[podcast]http://media.libsyn.com/media/japanese/lj86.mp3[/podcast]

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In this week’s lesson, Waka sensei teachers us how to say “whether or not” in Japanese. This is used a lot in daily conversation.

Here is a break down of the JLPT contents and what you need to know to pass it.

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[table id=1 /]
NOTES: You can demonstrate an advanced mastery of Japanese grammar and knowledge good enough to integrate into Japanese society. This usually takes about 900 hours of study

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[table id=6 /]
NOTES: You are able to demonstrate a relatively advanced command of Japanese grammar and can talk, read and write on topics of a general nature. This usually takes about 600 hours of study

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[table id=7 /]
NOTES: You have a limited understanding of grammar but can take part in simple daily conversation and can read and write simple sentences. This would normally take about 300 hours of study

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[table id=8 /]
NOTES: You have a very basic grasp of Japanese grammar and can communicate in very simple conversations. You can read and write simple sentences. This would take about 150 hours of study

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I will adding more information regarding the JLPT soon. Watch this space…

More useful links regarding the JLPT here

It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog here but I wanted to post a quick update on what I’ve been up to recently. Over the coming months I’ll be participating in some Eco architecture or bio architecture workshops at the Earth Embassy in Yamanashi. Our main goal is to build a 356 day green house based on Earthship technology. These seminars will be run once a month from May until September this year (2009). The location is spectacular and promises to be a fun series of events where you can learn about biotecture technology, meet friends and also learn some Japanese too. The cost of each seminar will be nominal. Dates and details to be confirmed, watch this space. Here are some useful links to help you:

 

Eco housing Japan (The main facebook group for this project)

Eco housing Japan (Mixi community) 

The Earth Embassy workshops (Where we are holding the workshops) 

What is an Earthship? (The basic technology we are basing the workshops on)

And a video about Earthships around the world including Japan. (02:54)

 

This post was taken from the forums. It was written by Olly. To read further replies to this thread click here. You can also see a break down of the exam contents here

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This thread will be dedicated to JLPT information, and resources. A running FAQ from those who don’t to (hopefully) those who’ve been there before. Feel free to add links, and dispute information given.

The JPLT is the generally stadardised test of Japanese ability in the fields of kanji comprehension, Listening comprehension, and Reading and Gramma comprehension. Speaking and writing are not tested. There are currently 4 levels, 1 being the hardest. 4, the easiest. Although in 2010 this is set to change to 5 levels. An extra level between 2 and 3, as this was quite a leap.

Ok, as promised (and earlier than expected) here are some links and pages to potentially useful information regarding the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Language_Proficiency_Test – Wikipedia, because everyone should look there fairly early into researching anything. If only for fun. Also has information regarding locations in many countries where one might sit this examination.

http://www.jlptstudy.com/ – A website devoted to study for stages 4,3, and 2. I haven’t looked too deeply into the site yet, but it would seem to me that anyone concerned enough to name their website “JLPTstudy” probably has one aim in mind.

http://www.jlpt.jp/e/ – The offical page for the exams. Again, I’ve only breifly looked at the page, but as it has the word “offical” pastered all over the site, it’s probably a crediable source.

http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/sample.html – Actually this is a page from the previous site, but since it has downloadable PDFs with practice exams on (I haven’t looked there yet, expect more information when I’ve taken a peek) I thought it might be useful for other people to check out.

http://www.jlpt-kanji.com/ – As you might expect, this is a site dedicated to the kanji necessary for each level. I’m unsure about how correct each list will be, as even in my somewhat limited study of Japanese I’ve come accross a number of sources claiming that X is the kanji needed for each level, and no far no two have agreed exactly. To this end you may notice the wikipedia page only gives rough estimates on numbers needed. It may will be (and it seems likely) that the number, and particulares vary from one exam to the next.

In this TED Talk, Tim Ferriss talks about overcoming fear and excelling in things you thought you couldn’t do. One of the examples he gives includes his experiences living in Japan and trying to learn Japanese (06:39). He talks about his initial problems and frustrations he met and how he moved on to master the language. He doesn’t go into too much detail but does mention the basic 常用漢字 Joujou kanji or 1945 kanji necessary for basic literacy as designated by the ministry of education.

Japanese aside, this is quite an inspiration talk. Enjoy.