards? Why was it written? Is this way of expressing oneself typical of the time or is it peculiar? Is it hard or easy to understand? What nuances is the writer bringing about?” By analyzing language within its textual context, philology offers a profound understanding of linguistic evolution and usage.
Sustaining Motivation: A Multifaceted Approach
Motivation in language learning is often a complex interplay of factors. For our interviewee, it operates on several levels. “This is a great question because of how many layers exist in motivations.” On a personal level, ego plays a role. “I’ll admit that on a very superficial level what keeps me going in terms of my personal studying is an ego thing. I’m a linguist… and that allows me to not need to be fluent, but I also feel that I need to prove to myself and others that I can get to that level — and it’s a good thing to be at that level.” This drive to master Japanese stems from a professional identity as a linguist.
Practical considerations also contribute to motivation. “For professional reasons… it’s good to have a certificate (like a JLPT) and just show them that I do have some level of mastery over Japanese.” Certifications like the JLPT provide tangible proof of language proficiency, valuable in professional settings. Beyond personal and professional reasons, a deeper, philosophical motivation exists: “…on a philosophical/social level I just know that there’s a world I’ve yet to experience that I really want to be able to peek into, but I need a stronger grasp of the language to do that.” This desire to access a different cultural and intellectual world through language learning provides a powerful and enduring source of motivation.
Structuring Language Study: A Flexible Plan
Effective language learning often involves structured study habits. However, flexibility is key, especially for individuals with busy schedules. “It depends a lot on what my work schedule looks like, but right now I’m trying to dedicate a few hours a day to reviewing Kanji…” Their study plan prioritizes consistent engagement, adapting to fluctuating work demands. The current focus is on Kanji, a crucial component of written Japanese, with plans to integrate textbooks and grammar study later. “So I’m trying to work up to about 4 hours of daily studying divided between Kanji and just reading/grammar stuff.” This structured yet adaptable approach ensures continuous progress.
Kanji Study Sessions: A Detailed Look
Kanji, often perceived as a daunting aspect of Japanese for learners, requires dedicated strategies. Our interviewee outlines their method: “I’ll start off with about 100 Kanji flashcards and sift through them to find the one’s I don’t know.” This initial sifting process helps identify areas needing focus. Unknown Kanji are set aside for targeted study, followed by iterative rounds with new flashcards. “I’ll do this as many times as I need until I have a set of about 400 Kanji I don’t know so that I can just study those.” This method allows for efficient focusing on challenging Kanji. The focus of study sessions varies: “On most days, I’m just trying to study meanings. If I’m working on writing, then I’m looking at the meaning and writing the Kanji.” Writing Kanji, while more time-consuming, enhances recognition and recall, demonstrating a balanced approach to Kanji acquisition.
The Linguistic Background: Shaping Language Learning
A background in linguistics profoundly influences the approach to language learning. “So I studied Linguistics in college, where a lot of our training went into syntax and semantics and historical linguistics.” This academic foundation provides a framework for understanding language structure and evolution. Philology courses, requiring detailed textual analysis, further honed analytical skills. “(I actually took a philology course in Classical Armenian and the textbook was in German. That was insane.)” This rigorous training instilled a critical and analytical mindset applicable to language learning.
This linguistic lens shapes their perspective on Japanese textbooks. “When it came to Japanese, I realized relatively quickly that the textbook has a very specific agenda to have you speaking very formally and agreeably, and it’s willing to bend truths to get you to do that. So I was always skeptical and kind of wondering what’s really going on.” This skepticism, rooted in linguistic awareness, prompts a deeper investigation beyond textbook presentations. Independent study and research, initially focused on Ancient and Byzantine Greek philology, were later applied to Japanese through The J-Sub Experiment. “Once I started working on The J-Sub Experiment, it became clear the information needed to tackle a standard text or conversation in Japanese isn’t any harder than what one needs to work with Ancient Greek. So I see things from that technical perspective about 85% of the time.” This linguistic perspective demystifies language learning, viewing it as a system of patterns and structures rather than arbitrary rules.
