Japanese Woman's Studying Abroad in Malaysia: English

Showing posts with label English. Show all posts

Unfortunate Update on Duolingo's PC Version: Hearts Depleting

Introduction to Duolingo

Duolingo, known for its catchy jingle "デュオリンゴロゴロ, デュオリンゴロゴロ~♪" from its commercials, is a popular language learning app. It offers the opportunity to learn languages from around the world for free, making it a great choice for international communication and pre-study abroad preparations.

As I've mentioned in previous articles, Duolingo focuses on simple and basic phrases, which may limit its use when it comes to more complex topics. However, it's a useful resource for acquiring the essential vocabulary needed for everyday situations, such as ordering at a restaurant.

My Duolingo Journey So Far

I've completed both the Japanese-based Chinese course and the English-based Chinese course on Duolingo. Additionally, I've reached a self-studied level of HSK3 in Chinese. You can find a detailed study method in this article.

More recently, I've started learning Indonesian, which is similar to Malay, and I can now understand a few everyday words.

Duolingo's Recent Update

However, there has been a somewhat disappointing update within Duolingo's service recently.

A while back, I introduced the "Daily Refresh" feature, which was particularly helpful for me, as I wanted to review Chinese lessons. This feature allowed you to refresh your memory on lessons. But in this recent update, there's an unfortunate change: on the PC version, you now lose "hearts" for making mistakes, just like in the app.

When using Duolingo on the PC, you used to be able to work through lessons without losing hearts, even if you made mistakes. But from now on, the PC version also follows the same system as the app, where making mistakes costs hearts. Moreover, the number of hearts appears to be synchronized between the PC and app versions.

This might slow down my learning pace a bit. Occasionally, the SuperDuolingo, which is a paid feature, becomes available for free (for reasons I don't entirely understand). It would be great if such moments occurred more often so that I could make rapid progress.

In Conclusion

The once beneficial feature of unlimited retries on the PC version appears to have been removed by this update. However, the fact that Duolingo remains a useful language learning app and service hasn't changed.

It's worth noting that there is news of Duolingo introducing learning features for mathematics and music, set to be announced during Duocon on October 11th (though the exact availability date for the Japanese version is still uncertain). So, I'm looking forward to that as well.

One Month at Language School

It's been a month since I started attending a language school in Malaysia. I was placed in the highest class on my first day after taking an entrance test, and I've been working hard every day, inspired by my classmates.

I've gotten used to life at the language school, so in this article, I'd like to summarize and introduce what a typical day looks like for me.

Morning School

School starts at 9:30 a.m. I usually arrive about 15 minutes early after taking care of things like going to the restroom and reviewing homework.

Lately, my classmates who used to arrive earlier than me have completed their study abroad period and left. As a result, I'm often the first one in class now. Sometimes, the teacher arrives early, and we engage in conversations even before class begins, which is a great opportunity for extra English practice.

Morning classes are taken with other students at the same level. The content is primarily grammar and writing based on our textbooks. Unlike classes in Japan, we often have time to check answers with our classmates at the same table for each exercise, and there are moments for discussions on specific topics, providing many opportunities for conversational practice.

One of the drawbacks often mentioned when studying abroad at a Malaysian language school is that classes are group-oriented. Some might prefer one-on-one classes. However, even though it's a group setting (which I think may also depend on the number of students in your current level), our classes rarely exceed 15 people. Occasionally, there are only three of us during holiday periods or when new students arrive. It's a small class setting.

Being in a class with friends of similar English levels, we help each other out when we can't find the right words during conversations. This has boosted my confidence in spoken English, something I wasn't very comfortable with before.

We also ask questions and get explanations about grammar and nuances in word usage. This is a unique advantage of studying at a language school, where you can focus on English.

Lunch

During lunchtime, I go out to eat with my classmates at nearby restaurants.

In particular, the food court in the nearby shopping mall and fast-food joints like Jollibee are quite popular choices.

While I sometimes eat alone, it's easier to find good places to eat by gathering knowledge from friends about which restaurants are delicious or where foreign visitors might find prices a bit higher.

Afternoon Classes

In the afternoon, business class and university preparation class students attend separate classes. In my case, I'm in the general English class, and I have a different teacher for the afternoon session.

These classes are more focused on speaking and listening skills.

During class, we engage in discussions more frequently than in the morning. The teacher listens to our discussions and corrects us when we use English incorrectly or when we need help with new expressions. It allows us to learn new English expressions and correct our usage on the spot.

Recreation

After afternoon classes, we have recreational activities several times a week.

I don't participate in all of them, but I've gone for a Batik art experience in Malaysia with university students interning at the language school. We also played Bingo in the classroom and had a great time.

Since I'm in a class with people of similar English levels and don't have many friends in other levels, these recreational activities help me make a wider circle of friends.

Shopping and Dinner

After school, I often go shopping and then have dinner before returning home.

Malaysia has many shopping centers, and besides the shopping malls near Bukit Bintang, I've also visited AEON Mall and SOGO by taking the train.

In September, I cooked at home more often, but in Malaysia, it's said that there isn't much price difference between eating out and cooking at home. So, in October, I'm planning to increase the days when I dine out or get takeout.

The English Situation in Malaysia

Malay (Bahasa Melayu) is the official language of Malaysia, but many people in Malaysia also speak Chinese, Tamil, and English. English is considered the second most widely spoken language in Asia.

So, how good is the English of people living in Malaysia in practice? In my experience, while there is some variation in proficiency, I rarely have issues with English. Although there may be differences in skill levels, most people can understand and respond, often using simple English words or gestures.

