Last January, I wrote a post talking about how surreal being within a year of graduation was. This past week was the first of my last semester in University as an undergraduate. While last semester left me in a bit of a dream, this semester is completely different.
I am taking my final courses, and all of them are challenging and demanding- there is no time to daydream about being done. My classes are project-heavy and are requiring more of me than I have at times. It is the culmination of my time at University, and it's only fitting that this semester will test me.
As diamonds can only form under extreme pressure, it is my dearest hope that at the end of this semester and as my undergraduate career closes I will emerge shining radiantly, having overcome the pressures and trials I do not yet see.
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Two more semesters
Entering my second to last semester at University is surreal. It's so surreal that when I went to pick up the papers to apply for graduation next December, I thought I was in a dream, or that it was some sort of trick my mind was playing on me.
My journey through University has been anything but seamless. In many ways, I feel as though I'm not qualified enough to graduate, like I didn't work hard enough in my classes to learn everything that I could, or like I didn't produce the work expected of me by my professors and my perfectionist self. Entering this semester feels strange to me, like I'm a cat that jumped in the window of a house and hasn't been discovered by the owner yet. I feel like at any moment, someone will come along and tell me that I don't know enough to graduate, or that I haven't worked hard enough. And maybe they'd be right.
Despite all of that, the opportunity to test my wings has been laid before me. The chance to graduate and find my own way in the world is a significant one, and I think that regardless of if I think I am ready or not, I should just dive in and take the chance to sink or swim.
These next two semesters are going to be tough for me, but I will give it my best so that I can soar on my graduation and there after! ^^
My journey through University has been anything but seamless. In many ways, I feel as though I'm not qualified enough to graduate, like I didn't work hard enough in my classes to learn everything that I could, or like I didn't produce the work expected of me by my professors and my perfectionist self. Entering this semester feels strange to me, like I'm a cat that jumped in the window of a house and hasn't been discovered by the owner yet. I feel like at any moment, someone will come along and tell me that I don't know enough to graduate, or that I haven't worked hard enough. And maybe they'd be right.
Despite all of that, the opportunity to test my wings has been laid before me. The chance to graduate and find my own way in the world is a significant one, and I think that regardless of if I think I am ready or not, I should just dive in and take the chance to sink or swim.
These next two semesters are going to be tough for me, but I will give it my best so that I can soar on my graduation and there after! ^^
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Changes
Hello there,
how is life?
So, as I've mentioned previously, time management is not my strongest suit- to be more clear, I could say that with everything I do, I often find that with my extra time I end up resting or relaxing instead of working on my personal projects like language and such. Well, things are kind of changing a bit. I was offered a job in my field of study that will actually free up a lot of my time compared to my current job, so my hope is that with my extra time that is freeing up, I can spend more time on personal projects. (oh my goodness do I have a lot of personal projects. o.o )
One of the things I am going to try to do is update this blog more often. It won't always be language related, but I'd like to get back into that again. So I'll do my best with that, and we shall see what comes of this new venture.
Until next time, thanks so much for reading!
how is life?
So, as I've mentioned previously, time management is not my strongest suit- to be more clear, I could say that with everything I do, I often find that with my extra time I end up resting or relaxing instead of working on my personal projects like language and such. Well, things are kind of changing a bit. I was offered a job in my field of study that will actually free up a lot of my time compared to my current job, so my hope is that with my extra time that is freeing up, I can spend more time on personal projects. (oh my goodness do I have a lot of personal projects. o.o )
One of the things I am going to try to do is update this blog more often. It won't always be language related, but I'd like to get back into that again. So I'll do my best with that, and we shall see what comes of this new venture.
Until next time, thanks so much for reading!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
My controversial two cents.
So, there's this thing going around the internet called the ALS ice bucket challenge.
This seems to be a controversial topic. Let's look at it. :D
So, the challenge is basically intended to raise awareness about a really awful disease called ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS for short, is a degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the spinal chord and the brain. It essentially renders the body motionless. All in all, the campaign has a good intention.
The controversy comes with, in my opinion, the popularity that the campaign has gained. Let's be honest, watching someone get ice water dumped on their head is kind of funny. But it seems like this challenge has become just an ice bucket ordeal instead of an awareness raising campaign. In most of the videos going up, you're lucky if the person mentions what the campaign is for outsie of "it's the ALS ice bucket challenge", or where you can go to learn more about the disease. They are more excited to get to the part where they can list off their friends who they want to see get soaked in ice water.
