I bet there are plenty of people who have been living in Japan for 20 years and can still hardly say anything. If you can say even quite simple things after 8 years you are doing well - since language learning takes a very long time. Of course, the beginner stage is great because you make rapid progress, but the intermediate stage (on the long road to advanced) feels like it is never going to end. The main thing is to realise that you are making progress all the time, no matter how small.
Keith, it's admirable that you can speak many languages. You should be feeling great about that achievement.
To put it in perspective: when you meet Japanese natives, how many foreign languages do they speak?
LearningFrenchNow 1 year ago
I bet there are plenty of people who have been living in Japan for 20 years and can still hardly say anything. If you can say even quite simple things after 8 years you are doing well - since language learning takes a very long time. Of course, the beginner stage is great because you make rapid progress, but the intermediate stage (on the long road to advanced) feels like it is never going to end. The main thing is to realise that you are making progress all the time, no matter how small.
FluentCzech 1 year ago
Don´t be so overcritical with yourself. Your concerns are serious and honest, but there will be a time where you will overcome this plateau, I´m sure.
On the other hand I feel sorry about your not so intense Chinese TV-immersion and study. Your are such an inspiration.
At least your plans are for "A year from today". In a year so many things will happen...
Keep going ! You are cool!
koolibrii 1 year ago