In contrast to what you might see in Japan, where some people avoid tourists who speak English with the excuse "I don't understand English at all," in Malaysia, you could say that people are generally more comfortable with English, possibly due to more exposure to the language.

Personally, if I want to ensure I get information in English, I found that the staff at train stations and hotels are a reliable source. Recently, when I got a bit lost on my way to a tourist spot, the hotel staff provided clear directions in English. Additionally, they are used to dealing with travelers with limited English skills. However, be cautious of establishments that actively solicit customers as they might have a different agenda (e.g., nightlife venues).

What Languages Are People Speaking?

In general, the most common language you'll hear in daily life is Malay. Train announcements, for instance, are typically in Malay, followed by English. Other languages are less commonly heard.

When I go out with Malaysian friends, I notice they switch languages depending on the person they are speaking to. While I find it impressive, they seem to think it's entirely normal.

In Kuala Lumpur and its vicinity, you'll often see signs and information in both Malay and English, and sometimes Chinese (which I can't read, but Tamil and others too), making it easy for Japanese travelers to understand meanings through English or Chinese characters.

Restaurants are also easy to find, and even if you can't read the dish names, you can simply point at the menu to place your order.

The Value of Learning Chinese

Although knowing English is sufficient for daily life in Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur, I appreciate having learned Chinese. Since arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I've been mistaken for a local Chinese person on a few occasions and spoken to by Chinese tourists on the train. Additionally, when I go to restaurants with Chinese-speaking friends and pay after them, sometimes the staff addresses me in Chinese.

In these situations, having learned Chinese allows me to understand that they are speaking Chinese and respond accordingly. I can manage basic conversations, such as asking if it's okay to split the bill like my "friends" did.

What's Next, Malay?

When shopping at supermarkets, I need to read the names of ingredients, so I've gradually been exposed to Malay, especially food-related terms. Given that Malay is spoken in everyday life, I'd like to become more proficient in the language.

So, while English is sufficient for daily life in Malaysia, exploring other languages like Malay or Chinese can be beneficial and enhance your experiences, particularly if you plan to stay for an extended period or engage more deeply with the local culture.

Continuing my Streak on Duolingo

Duolingo is a free language learning app that I've been using for studying Chinese.

I've been using Duolingo for Indonesian language learning for a while and took a break from studying Chinese. While Malay is somewhat different from Indonesian, there are common vocabulary elements, so I believe it will still be helpful in daily life.

By the way, I've been maintaining a streak of 750 days on Duolingo.

Duolingo's New Feature "Daily Refresh"

Now, as I opened Duolingo's Chinese course (English version) after a while, I came across a new page that I didn't recognize.

Just to note, I've completed the Duolingo Chinese course in both the Japanese and Chinese versions. So, I've finished the basic lessons, and if anything, I'll be revisiting completed lessons for a review.

What caught my attention was the "Daily Refresh" page, which is separate from the "Daily Quest" that sets a daily goal.

On the Daily Refresh page, there are six lessons set around Duolingo's character, Duo. As the name suggests, these are lessons that can be done daily.

How Daily Refresh Works

With Daily Refresh, you can efficiently review the content you've learned in the Duolingo course.

Progress is reset daily. If you have the time, you can work on all six lessons, but if not, you start over from the beginning the next day.

On busy workdays, I often can't complete all six lessons. However, there's no penalty for that, so I feel relaxed. You can review selectively and as much as you want at your convenience.

Did Vocabulary Increase?

I've completed most of the Chinese course using the old curriculum (not progressing a level with each lesson, but clearing 3-6 lessons per grammar or theme and moving on). So, I might just be unfamiliar with the vocabulary introduced in these lessons.

New Challenges Yield Points!

Additionally, once you've completed the Chinese course once, you couldn't solve new problems anymore. This not only means you can't learn new things but also prevents you from earning enough points for the weekly ranking.

Starting the Indonesian course was partly because I didn't want to end up with a low ranking due to not being able to accumulate points.

With the introduction of Daily Refresh, I now receive around 20XP points for completing one lesson daily. For previously completed lessons, 10XP was the norm, so this means earning more points.

In Conclusion: Duolingo's Daily Refresh is Handy!

Thanks to the Daily Refresh feature, I've become more actively engaged with Duolingo's Chinese course features. Duolingo has become an app that doesn't end with completing a course but rather an app that allows continuous learning.

The convenience of being able to continue every day is its charm, so I plan to keep increasing my streak while persevering.

My First TOEFL Test

I took the TOEFL test to assess my English proficiency before studying abroad.

This was my first time taking the TOEFL test. I had an image of it being something students take to decide on a university before studying abroad. I was curious about whether there would be many young students and what the atmosphere of the test venue would be like.

Studying Methods

Since my pre-study period coincided with the summer vacation at my workplace, I prepared for the test while covering for vacationing colleagues and working at the same time. It turned out to be busier than expected, and honestly, I couldn't study as much as I thought. However, I made an effort to increase my English usage opportunities through daily activities.

Reading

For the Reading section, I tried to read news articles on topics that I came across during my commute using English sources whenever possible. Interestingly, due to my browsing history, I received recommendations related to the movie "Barbie," even though I hadn't watched the movie.

Listening

Regarding the Listening section, I watched videos on YouTube without Japanese subtitles. I've always enjoyed watching videos of students going shopping for school supplies before the start of the new school year (in many countries, this aligns with September). Checking out the new versions for the 2023 school year was exciting.

I'm looking forward to purchasing large binders or files in Malaysia that can hold school printouts and notes. These items often have vibrant and flashy designs that are not commonly seen in Japan, and they seem like they could enhance my study mood.

