Could learning Japanese help restore my bald patch to its days of former glory? On the eve of my 40th and 3 years learning Japanese had my 日本語 skills created a time warp to restore me to a more youthful state? Read on to find out!
I started self study around 3 years ago, I had no plans to move to Japan or to take the JLPT or to reach any level as such. I started out as someone with an interest in Japanese culture from being a kid and thought it would be a cool, fun hobby to get into. I also have a condition called fibromyalgia and the brain fog in particular can be a constant source of frustration so I wanted something to ‘exercise’ my brain, challenge its ability to recall and reproduce and generally try to keep my mind active. Also with a family, job and bills pay, time, as always time is a factor.
I started My first 6 months with the most inefficient start known to man, I concentrated on writing the most beautiful Kana known to man, why? As a middle aged bald man living in England I had no need for such things, but the heart wants what the heart wants. To be fair, to this day, it does come in handy for taking notes!
Following that I read through the Japanese From Zero Books. Quartet 1 & 2 and the Dictionary of Grammar Series (still finishing the 3rd book) as well as Anki (N3,N2 and my own deck from words pulled from novels) and wanikani alongside it. (I’ve glossed over the time put into textbooks as there is nothing new or interesting to say on that front)
I really enjoyed going through Satori Reader stories as well as NHK Easy to get started and then diving into native material. Having read a bunch of books, played a few video games and clocked up some serious time watching videos on Youtube in Japanese I am really proud of where I have got to in the 3 year time span.
The fibro brain fog can still be a source of serious frustration, and whilst it can effect my memory recall, I focus on what is in my control, showing up everyday and making sure I keep putting in the time. The old adage of “the more you know the less you know” really does ring true in this Language learning journey and there are many aspects I wish to continue to improve on but I’m all in for the ride.
Good luck everyone on your future studies.
