Comments on: Secrets to Smoother SRSing, Part 2: Fun http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun You don't learn a language, you get used to it. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:27:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Routine http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-69453 Routine Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:03:25 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-69453 @Laura Another MMORPG addict speaking here... (:D) when you're putting it this way, this method is starting to seem more and more fun. Grinding for quest items or experience might not be really "fun", but it's definitely satisfying. @Laura

Another MMORPG addict speaking here… (:D) when you’re putting it this way, this method is starting to seem more and more fun. Grinding for quest items or experience might not be really “fun”, but it’s definitely satisfying.

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]]> By: Laura http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-44203 Laura Sat, 29 May 2010 20:47:30 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-44203 @toadhjo yes I know very late to all this, but I only just started learning Japanese a week ago, I'll add my bit any way :) As a confirmed World of Warcraft addict who wants to learn Japanese because I'll be going there for 6 months in november... I totally agree with toadhjo. Using Anki for my Kanji is absolutely on the same level as farming for mats or grinding for money/emblems in WoW. Lots of little wins whenever I look up the stats :D maybe not quite the same as FUN, but hey I do STOP when bored and go look up Japanese music on YouTube @toadhjo

yes I know very late to all this, but I only just started learning Japanese a week ago, I’ll add my bit any way :)

As a confirmed World of Warcraft addict who wants to learn Japanese because I’ll be going there for 6 months in november… I totally agree with toadhjo. Using Anki for my Kanji is absolutely on the same level as farming for mats or grinding for money/emblems in WoW. Lots of little wins whenever I look up the stats :D

maybe not quite the same as FUN, but hey I do STOP when bored and go look up Japanese music on YouTube

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]]> By: Recovering from a period of demotivation | babelhut.com http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-12181 Recovering from a period of demotivation | babelhut.com Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:38:45 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-12181 [...] and vivir in those tenses into my SRS. This was a big mistake! My SRS study became pure drudgery. It’s supposed to be fun! If it isn’t, why [...] [...] and vivir in those tenses into my SRS. This was a big mistake! My SRS study became pure drudgery. It’s supposed to be fun! If it isn’t, why [...]

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]]> By: bahia http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10347 bahia Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:38:09 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10347 I'm right at the point where SRS just became boring. This was a good post. I am going to revise my study method and get rid of all those sentences that drag me down! I’m right at the point where SRS just became boring. This was a good post. I am going to revise my study method and get rid of all those sentences that drag me down!

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]]> By: Goal Within Sight… « regeneration http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10306 Goal Within Sight… « regeneration Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:41:42 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10306 [...] and focus on adding kanji, something I haven’t been able to do much of this week. I have to keep it fun, after [...] [...] and focus on adding kanji, something I haven’t been able to do much of this week. I have to keep it fun, after [...]

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]]> By: Jerry http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10257 Jerry Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:39:02 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10257 I've been using an SRS for 15 months, and I can say that I only missed 4 days in that time. I was on vacation with my family; and it wouldn't be much of a vacation doing SRS reps. I have been doing the SRS "the wrong way" for this whole time... only have 3,300 entries, not even close to 10,000; the entries are about 95% J-E; I have paid zero attention to learning Jouyou Kanji. But having said all that, there's two things I'd like to point out the success I feel I've had with the method. I started with no Japanese ability at all. (I did know kanji, because I've kept active in Mandarin for the past 18 years -- so there was a head start with that.) But 15 months later I can read light novels and manga with a high degree of comprehension. My listening is pretty good -- and I get a lot of practice with that using Text Aloud and my SRS together. I struggle with writing -- though it's OK. Of course, my speaking is the worst. But I'm not worried about it as I have no Japanese friends or co-workers to embarrass myself in front of. So the key thing to this rambling message is that I've done SRS "the wrong way" -- heaven forbid J-E entries! (I learned Mandarin C-E without trouble, btw. Though I agree J-E is best if you can learn that way.) But I had fun doing it, and never troubled myself that I wasn't doing it "right." I've still got results that I'm happy with, and I know I am on track to get the additional results that I'm seeking. I'm very glad to see Khatz posting these clarifications. Fun has made all the difference to me, even if I haven't stuck to the program "as designed." I've only missed 4 days out of 455 because it is fun. (And not having to face 100+ entries each day is big factor in that.) Remember, it's a marathon and not a sprint. You don't have to be totally fluent in 18 months! I’ve been using an SRS for 15 months, and I can say that I only missed 4 days in that time. I was on vacation with my family; and it wouldn’t be much of a vacation doing SRS reps. I have been doing the SRS “the wrong way” for this whole time… only have 3,300 entries, not even close to 10,000; the entries are about 95% J-E; I have paid zero attention to learning Jouyou Kanji. But having said all that, there’s two things I’d like to point out the success I feel I’ve had with the method.