Writing

As for the Writing section, I hadn't been consistently writing long texts until I started studying the official study materials, as mentioned below. However, I made an effort to write comments on posts from overseas on Instagram or write English messages when contacting people I would rely on after traveling.

I believe I managed to tap into the vocabulary I accumulated during my university entrance exam days.

Speaking

For the Speaking section, I would talk to myself in English about things I did at work or thoughts I had while watching TV.

It might make me seem slightly suspicious if my roommate hears me (laughs). There was a time when my husband asked me, "Why are you talking to yourself in the bathroom?"

Using Official Materials "TOEFL Go!" the Day Before

On the day before the test, I made time after work to use the official online materials provided by TOEFL, called "TOEFL Go!"

With TOEFL Go!, you can take mock tests divided into sections, and it also offers automated scoring for challenging sections like Speaking and Writing. This helps you get an idea of your own abilities.

I only had some TOEFL materials from my university entrance exam days, and I hadn't been specifically preparing for the actual test. However, using TOEFL Go! allowed me to familiarize myself with the test format and flow.

By the way, I expect my score to be higher in the Reading section, which is also emphasized in university entrance exams, and relatively moderate in other sections. I assume I'll likely get a Higher Intermediate level in some subjects and Intermediate to Basic levels in others.

It's pretty much in line with the level of the Pre-1 Eiken (English Proficiency) Test I passed last year.

Taking the Test is a Good Opportunity for Studying!

Since I had to study while working and wanted to measure my actual English proficiency before studying abroad, I didn't prepare for the test in a conventional test-focused manner. However, the act of taking the test motivated me to study.

While I wasn't studying in a targeted way for the test format, I believe that simply deciding to take the test was a good opportunity for me. I'm looking forward to knowing my score before I depart from Japan, and I'm excited to see the results.

Searching for a Chinese Language School Again

After coming to Malaysia, I plan to take English and Chinese language classes. I'm set to obtain a student visa through an English language school, and my preparations for entry are almost complete.

Of course, I had previously made a decision regarding language schools, but it turns out that the schedules no longer align with my plans for learning Chinese. Therefore, I've decided to switch schools.

Using Google, I searched for Chinese language schools primarily in Malaysia. I found language schools like ELC Learning and MAMA Mandarin. I also came across Confucius Institutes, even those located at the University of Malaya.

I thought Confucius Institutes were mainly for university students, but it turns out they offer courses for the general public as well. However, it seemed there was a discount for those within the university community, and I felt a bit hesitant to attend as an outsider, so I put it on hold.

Considering these options, I decided to search for language schools.

Free Trial Lesson

What was particularly helpful during my search for a language school was the availability of free trial lessons. It seems that many language schools now offer not only in-person classes but also online courses due to the recent trend toward digitalization.

To apply for a language school's free trial lesson, the standard method is to either fill out a form provided on the school's website or directly contact them via WhatsApp.

For instance, the message I sent looked like this:

"I'm interested in the Premium Mandarin Course. I would like to take your free trial course."

If the website lacks sufficient information, you can also add something like:

"Could you please send me your school's brochure?"

As mentioned in a previous article, when contacting Malaysian language schools, using messaging apps like WhatsApp was quick and convenient.

If this were China, it would be WeChat, and in Japan or Korea, it might be LINE. The availability of emojis, read receipts, and "like" functions makes communication easier and offers a benefit.

By the way, free trial lessons often involved receiving a Zoom URL from the teacher and accessing it at the scheduled time. If you're using Zoom on a computer, it's a good idea to have WhatsApp accessible on your computer as well.

For language schools outside Japan, time zone differences should also be checked.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Trial Lessons

I've identified three benefits of free trial lessons at language schools that I actually experienced:

Understanding the pace of lessons and teaching methods
Experiencing language lessons in English while still in Japan
Identifying personal weaknesses and learning methods before studying abroad

Firstly, you can gain insight into the pace of lessons and teaching methods. Even at schools with good reputations, some felt quite demanding and strict to me, making me want to explore other options in terms of continued learning. This experience served as a reference when choosing a school.

Secondly, you can experience English language lessons while learning Chinese. Although I was taking Chinese classes, having to express questions in English allowed me to practice both languages simultaneously. The fact that this is possible while still in Japan surprised me.

Lastly, free trial lessons help you identify your weaknesses and learning methods before studying abroad. Although I had been studying Chinese primarily based on grammar and reading and writing skills, the trial lessons demanded more speaking. I realized that I understood Chinese based on characters much more than I had been aware of. While simple concepts were manageable, as the level increased, I struggled to recall words even when shown in pinyin.

This highlighted deficiencies in my pronunciation and listening skills. As a result, I realized that studying using a Chinese-English dictionary might have its limitations. Therefore, I'm considering incorporating more speaking practice.

On the flip side, while the initial communication through WhatsApp for scheduling free trial lessons was convenient, afterward, language schools often followed up with sales pitches.

Even if you attend several free trial lessons, you will likely commit to enrolling at only one school. Hence, continuously receiving sales messages from other schools might become stressful.

However, I'm not sure if my approach is the best, but in my case, I might switch to a new SIM card after arriving in Malaysia, which could change my WhatsApp-associated phone number. In the meantime, I'm dealing with this situation by occasionally updating schools about my decision via message or slowly disengaging.

Consideration of Language School Search Results

As for whether I've found my ideal Chinese language school after attending free trial lessons, I would say I've narrowed down my options. While I was able to keep up with English language lessons to some extent, I felt that it wasn't sufficient. Additionally, the language schools I'm considering offer courses that aren't for 10 months, 6 months, or a year. Therefore, I'm contemplating delaying the start of my Chinese language course.

