It has been 8 months since I relocated to Japan. So far language study proved to be rather challenging indeed. To be fair Japanese language is of a rather challenging type, yet I can’t help but occasionally question my language abilities and whether I am truly trying hard.
About a month ago I finished JLPT3 or 3kyu if you will, and so now the task of attempting JLPT2 or 2kyu as it is referred to, is dawning. Level 2 Japanese is a most common language requirement for those who wish to emerge onto a path of working in Japan in industry other than teaching foreign language.
Personally I refuse to become a language teacher due to few very obvious reasons. Firstly, English is not my mother tongue, albeit I master it to native level. Second, I lack teaching experience. Finally, the salary is not good enough to support my luxurious lifestyle. And as it turns out by moving to Japan I embarked on an adventure of a lifetime (probably my last).
JLPT2 requirements in my understanding are: Minimum 1000 characters (kanji), approximately 6000 words in vocabulary. Not to mention grammar and expressions. If you are curious about all the required characters, visit http://www.yamasa.org/ocjs/english/programs/jlpt_kanji2.html page and have a look. Keep in mind that most of the kanji has got 2 or more readings.
The national test is held twice a year in December and June and I am aiming to attend the December 2008 one. Will I pass? Who knows, but I certainly want to give it a go.
Should I pass the test, I believe I can feel proud of mastering one of the most difficult languages from scratch in less than a year….