I started with no Japanese ability at all. (I did know kanji, because I’ve kept active in Mandarin for the past 18 years — so there was a head start with that.) But 15 months later I can read light novels and manga with a high degree of comprehension. My listening is pretty good — and I get a lot of practice with that using Text Aloud and my SRS together. I struggle with writing — though it’s OK. Of course, my speaking is the worst. But I’m not worried about it as I have no Japanese friends or co-workers to embarrass myself in front of.

So the key thing to this rambling message is that I’ve done SRS “the wrong way” — heaven forbid J-E entries! (I learned Mandarin C-E without trouble, btw. Though I agree J-E is best if you can learn that way.) But I had fun doing it, and never troubled myself that I wasn’t doing it “right.” I’ve still got results that I’m happy with, and I know I am on track to get the additional results that I’m seeking.

I’m very glad to see Khatz posting these clarifications. Fun has made all the difference to me, even if I haven’t stuck to the program “as designed.” I’ve only missed 4 days out of 455 because it is fun. (And not having to face 100+ entries each day is big factor in that.) Remember, it’s a marathon and not a sprint. You don’t have to be totally fluent in 18 months!

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]]> By: nacest http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10233 nacest Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:17:36 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10233 Part one was on SRS specifically, but related to 'fun' nonetheless. Part one was on SRS specifically, but related to ‘fun’ nonetheless.

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]]> By: phauna http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10230 phauna Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:36:43 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10230 I thought part one was also 'fun'? I thought part one was also ‘fun’?

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]]> By: bubble http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10219 bubble Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:26:12 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10219 @ vgambit "You’re supposed to only go English to Japanese when you’re using RTK." Er. That's what I meant. I was using the standard Anki RTK deck, the way it was originally set up, keyword to kanji. But most of my other cards were Japanese to English... or sometimes kanji to reading. Which is probably why I got mixed up (that and it's been several months). But that's not the point (and I'm not just saying that because I'm embarrassed). The point is that doing a mix of Japanese and English eventually started to drive me bonkers, once I'd gotten enough input that Japanese was starting to take on a life of its own in my brain, if that makes any sense. It was much harder to remember and concentrate compared to Japanese-only, and I began adding Japanese keywords, which helped a little, but took a while. Then too, I had been borrowing someone's copy of RTK and had to return it... so yeah. I have a hard time switching from language to language. Anything to English is easy, but other transitions are pretty hard for me. For instance, it takes me at least a full page of text to get into the swing of reading Japanese, and my listing comprehension drops a lot if I have interruptions. @ vgambit “You’re supposed to only go English to Japanese when you’re using RTK.”

Er. That’s what I meant. I was using the standard Anki RTK deck, the way it was originally set up, keyword to kanji. But most of my other cards were Japanese to English… or sometimes kanji to reading. Which is probably why I got mixed up (that and it’s been several months).

But that’s not the point (and I’m not just saying that because I’m embarrassed). The point is that doing a mix of Japanese and English eventually started to drive me bonkers, once I’d gotten enough input that Japanese was starting to take on a life of its own in my brain, if that makes any sense. It was much harder to remember and concentrate compared to Japanese-only, and I began adding Japanese keywords, which helped a little, but took a while. Then too, I had been borrowing someone’s copy of RTK and had to return it… so yeah.

I have a hard time switching from language to language. Anything to English is easy, but other transitions are pretty hard for me. For instance, it takes me at least a full page of text to get into the swing of reading Japanese, and my listing comprehension drops a lot if I have interruptions.