In return, if I have the capacity, I'm considering trying a 2-month one-on-one online Chinese course to improve my speaking abilities. With the opportunity to step back from work and focus on language learning, I feel more motivated to excel.

AI for Language Learning & Study Abroad Preparation

When it comes to language learning, there are moments where self-study can build your skills effectively. However, as I mentioned in a previous blog post, I've always been keen on streamlining tedious tasks since my student days. Instead of creating vocabulary flashcards, I would often opt for typing exercises to learn new words.

In the modern era, with the emergence of AI services like Chat GPT and various language learning apps incorporating AI, it has become easier to utilize AI for language studies. In this post, I'd like to introduce AI services that I personally use for language learning and study abroad preparation.

DeepL Translation

DeepL is a German-based translation website known for providing more natural translations, taking into account subtle nuances. While its ease of use is apparent when translating from different languages into Japanese, the service also offers alternative translation suggestions when you click on the translated text.

This versatility allows not only AI-driven translations but also serves as a tool for individuals knowledgeable in the target language to find more suitable translations. In fact, among my acquaintances who are proficient in English, I often see them using DeepL during proofreading and other situations.

Nevertheless, many may still prefer using Google Translate for translation needs. Personally, I only discovered DeepL through a friend's recommendation as a service that offers more natural translations in German. Since Google is more familiar, especially with its automatic translation service for Japanese-to-English queries, it tends to be more widely used.

A drawback, however, is that Google Translate supports a wider range of languages compared to DeepL, making Google the go-to service for languages not supported by DeepL. Though for my daily life, which mostly revolves around English and Chinese translations, this limitation is not a significant inconvenience. Still, when I encounter situations at work or need to check email subject lines in languages unsupported by DeepL, this could become a drawback.

QuillBot

QuillBot, distinguished by its green robot logo, is a powerful ally when it comes to writing in English. Specifically, it offers AI-based grammar checks and paraphrasing services. Additionally, when paraphrasing, users can adjust the level of formality in the output, whether casual or formal.

The benefit of QuillBot lies in its ability to immediately correct mistakes when you input text. As the AI operates impartially, you need not worry about taking time for self-checks or facing potential embarrassment when someone points out errors.

I tended to be prone to basic grammar mistakes, such as forgetting to add "-s" in third-person singular verbs. During my university days, I would meticulously check these grammar aspects, but now, if I can rely on AI for grammar checks, it significantly improves efficiency.

However, one drawback is that fine-tuning features require a paid subscription. Nevertheless, unless you have business matters that require an English contract or something similarly critical, the free membership should suffice. Personally, I use QuillBot for everyday email exchanges or proofreading content for social media posts.

It's worth noting that DeepL also offers a similar writing correction service called "DeepL Writing." With this feature, simply input your text, and the AI will revise it into a more coherent version. I find it interesting that DeepL distinguishes between American English and British English, and when I'm unsure about the American version, switching to the British version (and vice versa) often provides me with simpler, more confident expressions.

Chat GPT

Chat GPT, a versatile AI often employed not only for language learning but various tasks, can also be useful for language studies.

Personally, I've mainly used Chat GPT for translations into English or Chinese, as these are widely used languages with a substantial user base. However, considering how well it handles Japanese, a relatively less common language worldwide, I believe it likely supports a wide array of languages.

In a previous blog post, I introduced Duolingo Max, which also utilizes Chat GPT technology.

It's essential to be cautious when relying on AI for translations, as sometimes inaccuracies in personal names or other misunderstandings can occur. However, since Chat GPT allows for various specifications, such as a "casual" tone or a message addressed to someone of higher status, it can be very useful when trying to craft appropriate language for specific situations.

AI Utilization for Study Abroad Preparation

During my study abroad preparations, I found myself communicating in English with language schools and friends who recommended me. While I can write relatively short English messages like chat conversations on my own, to streamline the process, I often utilized AI tools.

For instance, when writing emails, I would first roughly translate the content and use DeepL to check unfamiliar words rather than searching on Google. DeepL occasionally provides phrase-level suggestions and variations in expression (e.g., changing active voice to passive voice), making it easier for me to compose polished sentences.

Additionally, before sending emails or posting on social media, I would run my texts through QuillBot for grammar checks. It helps me catch any major grammar mistakes or incorrect word order, ensuring that my messages are more easily understood by the recipients.

AI tools have come a long way in aiding language learning and study abroad preparation. While I haven't used AI-powered speaking practice apps extensively, I believe more services for language learning will continue to emerge in the future.

However, it is essential to be cautious while using AI services online, as they might involve inputting information that could contribute to the AI's evolution. Protecting personal information or data related to it is crucial.

I look forward to the future as we continue to embrace these tools effectively.

I Love Musicals and I'm Going Abroad to Study

As I've mentioned in my previous blog posts, I am a huge fan of musicals and stage performances. Going abroad for my studies is something I'm really looking forward to, but I can't help feeling sad about missing out on the musicals in the latter half of this year. Especially since my all-time favorite "Wicked" by the Gekidan shiki is coming back after about ten years, and I won't be able to watch it.

However, I've decided to turn this into an opportunity to watch English-language musicals while I'm abroad. I find my motivation for language learning comes from wanting to communicate with friends and also from my desire to enjoy musicals and Disney productions in English, as well as stay updated with the latest news using my English skills.

Researching Musical Information in Malaysia

So, what kind of musicals can I expect to find in Malaysia, my study destination? The simplest way to start my search is through Google. I stumbled upon a website called "Broadway World," which seems to be a news aggregator for musicals from around the world.