I'm not saying this is a bad thing per se. Any and all awareness that is gained from this campaign is infinitely more awareness than there was before about ALS, and any money raised to help fund research for a way to end ALS is more than there was before that donation.
I've seen both sides of this whole thing about the campaign in comments and posts all over the internet. Some people have said that the campaign is a disgraceful stunt (I'm not sure I would go that far), others have said that it is a creative way to bring awareness about a terrible disease. I've also heard that other countries around the world want us noisy Americans to just be quiet and make our donations silently. I kind of lean in the middle of these opinions. I think that the campaign is really creative and makes the best use of social media's ability to spread word like wildfire, and it has spread the word about ALS effectively- the only people I had ever met before this campaign in real life or on the internet who had any clue as to what ALS was were the family I know who is dealing with it. But I think that a lot of people miss the point of it and just make noise and throw ice on themselves and each other for the fun of it, missing the whole point of the campaign and thus causing skepticism of the campaign and it's effectiveness/worth.
OK, my two big issues with this whole mess are-
1. I don't understand why people have to go as far as to actually argue with people and hurt each other's feelings over a virtual campaign that they don't have to take part in if they don't want to. You are in control of you. Plain and simple. If you don't want to do something, that's great; don't do it. No one can make you do something you don't want to do. Likewise, if you want to do something and the opportunity arises, great! Go ahead and do it. Why are people getting so upset at those who are willingly choosing to take part in this campaign.
2. If you're going to do something to raise awareness about a cause, at least find out a little bit about what you are supporting! I'm really glad that ALS is finally getting some publicity, but I don't want it to be something only known about because of baseball greats and ice buckets. I want people to have a more common knowledge of ALS, because it is just as deadly, if not more so, than diseases like cancer. We all have some idea of what cancer is and what it does to the body, why not ALS? It isn't that hard when we have all the information we could ever ask for at our fingertips.
So, in conclusion, I just plain don't understand why people are putting so much energy into cutting down a campaign that is really just intended to help out a field of research that is vastly under-funded, and that could potentially make the lives of those living with ALS so much better. If it's not for you, then don''t worry about it. If it's something you want to take part in, go ahead. All this comes down to personal choice, not "the majority doesn't care so be quiet."
Here is another perspective on the campaign from an ALS family.
And for the curious reader, yes, I did do the ice bucket challenge. And I dedicated it to Kepler Nigh, who I and my family have watched lose strength and mobility in his body to the point where only his eyes can still move. And he continues to keep hope. He is one of my heroes.
This seems to be a controversial topic. Let's look at it. :D
So, the challenge is basically intended to raise awareness about a really awful disease called ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS for short, is a degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the spinal chord and the brain. It essentially renders the body motionless. All in all, the campaign has a good intention.
The controversy comes with, in my opinion, the popularity that the campaign has gained. Let's be honest, watching someone get ice water dumped on their head is kind of funny. But it seems like this challenge has become just an ice bucket ordeal instead of an awareness raising campaign. In most of the videos going up, you're lucky if the person mentions what the campaign is for outsie of "it's the ALS ice bucket challenge", or where you can go to learn more about the disease. They are more excited to get to the part where they can list off their friends who they want to see get soaked in ice water.
I'm not saying this is a bad thing per se. Any and all awareness that is gained from this campaign is infinitely more awareness than there was before about ALS, and any money raised to help fund research for a way to end ALS is more than there was before that donation.
I've seen both sides of this whole thing about the campaign in comments and posts all over the internet. Some people have said that the campaign is a disgraceful stunt (I'm not sure I would go that far), others have said that it is a creative way to bring awareness about a terrible disease. I've also heard that other countries around the world want us noisy Americans to just be quiet and make our donations silently. I kind of lean in the middle of these opinions. I think that the campaign is really creative and makes the best use of social media's ability to spread word like wildfire, and it has spread the word about ALS effectively- the only people I had ever met before this campaign in real life or on the internet who had any clue as to what ALS was were the family I know who is dealing with it. But I think that a lot of people miss the point of it and just make noise and throw ice on themselves and each other for the fun of it, missing the whole point of the campaign and thus causing skepticism of the campaign and it's effectiveness/worth.