Ultimate Language Goals: Beyond Fluency
Language learning goals vary widely. For our interviewee, the ultimate aim extends beyond conversational fluency. “Ideally, I’d like to be able to do Old and Middle Japanese philology, where the answers to many of my questions undoubtedly lie.” This ambition reflects a deep intellectual curiosity about the historical evolution of Japanese. Recognizing the long-term nature of this goal, they acknowledge the necessary steps: “I recognize that I won’t be able to do that alone — and step one is mastering Modern Japanese — and that it’s something to look into later down the line.” This long-term vision provides direction and sustained motivation.
Valuable Resources: Guiding the Learning Journey
Identifying effective resources is crucial for language learners. Our interviewee highlights several key tools. “I’m not going to lie, Wikipedia’s pages on Japanese are very good, even if they come across as fairly technical to some.” Wikipedia, often overlooked as a language learning resource, offers detailed and linguistically rich information on Japanese. Academic texts are also essential: “Tusjimura Natsuko’s An Introduction to Japanese Linguistics was my go-to resource when I started this project.” and “Kuno Susumu’s The Structure of the Japanese Language is another great book…” These resources provide in-depth linguistic analysis and frameworks for understanding Japanese grammar and structure.
Favorite Native Content: Entertainment and Learning
Immersion in native content is vital for language acquisition. For entertainment and learning, our interviewee enjoys diverse resources.
“I’m a big fan of Downtown and the Gaki no Tsukai television program. I think those guys are really funny.” Despite the challenges of Kansai dialect and rapid speech, this program provides authentic exposure to spoken Japanese. However, anime remains a significant resource, primarily due to their work. “The resource that’s helped me the most to learn is anime, if only as a byproduct of work. I’m very thankful that I have the time to sit down and watch an anime and the skills to get something out of it. I particularly like Toradora and Lucky Star.” Anime, while work-related, offers engaging and accessible language learning material. Interestingly, their personal media preference lies elsewhere: “…I’m not a big anime fan personally. The media I consume that I always have on my mind and can’t get enough of is opera.”
Opera: A Personal Passion
Opera, seemingly unrelated to Japanese learning, is a significant personal interest. “I listen to right about everything, from the Baroque to operas that came out a few years go. What I listen to more than anything, though, is Wagner…” This broad appreciation for opera, including Wagner, a controversial yet influential composer, highlights diverse cultural interests beyond Japanese language and culture.
Integrating Anime into Studies: A Practical Approach
Anime, though not a personal passion, is strategically integrated into their language studies through their project. “Currently just writing run throughs helps a lot, and it’s something I look back on, ponder how I’d handle it differently (especially those early Lucky Star posts.)” Analyzing anime scripts, a core component of The J-Sub Experiment, provides continuous learning and opportunities for reflection. Beyond this structured approach, anime consumption is less formalized. “Outside that, I don’t have a structured way of using anime.”
Kanji Learning Methods and Resources: A Multifaceted Strategy
Kanji learning requires dedicated methods and resources. Our interviewee advocates for a balanced approach: “I’ve promoted prioritizing reading, but writing is something that helps you recognize Kanji, so ultimately I want to do both.” Philosophically aligned with Heisig’s approach, they utilized “his first book.” They also incorporate resources designed for native Japanese learners: “I’ve also used the Kanji books Japanese schoolkids use (the ones with Pokémon and Doraemon characters) that give the stroke order and example words, because they’re fun.” These diverse methods, combining structured approaches with engaging materials, cater to different learning styles. Official Jōyō Kanji lists and online databases further supplement their Kanji studies.
Software Tools for Learning: Digital Aids
Technology plays a role in modern language learning. Our interviewee utilizes several software tools: “I use flashcards I make on Quizlet, and I use the databases of www.saiga-jp.com and kanji.sljfaq.org for my Kanji needs.” Quizlet facilitates flashcard creation and review, while online databases provide comprehensive Kanji information, showcasing a blend of digital tools for efficient study.
Experiences in Japan: Future Plans
Despite deep engagement with Japanese language and culture, a visit to Japan is yet to happen. “Never been. I suspect that for work reasons I will eventually have to visit the country (boring business stuff), but I have no immediate plans.” A future visit, potentially work-related, remains a possibility, but is not currently prioritized.