Upon checking the site, it became apparent that while Asian countries like Japan and Korea may have musicals being performed regularly, the situation is slightly different in Malaysia. It seems that international musical tours come to Malaysia's national theater, "The Istana Budaya" (which translates to "The Palace of Culture"), providing opportunities to watch some well-known productions. I found news and blog posts from a few years back about the staging of "The Sound of Music" in Malaysia.

Though there might be a limitation on the availability of musicals, it's a relief to know that I can watch reasonably well-known productions while gradually improving my understanding of English through these performances.

It's worth mentioning that the broader term "stage entertainment" rather than "musicals" may yield more search results for ongoing performances throughout Malaysia. Unfortunately, this aspect might not be well-known to many, including myself.

Additionally, I came across examples of dance schools attempting to stage musical performances, indicating that the stage scene is somewhat active and open to different forms of entertainment.

Exploring Musical Information in Singapore

On a personal note, I've always felt that Singapore is one of the Asian tour stops for major musical productions, akin to the Shibuya Theatre Orb in Japan. I decided to research musical information in Singapore as well.

It turns out that the Marina Bay Sands theater, a well-known venue featured in TV shows and travel magazines, hosts musical performances. Earlier this year, they staged "Frozen," and during my stay, productions like "& Juliet" and "Mamma Mia!" are scheduled.

Although my study destination will be Kuala Lumpur, which seems a bit distant from Singapore, I stumbled upon a blog post by someone who used to live in Malaysia, sharing their experience of traveling to Singapore for a haircut at a Japanese hair salon. This gives me hope that if our schedules align, I might explore watching musicals in Singapore as well.

Difference in Information Availability Compared to Japan

In Japan, information about upcoming stage performances is often available well in advance. For example, as early as summer, you can already secure the earliest pre-sale tickets for a musical scheduled for the following January. I'd also have information about musicals planned for around the same time next year.

However, during my recent research, I discovered that in Singapore and Malaysia, musical information might become available closer to the performance dates. This means I may need to stay updated more frequently and regularly to ensure I don't miss out on any exciting musicals.

Since it's unlikely that I'll go an entire year without experiencing any stage performances, I'm looking forward to sharing my theater experiences once I'm settled abroad.

Study Methods for English Vocabulary

When I face English exams, I may find it challenging to read complex passages or struggle with speaking, but I rarely have trouble with English vocabulary.

I believe the study methods I used for English during high school and college entrance exams are still applicable.

Looking back, I want to write about the English vocabulary learning methods that I'm glad I pursued.

Excessive Use of the "ターゲットの友（Target's Friend）" to Stir Ambition

"The Target 1900" is often used for studying for university entrance exams. It's a vocabulary book that includes basic to advanced-level words without overwhelming the reader with too many words.

When I worked as a career advisor for high school students preparing for university, I often mentioned that this book alone would suffice for difficult university entrance exams.

There is also an app associated with it called "Target's Friend," or commonly known as "Tagetomo."

Interestingly, when I was a high school student, this app didn't exist, so I used the paid version of "Target 1900." Since it worked well with the paid app, I happily transitioned to Tagetomo when it was released.

The great thing about Tagetomo is that it offers many free practice questions and has a ranking feature. Studying with the goal of improving one's ranking motivates progress.

Inputting Massively and Efficiently through Typing: "iVoca"

I also learned English vocabulary and phrases using a different method through an online service. iVoca is a service where you can play a typing game using custom word lists you create or word lists shared by others.

Imagine a firefighter climbing higher and higher on a ladder truck to rescue residents from a towering high-rise building (based on the length of a vocabulary book). After playing a few times, the game prioritizes words that you often get wrong.

I mentioned this when considering taking English proficiency tests like the Eiken or TOEFL exams, but it seems that typing suits my English learning style. Although I occasionally used the method of physically writing with a pen, it tended to tire my hand before I could memorize effectively, leading to discouragement. Typing, on the other hand, reduces that concern and aligns better with my learning style.

Custom-Made Reference Books Created by Handwriting: "Weakness Overcoming Note"

Lastly, handwritten studying comes into play. If I don't narrow down my English vocabulary at this point, I tend to lose interest in studying.

After learning a certain number of words through the convenient methods mentioned above, I created handwritten "Weakness Overcoming Notes" for words or phrases that I couldn't memorize or that were not in my vocabulary books.

However, I didn't write them in too much detail—just the words, phrases, and their meanings. Since I lacked the patience to review extensively, it was enough to summarize the information to a moderate degree.

It was handy to refer to these notes before mock exams or tests.

Is My English Vocabulary Skill Zero at Present?

If you have studied with some degree of diligence during middle and high school or had ample exposure to English vocabulary during university entrance exam preparation, it's unlikely that your English vocabulary skills are nonexistent.

I think I owe it to my past self, who studied for English tests even though I disliked English and didn't want to be placed in level-separated classes due to strange pride.

However, the reason I decided to write this article now is that I haven't been able to apply these study methods effectively to learning Chinese vocabulary. Typing out pinyin (Chinese phonetic transcription) is a bit inconvenient and unfamiliar to me, and I haven't come across an app like "Tagetomo" that offers a large number of word problems beyond the beginner level. Moreover, somehow, when it comes to Chinese vocabulary, meanings often come to mind when I link them to kanji characters.

For Chinese vocabulary, I plan to try out the recommended methods introduced on various websites and find my own approach.

Studying Abroad with Eiken Qualification

When applying for language training programs, there was a section on the application documents where language test scores needed to be written. I was able to provide my recent HSK score for Chinese proficiency.