OK, my two big issues with this whole mess are-
1. I don't understand why people have to go as far as to actually argue with people and hurt each other's feelings over a virtual campaign that they don't have to take part in if they don't want to. You are in control of you. Plain and simple. If you don't want to do something, that's great; don't do it. No one can make you do something you don't want to do. Likewise, if you want to do something and the opportunity arises, great! Go ahead and do it. Why are people getting so upset at those who are willingly choosing to take part in this campaign.
2. If you're going to do something to raise awareness about a cause, at least find out a little bit about what you are supporting! I'm really glad that ALS is finally getting some publicity, but I don't want it to be something only known about because of baseball greats and ice buckets. I want people to have a more common knowledge of ALS, because it is just as deadly, if not more so, than diseases like cancer. We all have some idea of what cancer is and what it does to the body, why not ALS? It isn't that hard when we have all the information we could ever ask for at our fingertips.
So, in conclusion, I just plain don't understand why people are putting so much energy into cutting down a campaign that is really just intended to help out a field of research that is vastly under-funded, and that could potentially make the lives of those living with ALS so much better. If it's not for you, then don''t worry about it. If it's something you want to take part in, go ahead. All this comes down to personal choice, not "the majority doesn't care so be quiet."
Here is another perspective on the campaign from an ALS family.
And for the curious reader, yes, I did do the ice bucket challenge. And I dedicated it to Kepler Nigh, who I and my family have watched lose strength and mobility in his body to the point where only his eyes can still move. And he continues to keep hope. He is one of my heroes.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
German and Kpop!
Hallo, meine Freunden! Wie geht's? (hello my friends! how are you?)
A friend of mine and I are practicing language together, and for now I'm working on German. We're sending messages with audio files attached back and forth (one a week each) so that we can practice speaking out languages of study. ^^ Even though she's learning Korean and I'm currently working on German it works out. We have the audio of us speaking, then we have the written text in language, and then we have the translation. They're really short. ^^; It's a lot of fun, and since I'd like to start posting more again (what with the summer and all) I'd like to at least include some of the text here every week. ^^ So, here is week one!
Deutsch Woche 1:
Hallo! Meine AKMU CD ist gestern gekommen!
Es ist sehr gut! Mein Lieblingslied ist 'Melted', aber es ist traurig. Ich mag auch 'Little Star'. Ich weis nicht der name auf Koreanisch. ^^;
So! Was ist dein Lieblingslied? Magst du AKMU? Was ist deine LieblingsKpopgrouppe?
Hello! My AKMU CD came yesterday!
It's really good! My favorite song is 'Melted', but it's sad. I also like 'Little Star'. I don't know the name in Korean.
So! What is your favorite song? Do you like AKMU? What is your favorite Kpop group?
---------
I know I'm not very good at German yet, and I know I have mistakes there, just bear with me as I get better. As always, if you see a mistake, feel free to let me know! I appreciate it!
So hopefully I'll have these little posts up once a week. ^^ I'm working on a study schedule for 日本語(Japanese) as well, so we'll see how that goes. Anyways, I'll see you again soon!
Das ist alles, tschüss! じゃね！
A friend of mine and I are practicing language together, and for now I'm working on German. We're sending messages with audio files attached back and forth (one a week each) so that we can practice speaking out languages of study. ^^ Even though she's learning Korean and I'm currently working on German it works out. We have the audio of us speaking, then we have the written text in language, and then we have the translation. They're really short. ^^; It's a lot of fun, and since I'd like to start posting more again (what with the summer and all) I'd like to at least include some of the text here every week. ^^ So, here is week one!
Deutsch Woche 1:
Hallo! Meine AKMU CD ist gestern gekommen!
Es ist sehr gut! Mein Lieblingslied ist 'Melted', aber es ist traurig. Ich mag auch 'Little Star'. Ich weis nicht der name auf Koreanisch. ^^;
So! Was ist dein Lieblingslied? Magst du AKMU? Was ist deine LieblingsKpopgrouppe?
Hello! My AKMU CD came yesterday!
It's really good! My favorite song is 'Melted', but it's sad. I also like 'Little Star'. I don't know the name in Korean.
So! What is your favorite song? Do you like AKMU? What is your favorite Kpop group?
---------
I know I'm not very good at German yet, and I know I have mistakes there, just bear with me as I get better. As always, if you see a mistake, feel free to let me know! I appreciate it!
So hopefully I'll have these little posts up once a week. ^^ I'm working on a study schedule for 日本語(Japanese) as well, so we'll see how that goes. Anyways, I'll see you again soon!
