JLPT N1 & Fluent in 18 Months | Matt vs Japan Interviews #10 - Stevi

Matt vs Japan・2 minutes read

Stevie mastered English through immersion learning, driven by his desire to understand content rather than focusing solely on language acquisition, aligning with Stephen Krashen's input hypothesis. He also successfully passed the JLPT N1 for Japanese by following a structured study plan, incorporating methods like RTK and sentence mining, showcasing the effectiveness of immersion in language learning.

Insights

  • Stevie's success in language learning was driven by his focus on understanding content rather than language acquisition, aligning with Stephen Krashen's input hypothesis, showcasing the effectiveness of immersion learning over traditional methods.
  • Passing the JLPT N1 without specific test preparation within 18 months through immersion highlights the significance of persistent immersion in language learning, emphasizing that long-term exposure and practice can lead to substantial progress and proficiency.

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Recent questions

  • How did Stevie improve his English proficiency?

    By reading nutrition and training materials in English.

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Summary

00:00

Success in Immersion Learning: Stevie's Language Journey

  • Stevie is known for his success in immersion learning, mastering English to a near-native level in six years while living in Germany and passing the JLPT N1 for Japanese after three years of focused learning.
  • He started learning English in school but struggled until he began reading nutrition and training materials in English, gradually improving his skills.
  • Stevie's English proficiency significantly improved when he could understand and analyze studies for his thesis effortlessly.
  • His approach to learning English was driven by the desire to understand content rather than focusing on language acquisition, aligning with Stephen Krashen's input hypothesis.
  • Stevie read books in English, occasionally looking up words while using a Kindle but inferring from context when reading physical books.
  • He extensively listened to English content, starting with simpler topics like training and nutrition before branching out to various subjects.
  • Stevie immersed himself in English unintentionally, making it a significant part of his daily life outside of work.
  • His speaking practice in English was minimal until he made his first video on his channel, where he spoke for an extended period for the first time.
  • When deciding to learn Japanese, Stevie chose it over Chinese due to his interest in Japanese music and anime, finding tones in Chinese intimidating.
  • Stevie formulated his Japanese study plan by following a YouTube guide that introduced him to methods like RTK and Tae Kim's grammar guide, completing RTK in three months and incorporating sentence mining after.

14:29

Efficient Kanji Learning and Immersive Study

  • RTK stands for Remembering the Kanji, a book by James Heisig teaching the most common 2000 kanji, taking about three months to complete.
  • Listening to varied material, including anime and dramas like Great Teacher Onizuka and Attack on Titan.
  • Initially attempted easier material but found it boring, switching to more engaging content like Attack on Titan.
  • Spent two to three hours daily on Anki and immersion during the first three months, with active immersion preferred over passive.
  • After RTK phase, increased reading to half an hour to 45 minutes daily, with at least four hours of immersion, mostly in the evening.
  • Spent at least an hour daily on Anki, with an additional hour for card creation, totaling around two hours daily.
  • Learned around 25 cards daily once sentence mining began, sometimes more or less, aiming for consistency.
  • Managed university and part-time work by walking instead of biking, using the time for immersion, and cutting out gaming for productivity.
  • Enjoyed tracking progress and setting monthly time goals, finding it motivating rather than burdensome.
  • Set the JLPT N1 as a goal after discovering the test, aiming for it within 18 months, adjusting study focus a month before the test with specific books and practice tests.

28:28

"Immersion Leads to JLPT Success in 18 Months"

  • Immersion is key to language improvement, with doubts normal but persistence leading to progress.
  • Passing the JLPT N1 involved ease in grammar and vocab sections, with reading surprisingly manageable.
  • Reading tips for JLPT suggested skimming questions first, but personal preference led to reading the entire text.
  • Listening section of JLPT posed a challenge due to news content and fatigue, but still passed.
  • Confidence in passing JLPT wasn't high post-test due to fatigue, but results were positive.
  • Passing JLPT N1 in 18 months without specific test preparation showcases the effectiveness of immersion.
  • Grammar points in JLPT may require focused study for quicker progress, but long-term immersion can suffice.
  • Immersion is emphasized as the primary method for language learning, with natives capable of passing JLPT.
  • Transition to reading novels in Japanese occurred after initial immersion in news and manga.
  • Speaking practice began with pronunciation on Anki cards, leading to basic fluency after 18 months of immersion.

42:37

"Pitch accent learning in Japanese immersion"

  • Immersion learners are aware of pitch accent, but not all delve deeply into learning about it.
  • The speaker used colors on Anki cards to differentiate pitch accents for new words.
  • Initial knowledge was limited to recognizing pitch patterns in words.
  • Pitch focus reading helped the speaker delve deeper into understanding pitch accents.
  • The speaker relies on ear training to identify pitch accents while listening to Japanese.
  • Audio cards with pitch accents help reinforce recognition of different patterns.
  • Sub-vocalization during reading aids in internalizing correct pitch accents.
  • The speaker is hesitant to learn Chinese due to the intimidating nature of tones.
  • Output practice is not a current focus for the speaker, who prioritizes input until comprehension reaches a higher level.
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