However, since I disliked English and never had the opportunity to take exams in English classes or study abroad, I suddenly realized that I still had the English Eiken Pre-2nd Grade certification from junior high school and only a TOEIC score in the 800s that I obtained during my second year of university. All of these scores were outdated.

Although it would have been fine to leave it as it was, I thought it might not look good, so I decided to obtain the Eiken Pre-1st Grade certification (skipping the 2nd Grade level) before applying for the training program. By doing so, I could showcase that I was putting effort into studying English even as a working professional, and successfully obtained the opportunity to study abroad.

I believe it's safe to say that passing the Eiken exam made it possible for me to go on a language training program.

Taking the TOEFL for Myself

However, after deciding to study abroad, I became curious about where I stood as an English learner compared to others.

Although I had a TOEIC score, I wanted to improve my speaking skills, so comparing my previous TOEIC score, which only reflected reading and listening, wouldn't give me a sense of satisfaction.

That's when the TOEFL and IELTS came up as potential exam options. During my university days, I thought these were the two major exams that had no relevance to me.

What are TOEFL and IELTS?

Both TOEFL and IELTS are internationally recognized exams that assess the four language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. TOEFL is conducted by an American institution, while IELTS is conducted by a British institution.

To be honest, apart from the Eiken exam, which is only recognized in Japan (although you do hear about "Eiken study abroad" at the middle and high school levels), I think either TOEFL or IELTS would suffice. However, I am considering taking the TOEFL. I would like to list three reasons for this while comparing it with IELTS.

1. It can be taken in Malaysia.

Even though it's an international exam, if I couldn't take it in Malaysia, I would have to wait until I return to Japan for the next opportunity. I once heard a story from a friend (from somewhere in the Middle East) who couldn't take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test in their home country, so they had to travel to Europe to take it.

With TOEFL (and IELTS, as mentioned later), it can be taken in Malaysia. You can make reservations through the same website used for taking the exam in Japan, and it seems to be held almost every Saturday.

2. The typing format suits me.

I took the Eiken Pre-1st Grade exam using the Eiken CBT (Computer-Based Test) format, and since I'm accustomed to typing, it was easier for me to write English compositions using this format. I also write English emails on the computer at work.

While IELTS is a paper-based test, in the case of TOEFL, the Writing section is done on the computer, which I found appealing.

3. The cost is not significantly different.

Although it depends on the situation and whether students receive assistance from their universities, English exams can be expensive. The TOEFL and IELTS fees both exceed 20,000 yen.

In my case, I don't have a specific need for IELTS, nor is it significantly cheaper. If TOEFL is sufficient for my needs, I thought it would be better to start with that for now.

For a working professional like me, spending 20,000 yen for a stage performance might feel expensive, but it's not so high that it would strain my budget.

It would have been a significant expense during my student days, but for a working professional studying abroad, it's a reasonable cost.

Some Concerns about Taking the TOEFL

Since Malaysia follows the British English system, IELTS tends to be the preferred exam for university admissions. Although there may be universities that accept TOEFL scores, it is generally more common to require IELTS scores.

Also, IELTS can be used for obtaining a UK visa, whereas TOEFL cannot.

However, in my case, the purpose is to assess my language proficiency, and my goal for improving my English skills is not to attend a foreign university but to excel in Japan by using the language.

Although I would need to provide my scores to the company after completing the overseas training, there are no specific score requirements for study abroad or promotion.

Currently, it doesn't seem necessary for me to prepare for moving to English-speaking countries, so I am considering taking the TOEFL.

By the way, I have two friends who specialized in British English and took the IELTS for their study abroad in the UK, and both of them said they never wanted to take the exam again because it was too challenging.

The fact that such exams are being conducted in a field I had never explored before actually piques my interest. It may become an option in the future as well.

Since this will be my first exam other than the Eiken exam, I would like to think of it as a trial and approach it with a casual mindset.

Live-Action "The Little Mermaid" 2023 - A Review of the Disney Film@Shinjuku Piccadilly, Tokyo

Live-Action Version of "The Little Mermaid"

I went to see the live-action Disney film "The Little Mermaid," which was released on June 9th (Friday). It happened to be a day when I could leave work early for building maintenance, so I left the office without hesitation, skipping overtime.

I had been eager to watch it every time I saw the commercials because the song "Part of Your World" felt just like the voice of a mermaid.

I visited Shinjuku Piccadilly, where I had previously watched "Shikakenin Fujieda Baian," another film. Since the dubbed version had a star-studded cast this time, there were quite a few showtimes for the dubbed version, and I felt limited in options for the subtitled version.

I wanted to challenge the movie theater in Kabukicho Tower, but I couldn't bring myself to walk through the lively streets of Kabukicho on a Friday night just for "The Little Mermaid." I'll try it next time during a lively daytime.

What are my thoughts on the live-action "The Little Mermaid"?

Since I watched the subtitled version, the girls sitting next to me were speaking in French, and their first words after the ending were "Très Bien!" I wanted to say the same.

The story is almost the same as the well-known Disney animated film, so I'll skip discussing it, but the direction, visual representation, performances, and songs in recreating it were all excellent.

Some iconic scenes from the animated version were also reproduced in the live-action adaptation.

In addition, compared to when I watched the animated film, this version carried a modern message about complex family environments, people who yearn for and fear different cultures, and the dynamics within families.

Ariel's father and Eric's (adoptive) mother both had an overprotective nature, and when Ariel and Eric connected on that aspect, it felt like the song "Gold von den Sternen (Gold Falling from the Stars)" from the musical "Mozart!" could start playing.

Is there any awkwardness in the live-action Disney film?