Das ist alles, tschüss! じゃね！
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Life
みんなさん、こんにちは！(minnasan, konnichiwa!) Hallo!
The end of the semester is almost upon us, summer is just around the corner!
I'd like to have more posts this summer again, I really enjoyed the Word of the Day posts last summer, so I may do those again this summer. I also want to do posts in German, not just Japanese.
I feel like up until now, studying and practicing has been more of an obligation than an enjoyment. I think it's important to enjoy what you learn, so I hope to have fun with learning language this summer!
Thank you for reading! Danke für deine Zeit! ありがとうございます!
You'll hear from me soon! ^^
じゃね！
The end of the semester is almost upon us, summer is just around the corner!
I'd like to have more posts this summer again, I really enjoyed the Word of the Day posts last summer, so I may do those again this summer. I also want to do posts in German, not just Japanese.
I feel like up until now, studying and practicing has been more of an obligation than an enjoyment. I think it's important to enjoy what you learn, so I hope to have fun with learning language this summer!
Thank you for reading! Danke für deine Zeit! ありがとうございます!
You'll hear from me soon! ^^
じゃね！
Thursday, March 13, 2014
久しぶり！(hisashiburi)
Long time no see! ^^; It's been a really long time since I've posted here, I don't really know what to say... But I wanted to give an update on my language learning.
Last fall and this spring I've been taking German classes at my University. I would have loved to have been able to take Japanese, but my school is smaller and doesn't offer it. German is fine though, I'm part German, and learning the language makes me feel a bit more connected to that part of my heritage. I can read fairly well, I just need to use a dictionary for words I don't understand; and I can understand spoken German for the most part, but I have trouble speaking the words and using correct grammar. If I feel like it, I may post German on here occasionally. (Totally depends on how frequently I post, etc.)
My Japanese studies have fallen to the wayside these past months. I got a small job for the winter and they decided to keep me on after the holiday season, so between that and schoolwork, I find that I'm either too tired or too distracted to work on Japanese. I have noticed that I remember a lot of what I had learned previously though, so probably this coming summer I will be able to review a bit and return to Japanese studies.
I'm also looking into some study abroad options, though I'm not quite sure how that will work out. The way my school schedules classes does not lend itself to much leeway, so time will tell what comes of that.
I just wanted to give a bit of an update since it's been a few months. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to write again soon! ^^/
Last fall and this spring I've been taking German classes at my University. I would have loved to have been able to take Japanese, but my school is smaller and doesn't offer it. German is fine though, I'm part German, and learning the language makes me feel a bit more connected to that part of my heritage. I can read fairly well, I just need to use a dictionary for words I don't understand; and I can understand spoken German for the most part, but I have trouble speaking the words and using correct grammar. If I feel like it, I may post German on here occasionally. (Totally depends on how frequently I post, etc.)
My Japanese studies have fallen to the wayside these past months. I got a small job for the winter and they decided to keep me on after the holiday season, so between that and schoolwork, I find that I'm either too tired or too distracted to work on Japanese. I have noticed that I remember a lot of what I had learned previously though, so probably this coming summer I will be able to review a bit and return to Japanese studies.
I'm also looking into some study abroad options, though I'm not quite sure how that will work out. The way my school schedules classes does not lend itself to much leeway, so time will tell what comes of that.
I just wanted to give a bit of an update since it's been a few months. Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to write again soon! ^^/
Friday, September 6, 2013
Hey there
Long time no see, huh... wow, it's been over a month now. >///<
I'm sorry that I haven't kept up with the Word of the Day posts... I really enjoyed doing them, and it was practical for my studying over the summer break, but now that school has started for the fall (I'm in my Junior year at University now), I don't know how to keep up with the posts every day.
I'm so grateful, though. This past month, even though I haven't had time to post anything, so many people have viewed my blog. I'm really grateful!!! ありがとうございました！Thank you so much!
I would love to start posting again, and really to start studying seriously again! So please be patient as I work out all the big stuff like school and work... I hope I'll be posting again soon!
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! See you soon! じゃね！
I'm sorry that I haven't kept up with the Word of the Day posts... I really enjoyed doing them, and it was practical for my studying over the summer break, but now that school has started for the fall (I'm in my Junior year at University now), I don't know how to keep up with the posts every day.
I'm so grateful, though. This past month, even though I haven't had time to post anything, so many people have viewed my blog. I'm really grateful!!! ありがとうございました！Thank you so much!
