こ(^0^)ん(^_^)ば(^▽^)ん(^_^)わ(^○^) 

In this journey of learning Japanese, it's always important to set some (achievable) goals! I think it's a good idea to record them here (plus it's required), seeing as they will be a constant reminder as well as a good motivator to keep sticking to it! So here we go!

1. Confidence

• One thing I definitely notice when speaking Japanese is my lack of confidence. Sure, I've looked at and studied the words, but when it comes down to facilitating a semi-normal sounding conversation, I just sound like I'm mumbling incoherently (probably). 
• Second, I noticed when I am called on in class to speak, I freeze up and suddenly forget how to read/say what I'm supposed to. I think I'm just nervous that I'll make a mistake, but we're learning a new language, so that will inevitably happen (I should chill out). 
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2. Building the (good) habits of paying attention to grammar and focusing on reviewing constantly

• I find that each day in class we constantly review, but we also simultaneously add new content daily. I think sometimes that can feel overwhelming when we're still trying to grasp the previous day's lesson. Often, I find myself forgetting a grammar rule, the definition of a word, or how a certain sentence is supposed to sound.
• The point of focusing on grammar and reviewing words boils down to my goal of being able to clearly articulate what I need to say in Japanese in the most correct way possible, not only speed wise (sounding natural), but I want to reduce the amount of time I spend hesitating about my speech while I'm talking (too many pauses sound awful and make for bad, broken speech).

3. Intonation, Long Vowels, and Double Consonants 

• When I practice Japanese slowly, I find myself being able to distinguish between these things (intonation, long vowels, and double consonants), but quickly find myself frazzled when listening to Japanese at a normal speed. Sometimes, I find it hard to detect subtle sound changes, and the difference in words with long vowels.
• Intonation is not as troublesome, and I regularly can identify correctly what is meant, but the trouble comes when I myself am speaking (sometimes it's wrong). 
• I notice there are often very (very) subtle differences in how a word is pronounced (especially with pitch), and sometimes I'm still a little confused when it comes to determining exactly what those are (high/low, etc). 

So after writing all those out (with some cool gifs from The Office), I have a few strategies in mind to accomplish these goals!

1. I am going to go to the Japanese table AT LEAST once every other week. I think it's very important to interact with people outside the classroom and hopefully also practice some elementary Japanese.

2. As an active anime fan, I will keep watching (and probably re-watching) some of my favorites to practice. I want to start shadowing, and will probably switch the subtitles from English to Japanese in order to keep immersing myself as much as possible. Though our schedules can get quite busy here, I will try to do this at least three times a week (I'm also in Anime Club so that will probably help). 

3. I also listen to a good deal of JPop already, but I think it will be more effective as a learning tool if I try to sing along, shadow, and attempt to read the lyrics. I think this will help with speed, intonation, and overall confidence with listening and speaking the language. 

4. Spend AT LEAST 30 minutes a day just doing a review (this is separate from daily homework or other assigned exercises) of grammar, speaking, and writing. 

5. Make time for office hours twice a month with grammar questions, possible pronunciation corrections, and just general practice speaking with せんせい to really build confidence and fluidity. 

Maybe eventually by following these strategies I will be able to become a little better (hopefully)!

Well, that's all for now!

じゃ、また！