In Japan, when live-action adaptations of animated films are made, there are opinions like "Don't ruin my character's image." I think creating a live-action version can be quite challenging.

Also, personally, although I didn't find any problems, I'll mention that there were some critical opinions as soon as the visuals were released for this movie.

Of course, humans cannot become animated characters, and it's not that we don't feel any awkwardness.

But for example, before I watched Broadway and Shiki Theater musicals, I saw the visual representation of Ariel in the musical and thought, "She has an ice cream cone on her head." However, when I watched the musical, it no longer bothered me.

There are occasional moments like that in this movie that can be slightly distracting.

However, any points where you feel like saying, "What is this?" might not be about the story of the film itself but rather the fact that the Disney version deviates from Andersen's original tale, which was about the "mermaid who doesn't turn into bubbles."

If you expect everything to be exactly the same as the animated version, it might shatter your dreams, but if you watch it as a new film, it was a beautifully crafted story that is hard to come by.

Disney films have extravagant trailers

Since it was a Disney film, there were many trailers for other Disney movies. One that caught my attention was "My Element," which features Tamamori Yuta from Kis-My-Ft2 as a voice actor.

But more than that, what caught my eye was "Wish," which is set to release this winter. It feels like Disney is going all out for their 100th anniversary. The English commercial mentioned November, and considering the Japanese promotion is for winter, maybe I can watch it while studying abroad in Malaysia.

Also, it seems that Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen will appear in the final installment of the "Indiana Jones" series, titled "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny." I've only seen him as a villain, but his visuals are top-notch. I didn't know because there's always news about Harrison Ford.

When I watch foreign movies, I consider it as spending nearly two hours on English listening practice (or at least that's how I think of it). So, I'm excited to make time and go see various films.

Feeling Anxious! Reasons Why I Don't Want to Speak English in Front of Japanese People

Introduction

Speaking English in front of Japanese people can make me quite nervous. Even with the flexibility of online English conversation classes like "NativeCamp," I've rarely taken lessons from Japanese teachers. I prefer chatting with teachers from the Philippines or Serbia.

There are practical reasons for this, like Japanese teachers' classes often being fully booked and the difficulty in choosing them, but I've also enjoyed experiencing different cultures and ways of life through foreign teachers' stories.

However, reflecting on my past experiences, I've come to realize that I have a fear of speaking English in front of Japanese people.

Fear of Making Mistakes

The most significant reason for my hesitation is the anxiety about making mistakes. I worry about mispronouncing English words, using expressions that may not be suitable for the situation, or accidentally using phrases with poor etiquette. It feels like a never-ending cycle of overthinking when I start considering all these things.

When conversing with an online English teacher or foreign friends, they often clarify if I make a mistake by asking, "Do you mean [this]?" However, when speaking with Japanese people who are proficient in English, they tend not to provide this kind of assistance.

I find that when I speak with someone who is less confident in their English skills, I tend to question if my corrections might hurt their feelings or if I'm making a mistake in pointing it out. People who don't ask me to clarify might also lack confidence in their own English abilities.

Fearing English-Speaking Returnees

Speaking with English-speaking returnees is also intimidating for me. Lately, there are many YouTubers and TikTokers with international backgrounds who create videos like "This Kind of English Won't Work!" Such content suggests that only high-level English skills are worth considering. While I've reached a point where I can hold conversations unless they involve highly complex topics, my past self would consider it an achievement to respond in English at all.

I've encountered situations where I had to speak English in front of English-speaking returnee friends. These friends were expected to be fluent in English, yet they didn't seem to engage in the conversation at all. We ended up having awkward exchanges in broken English. I couldn't help but wonder if they thought I was incompetent.

Insecurities of Returnees

Conversely, I've also been approached by returnee friends who had the opposite concern, saying, "I'm a returnee, and I can speak English better than those who grew up in Japan. I don't want people to think I'm looking down on them."

I was genuinely surprised by this perspective because I had no problem with them or their English skills. In fact, they were always supportive and corrected me when I stumbled in English. One of them even praised my knowledge of Japanese and Japanese literature, which was my strong suit.

To be honest, unless someone's English skills are terribly inadequate, some people don't seem to care about the level of their friends' English. I tend to get nervous about speaking English in front of Japanese people, whether they speak English well or not. I think it's a confidence issue.

Building Self-Confidence

Of course, people's reactions vary. Some might indeed look down on the English spoken by Japanese people, but others won't. I believe that we shouldn't forget that there are people with both perspectives.

Online English teachers at NativeCamp have often told me, "You need more self-confidence!" I agree; self-confidence is what I need. So, I plan to continue with online English lessons until I go abroad to build my confidence by increasing my communication experiences.

In conclusion, although I feel anxious about speaking English in front of Japanese people, I've learned that I shouldn't worry so much about it. Building self-confidence in my language skills will be my key to overcoming this fear.

Super Nervous About Speaking English

Recently, I found myself in a situation where I had to participate in a discussion at work in English.

My supervisor organized a casual meeting with colleagues from other organizations, where we were supposed to have a conversation among young professionals. Initially, it was planned to be in Japanese, so I volunteered.

However, it turned out that there were individuals who couldn't speak Japanese, and the discussion suddenly switched to English.

For some reason, I don't feel embarrassed speaking in front of non-Japanese individuals, but when it comes to Japanese people who are fluent in English or have a background of studying abroad, I become anxious and shrink away from speaking in English.

This time was no exception, as the majority of participants were "Japanese individuals who were proficient enough to conduct work in English." I was extremely nervous.

Apart from online English lessons, I think this was probably the first time I had a conversation with someone in English since my student days.