I would love to start posting again, and really to start studying seriously again! So please be patient as I work out all the big stuff like school and work... I hope I'll be posting again soon!
Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! See you soon! じゃね！
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Update
ごめんなさい！
I'm really sorry I haven't posted anything for the past few days! I do want to continue Word of the Day, but things have been a little bit crazy for me. I'll be posting again soon!
I'm really sorry I haven't posted anything for the past few days! I do want to continue Word of the Day, but things have been a little bit crazy for me. I'll be posting again soon!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Dazzling Girl
Hihi! こんにちは！元気ですか。(konnichiwa! genki desu ka?)
Well, today, I'll be talking about SHINee's new song, "Dazzling Girl"!
If you haven't heard the song yet, check here!
I think this song is adorable! And the best part is that it's in 日本語(nihongo) rather than Korean.
Don't get me wrong, I like SHINee's Korean songs too, but I'm learning Japanese, not Korean.
That's why I'm happy it's in Japanese. ^-^
Anyways, I'm trying to learn this song now. ^-^ My friend and I keep singing parts together and cause a lot of people to just stare at us because they don't understand! It's really fun!
Speaking of my friend, we're setting up a study session for Japanese and Korean, so I will hopefully be able to study more than I do on my own time. ^-^ That's pretty exciting! I'll be able to use more 日本語(nihongo) in my posts!
Well, I hope I have a chance to write again soon! バイバイ！
Well, today, I'll be talking about SHINee's new song, "Dazzling Girl"!
If you haven't heard the song yet, check here!
I think this song is adorable! And the best part is that it's in 日本語(nihongo) rather than Korean.
Don't get me wrong, I like SHINee's Korean songs too, but I'm learning Japanese, not Korean.
That's why I'm happy it's in Japanese. ^-^
Anyways, I'm trying to learn this song now. ^-^ My friend and I keep singing parts together and cause a lot of people to just stare at us because they don't understand! It's really fun!
Speaking of my friend, we're setting up a study session for Japanese and Korean, so I will hopefully be able to study more than I do on my own time. ^-^ That's pretty exciting! I'll be able to use more 日本語(nihongo) in my posts!
Well, I hope I have a chance to write again soon! バイバイ！
Friday, September 28, 2012
うれしい！！！(ureshi)
やったああああ！！！(yatta!)
私のコンピュウタがうれしいです。(watashi no conpyuuta ga ureshii desu.)
0.o umm... that sentence....
Anyways! My computer is happy again. It's converting my typing into kanji again! ^-^
And that's always good!
But, in practicing writing kanji...........
I feel like the more I write it, the worse it looks. D:
Anyways. For some reason I'm hyper today, so if there are a million posts today I'm really sorry! XD
私のコンピュウタがうれしいです。(watashi no conpyuuta ga ureshii desu.)
0.o umm... that sentence....
Anyways! My computer is happy again. It's converting my typing into kanji again! ^-^
And that's always good!
But, in practicing writing kanji...........
I feel like the more I write it, the worse it looks. D:
Anyways. For some reason I'm hyper today, so if there are a million posts today I'm really sorry! XD
Annoying.
Gaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!! My computer is being weird and not converting what I type in Japanese to kanji!!!!!!!!!!!!!
D:
I'm frustrated as is because the more I try to read Japanese the less I feel I understand! DX
It's not fair!!!
D:
I'm frustrated as is because the more I try to read Japanese the less I feel I understand! DX
It's not fair!!!
Friday, September 21, 2012
Slacking off?
So, sometimes no matter what I do I can't study worth anything. I think that's how this week has gone... I just can't seem to study at all no matter what I do! I'll look at Japanese, but I have a hard time reading it because I don't know many Kanji yet, so my eyes tend to skim over what I'm trying to read...
I dunno, it's the same way for my schoolwork too. And it's causing some serious sleep deprivation for me. Not good.
Well, I'll try to do better in the coming week! がんばります！！！(ganbarimasu!)
I dunno, it's the same way for my schoolwork too. And it's causing some serious sleep deprivation for me. Not good.
Well, I'll try to do better in the coming week! がんばります！！！(ganbarimasu!)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
ほんとうに (hontouni)
みんなさん、こんにちは！(minna san, konnichiwa)
ごめんなさい。。。あの、さいきんは私がめんどくさい。。。(gomen nasai... ano, saikin wa watashi ga mendokusai...)