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]]> By: Rob http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10216 Rob Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:07:52 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10216 I think perhaps instead of using the word "fun", it should be changed to enjoyment. You should try to find enjoyment in whatever you are doing. Because like Ivan said above, there are things that need to be learned in order to get fluent that probably by themselves would never come to one's mind when they think of fun. Ivan mentioned contracts, leases, etc., and you could throw in there listening and reading to the news ad nauseam or Khatzu wrote a post once about going clothes shopping and entering some language that was on the tags into his SRS. Info on clothing labels fun? I doubt it, but necessary to learn if you want to buy the right thing and know how to wash it properly. But I think there are ways to find enjoyment or contentment out of doing those things; it's just up to each person to find the way they can push through those types of things and still enjoy the process. I think perhaps instead of using the word “fun”, it should be changed to enjoyment. You should try to find enjoyment in whatever you are doing. Because like Ivan said above, there are things that need to be learned in order to get fluent that probably by themselves would never come to one’s mind when they think of fun.

Ivan mentioned contracts, leases, etc., and you could throw in there listening and reading to the news ad nauseam or Khatzu wrote a post once about going clothes shopping and entering some language that was on the tags into his SRS. Info on clothing labels fun? I doubt it, but necessary to learn if you want to buy the right thing and know how to wash it properly.

But I think there are ways to find enjoyment or contentment out of doing those things; it’s just up to each person to find the way they can push through those types of things and still enjoy the process.

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]]> By: nest0r http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10215 nest0r Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:25:44 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10215 ^sense = since, hehe And anyway, yea, as to this Part 2, I agree with it much more than Part 1, because the key is knowing your own views on what's fun and how to make it work for you as you learn what you want/need. Even Da Vinci wrote in his notebooks about taking regular breaks from painting throughout the day and reapproaching from different angles to get a fresh perspective! ^sense = since, hehe

And anyway, yea, as to this Part 2, I agree with it much more than Part 1, because the key is knowing your own views on what’s fun and how to make it work for you as you learn what you want/need. Even Da Vinci wrote in his notebooks about taking regular breaks from painting throughout the day and reapproaching from different angles to get a fresh perspective!

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]]> By: nest0r http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10214 nest0r Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:23:57 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10214 Yo, people who are dissing the koohii thread, ease off, if you read the thread, you'd know it's a good thread with plenty of views from both sides, and details analysis and experiences with AJATT, many supporting the parts 1 and 2 here. In fact, I think of it as this site's forum, even though Khatz wanted to avoid forums sense the arguments can bog people down from 'doing' the method. I think Khatz was just pointing out one or two posts that represented a certain mindset when he linked it, hence the specific link in his entry. Yo, people who are dissing the koohii thread, ease off, if you read the thread, you’d know it’s a good thread with plenty of views from both sides, and details analysis and experiences with AJATT, many supporting the parts 1 and 2 here. In fact, I think of it as this site’s forum, even though Khatz wanted to avoid forums sense the arguments can bog people down from ‘doing’ the method. I think Khatz was just pointing out one or two posts that represented a certain mindset when he linked it, hence the specific link in his entry.

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]]> By: Stephen http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10213 Stephen Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:45:00 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10213 Part 1 of Part 2? Sounds a little bit like Douglas Adams: 'part 5 of a trilogy', etc.. :) Part 1 of Part 2? Sounds a little bit like Douglas Adams: ‘part 5 of a trilogy’, etc.. :)

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]]> By: Ivan the Terrible http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10209 Ivan the Terrible Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:22:11 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10209 I would like to buy into this whole-heartedly, but at the same time I can't help but think about employment contracts and visa extensions and lease agreements. I would much rather be reading a book or watching a movie than entering sentences from those, but at the same time there's stuff on such forms you need to know and you aren't likely to find doing purely entertaining stuff. I would like to buy into this whole-heartedly, but at the same time I can’t help but think about employment contracts and visa extensions and lease agreements. I would much rather be reading a book or watching a movie than entering sentences from those, but at the same time there’s stuff on such forms you need to know and you aren’t likely to find doing purely entertaining stuff.

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]]> By: vgambit http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10207 vgambit Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:06:27 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10207 Hm, I wanted italics, but I guess that code doesn't work with this comment system. Hm, I wanted italics, but I guess that code doesn’t work with this comment system.

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]]> By: vgambit http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10206 vgambit Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:05:56 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10206 [i](mostly Japanese-to-English what with Remembering the Kanji and all)[/i] You're supposed to only go English to Japanese when you're using RTK. [i](mostly Japanese-to-English what with Remembering the Kanji and all)[/i]

You’re supposed to only go English to Japanese when you’re using RTK.