After graduating from university, I made diligent efforts to express myself in English through online English lessons and daily tweets. And it paid off.

I was able to speak without any problems!

Speaking in English and having a proper conversation made me happy.

Another Joyful Incident Later

A few days later, I emailed a person whom I couldn't exchange business cards with at the event (this person can speak Japanese but is originally from overseas).

Although I didn't mention being nervous about speaking English in the email, they wrote back saying, "Yuna-san, your English was excellent."

This experience boosted my confidence. It made me happy!

However, I believe part of the reason I was able to speak comfortably was because I limited the conversation to topics within my English-speaking ability.

Therefore, I want to continue practicing my speaking skills and expanding my range of topics in the future.

Almost Like a Musical! The Captivating "Safety Instructions" In-Flight Video You'll Want to Watch Over and Over Again

Watching Video at the gym

I was at the gym, watching an English video as I ran on the treadmill or cycled on the bike. It's my way of ensuring that I can't escape from listening to English since I'm glued to the screen.

One Recommended Video Caught My Attention

Yesterday, while watching a documentary video related to Malaysia, a recommended video caught my eye.

It was an in-flight safety video from Malaysia Airlines. If you haven't seen it before,I highly recommend giving it a watch.

It's almost like a musical, and it looks so much fun!

By incorporating a musical-like style, there are more gestures and repetitive phrases, making the safety instructions easy to understand.

You'll definitely fall in love with it.

Super awesome video! The free language learning app Duolingo is too good to understand language skills! Can you speak it? How many words?

Otherday, I wrote about how good Duolingo is for learning Chinese, but I found two more clear videos that I would like to share.

1) "Duolingo" English Conversation in a Clothing Store

Recently, clothing stores remind me of the nightingale dance (comedian) "Nakarutin's Select Shop". It's the "Hold on to the trends!" show.

In this video of a clothing store, Duolingo users will be amazed at the characters. They are all in splendid cosplay. And if you listen to what they are saying, you will find that even the sentence "There is an apple on the table," which I don't know when to use, blends beautifully into the conversation of the clothing store. It is interesting to feel that the conversation becomes more and more forced.

If you are having trouble with just answering questions and not getting into a conversation, then this way of speaking may be a good option for you.

(2) "Duolingo" Italian conversation image

Here is a second video showing what it would be like if people who are learning Italian, but not English, tried chatting with each other. The screen shown is the screen of the Italian application, but the language spoken is English, so I think English learners will be able to hear well enough.

The video shows how the conversation goes from being just a fun conversation to gradually getting out of sync as well.

What you can study with "Duolingo

As you can see from the two videos, even if you study only with "Duolingo," you probably won't be able to have a long and deep conversation like in a discussion. You may only be able to string together short sentences using simple words, or reproduce sentences similar to those you compose in the app.

But I can speak enough of the language to shop on a trip, or to say to someone from that country, "I can speak a little of your language!"

And if you have the right technique, you can even carry on a conversation like these videos.

Duolingo's appeal is that you can acquire this level of language ability just by studying in your spare time.

My Duolingo Journey So Far

Duolingo's Recent Update

In Conclusion

Recommended Reading!!

One Month at Language School

Morning School

Lunch

Afternoon Classes

Recreation

Shopping and Dinner

Recommended Reading!!

The English Situation in Malaysia

What Languages Are People Speaking?

The Value of Learning Chinese

What's Next, Malay?

Recommended Reading!!

Continuing my Streak on Duolingo

Duolingo's New Feature "Daily Refresh"

How Daily Refresh Works

Did Vocabulary Increase?

New Challenges Yield Points!

In Conclusion: Duolingo's Daily Refresh is Handy!

Recommended Reading!!

My First TOEFL Test

Studying Methods

Reading

Listening

Writing

Speaking

Using Official Materials "TOEFL Go!" the Day Before

Taking the Test is a Good Opportunity for Studying!

Recommended Reading!!

Searching for a Chinese Language School Again

Free Trial Lesson

Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Trial Lessons

Consideration of Language School Search Results

Recommended Reading!!

AI for Language Learning & Study Abroad Preparation

DeepL Translation

QuillBot

Chat GPT

AI Utilization for Study Abroad Preparation

Recommended Reading!!

I Love Musicals and I'm Going Abroad to Study

Researching Musical Information in Malaysia

Exploring Musical Information in Singapore

Difference in Information Availability Compared to Japan

Recommended Reading!!

Study Methods for English Vocabulary

Excessive Use of the "ターゲットの友（Target's Friend）" to Stir Ambition

Inputting Massively and Efficiently through Typing: "iVoca"

Custom-Made Reference Books Created by Handwriting: "Weakness Overcoming Note"

Is My English Vocabulary Skill Zero at Present?

Recommended Reading

Studying Abroad with Eiken Qualification

Taking the TOEFL for Myself

What are TOEFL and IELTS?

1. It can be taken in Malaysia.

2. The typing format suits me.

3. The cost is not significantly different.

Some Concerns about Taking the TOEFL

Live-Action Version of "The Little Mermaid"

What are my thoughts on the live-action "The Little Mermaid"?

Is there any awkwardness in the live-action Disney film?

Disney films have extravagant trailers

Introduction

Fear of Making Mistakes

Fearing English-Speaking Returnees

Insecurities of Returnees

Building Self-Confidence

Recommended Reading!!

Super Nervous About Speaking English

Another Joyful Incident Later

Watching Video at the gym

One Recommended Video Caught My Attention

1) "Duolingo" English Conversation in a Clothing Store

(2) "Duolingo" Italian conversation image

What you can study with "Duolingo

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