I know my 日本語(nihongo) is terrible and I probably messed up that sentence really badly; what I mean to say is, everyone, I'm really sorry that I've been so lazy in posting lately. I thought that I would post more during the summer, but I ended up doing other things and forgetting to study even! So I will do my best to start studying seriously again and posting on here regularly.
Thank you for reading all this. ありがとうございます！(arigatou gozaimasu)
Please support me in the future! おうえんしてね！(ouenshite ne)
ごめんなさい。。。あの、さいきんは私がめんどくさい。。。(gomen nasai... ano, saikin wa watashi ga mendokusai...)
I know my 日本語(nihongo) is terrible and I probably messed up that sentence really badly; what I mean to say is, everyone, I'm really sorry that I've been so lazy in posting lately. I thought that I would post more during the summer, but I ended up doing other things and forgetting to study even! So I will do my best to start studying seriously again and posting on here regularly.
Thank you for reading all this. ありがとうございます！(arigatou gozaimasu)
Please support me in the future! おうえんしてね！(ouenshite ne)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
日本語の Musings 4
It's interesting how in Japanese, to extend an invitation to someone you must conjugate the verb to the negative form.
I wonder, does it have something to do with lowering yourself to make a request of someone just as in other aspects of Japanese culture?
I wonder, does it have something to do with lowering yourself to make a request of someone just as in other aspects of Japanese culture?
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A List of Words Part 1
Last time I wrote, I talked about different ways to learn vocabulary.
Well, I was working on vocabulary myself the other day, and I made a huge list of words that I'm going to look up to help improve my vocab. Some of the words I already know, some I've learned before and don't know fully yet, and some I don't know at all.
Heavy, ceiling, window, music, sound, sing, dance, video, Internet, computer, type, dresser, closet, room, home, house, bookshelf, study school, desk, chair, rain, umbrella, books, read, stuffed animals, pillow, blanket, carpet, rug, paper, pencil, pen, notebook, floor, Bible, box, storage, organize, mail, letter, files, wings, lamp, ruler, measuring tape, fabric, clothes, sewing, cut, pattern, nails, nail polish, glitter, fingernails, finger, hand, front, back, palm, arm, shoulder, elbow, fore arm, chest, stomach, neck, collar bone, chin, cheeks, ears, mouth, teeth, nose, snot (eww...), eyes, eyebrows, forehead, hair, head, face, back, legs, knees, feet, toes, toenails, bottom, sit, stand, walk, jump, run, spin, fall, lay, sleep, make, cook, hold, held, hide, seek, tag, find, look, search, cry, laugh, smile, frown, happy, sad, excited, upset, folder, plastic, truth, lie, socks, tights, skirt, pants, jeans, underwear, shirt, blouse, dress, jacket, cardigan, coat, necklace, bracelet, earrings, stickers, makeup, eat, drink, liquid, solid, gas, air, sky, clouds, weather, leaves, trees, bushes, grass, branches, ground, building, road, grow, mailbox, fence, discover, river, creek, lake, stream, ocean, boat, swim, rope, float, swimming suit, novel, soak, salt, pepper, fruit, vegetables, meat, kids, boy, girl, play, toys, nursery, snack, lesson, color, coloring page, crayon, colored pencil, marker, art, draw, create, absorb, sponge, clean, tidy, kitchen, shelf, stove, microwave, oven, refrigerator, dust, dirty, stuff, storage, table, messy, covered, uncovered, over, under, spoon, fork, knife, plate, bowl, cup, thirsty, hungry, tired, exhausted, pigtails, ponytail, hair (a repeat), braid, cute, cool, accessory, language, speak, learn, new, old, many, few, clip, zip, zipper, close, open, elastic, ruffle, shorts, skort (mix of skirt and shorts. doubt there's a Japanese word for it...), drive, go, explore, leave, come, contain, pin, scissors, snip, write
Told you it was a huge list. Anyways, over the next few posts, I'm going to put the Japanese versions of these words. Maybe it will help some people! I really don't know, but if I can help others, that would be great!
Bye for now!
Just a note, I think it's funny to trace my train of thought with the list. It reminds me of my Psychology class that I took in the first semester of college. ^-^
Well, I was working on vocabulary myself the other day, and I made a huge list of words that I'm going to look up to help improve my vocab. Some of the words I already know, some I've learned before and don't know fully yet, and some I don't know at all.