Multilingualism: Broader Linguistic Repertoire
Our interviewee’s linguistic abilities extend beyond Japanese. “I also speak Spanish and French. I read a bunch of other languages and varying skill levels. Spanish is my first language and I learned French at my local Alliance Française one summer to read philosophy and linguistic resources.” Spanish and French proficiency, along with reading knowledge of other languages, enriches their linguistic perspective. The experience of learning French, leveraging Latin and Spanish knowledge, highlights transferable language learning skills. “Because I had some experience with Latin and I know Spanish, I was able to triangulate on French and with practice and listening to many operas I was able to come to speak it conversationally fairly well. I still have to talk to myself in French every now and again to keep the tongue rapid.”
Lessons Learned: Hindsight and Future Approaches
Reflecting on their language learning journey, our interviewee identifies potential changes if starting over. “Oh that’s tough. I started learning Japanese at such a strange point in my life. Hindsight is 20/20, but nevertheless I feel like I should have dedicated more time to acquiring Japanese linguistics resources while I still had them available to me for free in college, because it would’ve helped me a lot now.” Prioritizing Japanese linguistics resources during college, when readily accessible, is a key takeaway from their experience.
Advice for Learners: Embracing Immersion and Depth
For aspiring Japanese learners, our interviewee offers insightful advice: “Give yourself the experience of trying to learn it all at once at least one time in your journey. Sit down and tell yourself that you’re going to learn all the Jōyō Kanji and 5,000 vocabulary words and read every grammar textbook one would need in just a year’s time.” This ambitious, though perhaps unrealistic, approach encourages broad initial exposure. “It’s probably not going to work, but you’re going to see a lot of things, and the more things you expose yourself to when you’re starting out, the less things you’ll be surprised by in the long run.” This “learn it all at once” philosophy promotes familiarity and reduces future overwhelm. “So when you eventually get to those things that you only glanced at once upon a time, you’ll go “Oh yeah!” and not “Oh my goodness, what the hell??””
The J-Sub Experiment: Linguistics and Anime for Language Learning
Finally, we delve into The J-Sub Experiment, the interviewee’s project. “The J-Sub Experiment is a platform where we help people learn Japanese with the help of anime and related media (visual novels, video games, etc.) We look at Japanese from a linguistic standpoint, linguistics being the science of language, breaking it down and using technical terms to describe the relationships between the words and phrases and discerning patterns that repeat themselves all the time.” The project leverages a linguistic approach to demystify Japanese grammar and vocabulary, emphasizing pattern recognition over rote memorization. “So learning Japanese becomes less of a list of “expressions” and becomes a very regular repetition of patterns.”
For those interested in this linguistic approach, the Starter Kit offers a valuable introduction. “If you want to get an idea of what Japanese linguistics looks like, our Starter Kit will give you a very vivid image, especially our Verbs section. It throws a lot of terminology at you, but you don’t need to memorize any of it since we bring things up again and again in our other works, so it’ll all sink in eventually, promise.” A popular Tumblr article further illustrates their methodology, providing “a very popular article on Tumblr on a linguistic perspective of the first lesson from the Genki textbook, just so that one can see how we treat things and how traditional language instruction teaches things.” For advanced learners, the Daily Japanese Study Units offer JLPT-style resources from a linguistic perspective, demonstrating the practical application of this approach across different proficiency levels. “For people who want JLPT resources in our style, the Daily Japanese Study Units from the Tumblr blog dontcallmesensei, are very popular because they show that there really isn’t anything special about most “expressions” one needs to memorize. That’s a personal pet project that has helped lots of people who are higher up in college courses when the amount of explanations become few.”
This interview offers a unique perspective on language learning, highlighting the benefits of a linguistic approach and demonstrating how a deep understanding of language structures can enhance the acquisition process. From motivations rooted in linguistics and personal growth to study methods informed by philology and analytical thinking, this journey provides valuable insights for any language learner, especially those drawn to the science of language.
