Archive for the ‘Language’ Category

With work, and all the changes going on in my life, I simply didn’t have the time to really concerntrate on Japanese studies. It is indeed unfortunate. It is just one of those times when I wish that we have more than 24 hours a day and 3 times more energy. Japanese books in the drawers waiting patiently for me to take them out for review and study.

But what to do? Work and saving money for rainy days is much more important at the moment. Money for living everyday life, money for savings, money for pension and soon perhaps money for senior life insurance if need to work in old age even.  Nothing left in the end for Japanese classes. Well, for now at least. However, once many things are settled and work has become a lot like routine and stable, perhaps I can start back doing the things I really like – studying Japanese language.

These days while waiting for my ride home from work, I’d do a little Japanese language revision. I’ve to admit that working has taken a lot of my time that I’ve been neglecting my Japanese language studies. I’m usually always tired after work. It’s frustrating really when you simply can’t do what you want to need to do cause you are just too tired to concerntrate. The only things that I can do after work when I come online is just read reviews – fruit ninja game review or even abdominal cuts reviews for example – or watch youtube clips or just check out items on ebay – online window shopping. In short, things that don’t really require much brainwork.

Just not sure when my body will get used to the daily work so that I don’t get as tired. Till then, I’ll just try to make time studying while waiting to get home after work.

With the help of an aunt who calls me a few times a week, I feel that I have gained in confidence to speak Hungarian. I find myself trying to talk to people and not feel bad about making mistakes or sounding stupid. It is part and parcel of learning a new language. I thought that I would not remember how to utilize what I have learnt, but interestingly when I started to speak all the things that I have read came in handy. Words that I didn’t even know I knew just came in mind. Months ago I think, my mind would go totally ‘blank’ when I need to speak in Hungarian.

To say the truth, I feel good about myself being able to speak this beautiful language, albeit terribly but with a little more confidence than I used to have. I just had a conversation with Hungarian acquaintances. Some weeks ago I’d be quiet and feeling awkward when I sit in the same room with them avoiding a conversation. Right now I just feel anything is possible. Life is too short so learn as much as you can. Live as comfortably as you can afford. Get that ticket to where ever you want to go. Buy that orthopedic mattress that you’ve always wanted. It’s amazing to feel confident and happy.

I got my ipod few weeks ago and I got the KOTOBA dictionary and a few other Japanese learning Applications as well as a few other Hungarian language learning applications. I can say goodbye to all those bulky dictionaries. Is it worth it? Yes. Compared to getting an electronic dictionary, it is so much worth it to get an ipod/iphone and get these great apps. Just by getting them won’t get me smarter, I know, but it makes life easier.

The camera is just a big plus. The pictures don’t turn out as good as those that what digital cameras would come up with, but I can take decent enough pictures for blogging and twitter. What more can one ask for right?

I even drafted  study plans for my Japanese and Hungarian lessons on it. With this I sure save a lot of paper and time spent searching for words from the paperback dictionaries.

Any motivational coach or successful person would tell you that the only hindrance to success is yourself. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been learning Hungarian for so long and yet I can’t say proudly that “I speak Hungarian”. I speak a little but nothing to be proud of comparing to how long I’ve been learning it. I learn off and on, don’t practice as much, forget it as soon as I’ve learnt it. With Japanese, at least I have a teacher and the regular classes made me keep up.

I’ve always wanted to get a Hungarian language teacher but not really within my means. I know I should take up Hungarian class instead of the Japanese one, but I can’t help it! Honestly, I felt that Japanese is more important. I may have made the wrong choice, but what’s done is done. OKay.

But last Saturday, as we were near to her town, we dropped by to see an aunt. Haven’t seen her for a while now.  To cut the story short, she offered herself to be a coach or someone who checks on my language studies. I’m grateful. A bit tough since she checks on me every day, but I’m grateful for her concern and efforts.  I makes a lot of difference, studying alone and having somebody to help you with it. I’m sure if two people with same height, same body chemistry (assuming) consume the same best fat burners in the market, the one with more emotional support, would do better. Well, that’s what I believe at least.

Before, I didn’t really know how I should go about learning and practicing. At least with someone to guide you on, you know where you are standing.