Heavy, ceiling, window, music, sound, sing, dance, video, Internet, computer, type, dresser, closet, room, home, house, bookshelf, study school, desk, chair, rain, umbrella, books, read, stuffed animals, pillow, blanket, carpet, rug, paper, pencil, pen, notebook, floor, Bible, box, storage, organize, mail, letter, files, wings, lamp, ruler, measuring tape, fabric, clothes, sewing, cut, pattern, nails, nail polish, glitter, fingernails, finger, hand, front, back, palm, arm, shoulder, elbow, fore arm, chest, stomach, neck, collar bone, chin, cheeks, ears, mouth, teeth, nose, snot (eww...), eyes, eyebrows, forehead, hair, head, face, back, legs, knees, feet, toes, toenails, bottom, sit, stand, walk, jump, run, spin, fall, lay, sleep, make, cook, hold, held, hide, seek, tag, find, look, search, cry, laugh, smile, frown, happy, sad, excited, upset, folder, plastic, truth, lie, socks, tights, skirt, pants, jeans, underwear, shirt, blouse, dress, jacket, cardigan, coat, necklace, bracelet, earrings, stickers, makeup, eat, drink, liquid, solid, gas, air, sky, clouds, weather, leaves, trees, bushes, grass, branches, ground, building, road, grow, mailbox, fence, discover, river, creek, lake, stream, ocean, boat, swim, rope, float, swimming suit, novel, soak, salt, pepper, fruit, vegetables, meat, kids, boy, girl, play, toys, nursery, snack, lesson, color, coloring page, crayon, colored pencil, marker, art, draw, create, absorb, sponge, clean, tidy, kitchen, shelf, stove, microwave, oven, refrigerator, dust, dirty, stuff, storage, table, messy, covered, uncovered, over, under, spoon, fork, knife, plate, bowl, cup, thirsty, hungry, tired, exhausted, pigtails, ponytail, hair (a repeat), braid, cute, cool, accessory, language, speak, learn, new, old, many, few, clip, zip, zipper, close, open, elastic, ruffle, shorts, skort (mix of skirt and shorts. doubt there's a Japanese word for it...), drive, go, explore, leave, come, contain, pin, scissors, snip, write
Told you it was a huge list. Anyways, over the next few posts, I'm going to put the Japanese versions of these words. Maybe it will help some people! I really don't know, but if I can help others, that would be great!
Bye for now!
Just a note, I think it's funny to trace my train of thought with the list. It reminds me of my Psychology class that I took in the first semester of college. ^-^
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Building Vocabulary
Building vocabulary in 日本語(nihongo) is hard for me. It doesn't help that I've even had trouble building vocabulary in English...
Some of the best advice I've gotten, though, is this:
When you go into a room, try to name everything around you in Japanese. If you can't, look up the words you don't know.
Another piece of advice that I've gotten is to ask someone who knows the language when you don't understand a word or phrase or when you don't know a word or phrase. During my school last semester, I would ask my すごい先生(sugoi sensei) if I had questions, and he would help me a lot! I also have one of my best friends that I can ask. ^-^
So, my suggestion to you is to try these ways if you can!
And also, especially if you are a beginner, but also if you've been studying for a while, focus on verbs! If you get the verbs then making sentences will be so much easier! I'm definately no grammar expert, I think I've mentioned such before, but it's true. This goes for any language, if you know the verbs, you can make sentences much easier. In 日本語(nihongo) it's even easier because the basic sentences are subject and verb. ^-^
I didn't learn verbs first because I was stubborn and didn't want to have to deal with grammar and now I struggle with making sentences. That may be part of why I don't make sentences on here very often...
I'm working on learning verbs too, so let's do our best!
Thank you for reading! ありがとうございました！(arigatou gozaimashita)
I'll try to write soon!
さよなら！(sayonara)
Some of the best advice I've gotten, though, is this:
When you go into a room, try to name everything around you in Japanese. If you can't, look up the words you don't know.
Another piece of advice that I've gotten is to ask someone who knows the language when you don't understand a word or phrase or when you don't know a word or phrase. During my school last semester, I would ask my すごい先生(sugoi sensei) if I had questions, and he would help me a lot! I also have one of my best friends that I can ask. ^-^
So, my suggestion to you is to try these ways if you can!
