Today, I went back to Japanese language classes, this was after a very long time due to coronavirus restrictions. It was like the first day of school, not knowing what was going on, did I have the correct textbook, and so on. I am pleased to say the teachers were very welcoming, supportive, and reassuring to make my return as easy as possible.
Lost but not (completely) forgotten
The class was in Japanese, naturally, and I had to introduce myself, which I felt comfortable with. A teacher was allocated to me and we reviewed what I knew from my previous classes. It was eye-opening to see how much I have forgotten and what skills are rusty. My language skills have gone backwards! By the end of the class, it was reassuring that I did get back into the flow, albeit further back than I liked.
What, where, when
Looking on the positive side, I now know: 1) What I need to learn. 2) What I need to practice. 3) Where my weaknesses are. 4) When to do it by. Having a regular lesson at a fixed time gives me a structure to organise my study, “by the next lesson, I will need to do…”. I feel like I’m going back to basics but with more knowledge.
つまが先生？
Yes, I’m married to a Japanese woman, and yes, she also teaches tailor-made Japanese lessons, and we occasionally use Japanese to communicate. So why doesn’t Masami teach me? I think our husband/wife relationship wouldn’t fit with a student/teacher relationship. Anyway, Masami does plenty for me already, by asking any more of her would be selfish of me.
Be positive
Going back to studying a language after a long time isn’t easy; you will have forgotten some things which will need reminding, you will not be as fluent at first, and you may need more time or repetition for your listening skills. Be positive! Getting back to basics will be easier than you think.
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションをあなたらしい英語で。一人一人のレベル、能力、
興味に合った教材や方法を用いた英語レッスンプログラムをオンラインで学べます。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
