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MattElz
Joined: 07 Jan 2004
Posts: 92
Location: New York, NY, USA
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 Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 3:57 pm Post subject: Japanese proficiency test - should I? why? |
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Recently, I started a language exchange with a Japanese couple. The exchange quickly changed into more of a lesson exchange.
I think my Japanese sucks, but they called me up tonight, telling me how amazed they are at my ability to pick it up - and urging me to take the lowest level Japanese Proficiency Exam. (My version of it, is that basically, whether it's language/music/classroom learning, I'm just a good mimic or listener or whatever. When it comes to understanding mechanics or systems, burying my nose in a book for hours I'm pretty mediocre).
They said that with a few weeks of intensive study I could pass the exam.
What I tried to explain to them is that while I understand the interest the Japanese have in acquiring licenses and certificates and taking exams to take exams - I need some kind of a practical motivation for doing so.
So even if I could pass it (which I doubt) - what would be the point? (I do plan to be in Japan for awhile but I am an English teacher and a writer for English language publications). I am interested in learning Japanese so that I can understand what people are saying at the next table, and so I don't feel like a toddler everytime I step into the konbini. But so far, those are the only reasons I can think of. |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:13 pm Post subject: Re: Japanese proficiency test - should I? why? |
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| MattElz wrote: |
| So even if I could pass it (which I doubt) - what would be the point? (I do plan to be in Japan for awhile but I am an English teacher and a writer for English language publications). I am interested in learning Japanese so that I can understand what people are saying at the next table, and so I don't feel like a toddler everytime I step into the konbini. But so far, those are the only reasons I can think of. |
Start by thinking of things you might need to use Japanese e.g.
reading the labels in a supermarket
buying a teiki (train pass)
understanding the prices and money
being able to understand train announcements
Being able to read restaurant mneus and making and order in restaurant (rather than "Big Makku setto")
Being able to make friends with people who dont speak English, greeting your neighbors.
Have an idea of what you think you might want to use language for and set some basic goals. What do you want to be able to do with what you know?
How many Kanji do you want to learn a week? How many vocabulary? |
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MattElz
Joined: 07 Jan 2004
Posts: 92
Location: New York, NY, USA
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| Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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| I am not searching for a motivation to learn Japanese - I am trying to see what would be the point of taking a Japanese EXAM. |
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taikibansei
Joined: 14 Sep 2004
Posts: 811
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 4:30 pm Post subject: |
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| MattElz wrote: |
| I am not searching for a motivation to learn Japanese - I am trying to see what would be the point of taking a Japanese EXAM. |
No point that I can see. Any company or school which wants proof of Japanese ability will demand at least level 2--passing level 4 (or even level 3) will not impress them at all.
As long as you're planning to be here awhile, I'd try studying until you're ready for the level 2--or better yet, level 1--exam.
Just my two yen. |
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Nismo
Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 520
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| Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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| You can put it on your resume under a 'qualifications' header. If you don't want to take it, don't take it. Don't let us try and convince you of anything. |
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Celeste
Joined: 17 Jan 2003
Posts: 814
Location: Fukuoka City, Japan
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| Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:28 pm Post subject: |
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| I think it is too late to register for this year. I am taking the level 3 test, and I got my entrance ticket in the mail last week. I think the late registration deadline was on Nov. 15th. THe test is on December 5th. YOu could try the J-test, though. It is offered several times a year, and all levels take the same exam - sort of like the TOEIC, I think. If I don't pass the 3kyuu I will try the J-Test in a few months and see how I score. |
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Gordon
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 5309
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 12:21 am Post subject: |
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| Celeste wrote: |
| I think it is too late to register for this year. I am taking the level 3 test, and I got my entrance ticket in the mail last week. I think the late registration deadline was on Nov. 15th. THe test is on December 5th. YOu could try the J-test, though. It is offered several times a year, and all levels take the same exam - sort of like the TOEIC, I think. If I don't pass the 3kyuu I will try the J-Test in a few months and see how I score. |
The application deadline was mid-September. |
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