And also, especially if you are a beginner, but also if you've been studying for a while, focus on verbs! If you get the verbs then making sentences will be so much easier! I'm definately no grammar expert, I think I've mentioned such before, but it's true. This goes for any language, if you know the verbs, you can make sentences much easier. In 日本語(nihongo) it's even easier because the basic sentences are subject and verb. ^-^
I didn't learn verbs first because I was stubborn and didn't want to have to deal with grammar and now I struggle with making sentences. That may be part of why I don't make sentences on here very often...
I'm working on learning verbs too, so let's do our best!
Thank you for reading! ありがとうございました！(arigatou gozaimashita)
I'll try to write soon!
さよなら！(sayonara)
Sunday, July 1, 2012
日本語の Musings 3
日本語の勉強。(nihongo no benkyou)
For foreign students studying Japanese, it is an interesting experience. The main thing that gets so many people is the writing system. Or, the three writing systems I should say:Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
Hiragana is kind of like a basic alphabet if you want to relate it to English. The characters represent two letter sets with the exception of the vowels and the letter "n." The characters can be combined to make three letter sets to make even more sounds and words. Any Japanese words can be spelled out in these characters, though they may leave some ambiguity between words that are pronounced the same but have different kanji characters to help tell which is which. Hiragana is the first writing system that Japanese kids learn.
Katakana is used for foreign words. English words, German, French, Russian... Any foreign words that the Japanese adapt and add to their language will most likely be written in Katakana.
Kanji are the characters that the Japanese adopted from the Chinese a long time ago. they are like pictures that are made up of different parts. Those different parts are called radicals and when you combine the radicals in certain ways you end up with Kanji. At least, that's a basic understanding of how it works. I don't know many Kanji yet so I don't have a full understanding.
The Japanese use each of these writing systems together. When reading Japanese, you can come accross all three systems in one sentence. It's really kind of cool and fascinating!
Thanks for reading another 日本語の Musings!
Also, if you have something you want me to talk about, leave a comment!
Likewise, if I got something wrong, let me know! I'm still learning too! Thanks!
I'll see you again really soon!
For foreign students studying Japanese, it is an interesting experience. The main thing that gets so many people is the writing system. Or, the three writing systems I should say:Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
Hiragana is kind of like a basic alphabet if you want to relate it to English. The characters represent two letter sets with the exception of the vowels and the letter "n." The characters can be combined to make three letter sets to make even more sounds and words. Any Japanese words can be spelled out in these characters, though they may leave some ambiguity between words that are pronounced the same but have different kanji characters to help tell which is which. Hiragana is the first writing system that Japanese kids learn.
Katakana is used for foreign words. English words, German, French, Russian... Any foreign words that the Japanese adapt and add to their language will most likely be written in Katakana.
Kanji are the characters that the Japanese adopted from the Chinese a long time ago. they are like pictures that are made up of different parts. Those different parts are called radicals and when you combine the radicals in certain ways you end up with Kanji. At least, that's a basic understanding of how it works. I don't know many Kanji yet so I don't have a full understanding.
The Japanese use each of these writing systems together. When reading Japanese, you can come accross all three systems in one sentence. It's really kind of cool and fascinating!
Thanks for reading another 日本語の Musings!
Also, if you have something you want me to talk about, leave a comment!
Likewise, if I got something wrong, let me know! I'm still learning too! Thanks!
I'll see you again really soon!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
日本語の Musings 2
In Japanese, once a subject is established, there is no need to bring it up again...
It makes it hard to follow along in conversation for someone who, like me, was raised speaking English where every sentence has a subject and verb...
I thought of this last night when I was watching a Japanese Drama and later again while I was watching a movie.
In the drama, I thought of how something was explained... in English it would be
"He is my pet.
what?
Pet."
It's strange because normally I would say or reply
"He is my pet.
Your what?
My Pet."
I think that not hearing the subject of the sentence will be strange as I get into conversation Japanese... But I hope I can do by best and get the hang of it! Let's do our best together!
It makes it hard to follow along in conversation for someone who, like me, was raised speaking English where every sentence has a subject and verb...
I thought of this last night when I was watching a Japanese Drama and later again while I was watching a movie.
In the drama, I thought of how something was explained... in English it would be
"He is my pet.
what?
Pet."
It's strange because normally I would say or reply
"He is my pet.
Your what?
My Pet."
I think that not hearing the subject of the sentence will be strange as I get into conversation Japanese... But I hope I can do by best and get the hang of it! Let's do our best together!
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