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]]> By: bubble http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10205 bubble Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:41:00 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10205 Thank you! I saw that koohii.com thread you linked in the previous SRS post a while back and just went 'Waitasec. Aren't they missing the point?' And that point (it's got to be fun) is why even though I don't do sentences at all anymore, I continue to recommend this site to people, but with heavy disclaimers about the emphasis on SRSs. I mean, I used an SRS (Anki) for a while. It helped. But after a while, I had a giant expired pile, and that, combined with the way I was doing it (mostly Japanese-to-English what with Remembering the Kanji and all) made me want to beat my head against a conveniently placed wall... or just give up on Japanese. Which was silly, given the amount of progress I had made. So I ditched the SRS (I'll still use it for study for a test-heavy class) and spent that time instead on Japanese news, dramas, anime, and now comics and novels as well. So yeah, thank you. Because we all need a reminder to have enjoy the journey every now and again. Thank you!

I saw that koohii.com thread you linked in the previous SRS post a while back and just went ‘Waitasec. Aren’t they missing the point?’ And that point (it’s got to be fun) is why even though I don’t do sentences at all anymore, I continue to recommend this site to people, but with heavy disclaimers about the emphasis on SRSs.

I mean, I used an SRS (Anki) for a while. It helped. But after a while, I had a giant expired pile, and that, combined with the way I was doing it (mostly Japanese-to-English what with Remembering the Kanji and all) made me want to beat my head against a conveniently placed wall… or just give up on Japanese. Which was silly, given the amount of progress I had made. So I ditched the SRS (I’ll still use it for study for a test-heavy class) and spent that time instead on Japanese news, dramas, anime, and now comics and novels as well.

So yeah, thank you. Because we all need a reminder to have enjoy the journey every now and again.

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]]> By: Alyks http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10203 Alyks Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:58:09 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10203 "This is part 1 of a multi-part series on smoother SRSing." You sure about that? “This is part 1 of a multi-part series on smoother SRSing.”

You sure about that?

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]]> By: toadhjo http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10201 toadhjo Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:27:43 +0000 http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/secrets-to-smoother-srsing-part-2-fun#comment-10201 Maybe I'm being nitpicky here, but I'm proceed... In any case, I do believe that fun is very important, because when you're having fun, you learn faster and can keep doing your activity longer, whatever it is. However, perhaps "fun" isn't the best word? For example, I like reading the editorial sections of newspapers. I wouldn't necessarily call it fun, but it's definitely enjoyable. Much like doing SRS reps (in moderation). This is a really geeky comparison, but I've started to view my SRS much like battles in an RPG. Generally, it's not the most enjoyable part, but I see it as a way to help myself "level up". I've spent way to many hours wasting(?) time playing RPGs in my life, building up imaginary characters...but I enjoyed it for the most part. And now instead of wasting time doing that, I can actually spend time wisely helping myself, for real. It's amazing how properly framing something in your mind can completely change your perspective on it. Of course...I still find time to play some Dragon Quest and other things (in Japanese, of course) on the side. I think I got a little off topic, but hopefully people find this post...interesting? Maybe?

Maybe I’m being nitpicky here, but I’m proceed…

In any case, I do believe that fun is very important, because when you’re having fun, you learn faster and can keep doing your activity longer, whatever it is.

However, perhaps “fun” isn’t the best word?

For example, I like reading the editorial sections of newspapers. I wouldn’t necessarily call it fun, but it’s definitely enjoyable. Much like doing SRS reps (in moderation).

This is a really geeky comparison, but I’ve started to view my SRS much like battles in an RPG. Generally, it’s not the most enjoyable part, but I see it as a way to help myself “level up”. I’ve spent way to many hours wasting(?) time playing RPGs in my life, building up imaginary characters…but I enjoyed it for the most part. And now instead of wasting time doing that, I can actually spend time wisely helping myself, for real. It’s amazing how properly framing something in your mind can completely change your perspective on it.

Of course…I still find time to play some Dragon Quest and other things (in Japanese, of course) on the side.

I think I got a little off topic, but hopefully people find this post…interesting? Maybe?

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