Learning Japanese with AI - Day 2: I'm not so sure about this...

Introduction

It’s September 9th, and I’m diving into Day 2 of my Japanese learning journey with AI, specifically through ChatGPT. Having set a goal to improve my Japanese from N4 to N3 in just 30 days, I’ve structured my study schedule meticulously. The plan included daily tasks like listening exercises, kanji practice, vocabulary enhancement, and grammar review.

Progress So Far

Previously, I kicked off my studies by asking ChatGPT for a tailored practice schedule. It encouraged me to study 5 kanji, learn 10 new vocabulary words, review one or two grammar points, and listen to a 10-minute audio at an N3 level. So far, I’ve managed to listen to a brief podcast aimed at beginners. Although it wasn’t exactly N3 level, I found that starting from the basics is helpful for reinforcing vocabulary and sentence structure.

ChatGPT functions as my virtual study partner, logging my practice notes and helping me track progress. Today, I'm focusing on kanji, something I've historically struggled with, even though I've prioritized speaking in the past. However, knowing kanji is essential, especially if I plan to be in Japan long-term.

Today’s Kanji Practice

ChatGPT provided a list of five essential N4 kanji for me to practice, suggesting I write each one five times, focusing on stroke order. However, since I already recognize these kanji, I opted to move ahead instead of spending excessive time writing them. I quickly jotted them down and moved on to Duolingo for more vocabulary practice.

When I asked ChatGPT for its thoughts on Duolingo, it suggested that while it's a great supplemental tool, it doesn’t delve deeply into complex grammar points. Despite this, I completed my Duolingo lesson successfully, extending my streak.

Challenges and Frustrations

However, I encountered several hurdles today. The first was reaching what I thought was ChatGPT's free limit when I attempted to use its built-in timer. Strangely, that feature didn’t work, which made my experience feel disorganized. I also tried to supplement my learning with other apps like Anki, but it dawned on me that I need to trust the AI more and rely less on external resources.

As I explored various kanji learning apps, I faced issues with sentence context and how these apps presented kanji. I feel they lack the comprehensive structure I’m looking for, especially since I want example sentences to accompany the kanji. I've realized that I might need to ask ChatGPT more direct questions regarding kanji and vocabulary, rather than using external learning applications.

Commitment and Reflection

This day felt a bit chaotic, as I struggled to find the right balance between learning Japanese and experimenting with AI. I’ve learned valuable lessons and am contemplating whether to subscribe to a premium plan for enhanced AI capabilities. For now, I'm committed to sticking with ChatGPT for kanji, vocabulary, and grammar practice while continuing to use podcasts for my listening exercises.

Overall, while this day did not go as smoothly as I had hoped, it was a necessary step in figuring out my learning method. As I look ahead to Day 3, I plan to be more dedicated and focused, eliminating the distractions that hinder my progress.

Keyword

• Japanese Learning
• ChatGPT
• Kanji Practice
• Vocabulary
• N4 to N3
• Listening Exercises
• Anki
• Duolingo
• AI Learning

FAQ

Q: What is the goal of this 30-day Japanese learning challenge?
A: The objective is to improve my Japanese proficiency from N4 to N3.

Q: How does ChatGPT assist in the learning process?
A: ChatGPT creates tailored practice schedules, logs progress, and helps with vocabulary, kanji, and grammar.

Q: What challenges did I face during today’s practice?
A: I experienced issues with the AI's timer function, struggled to find effective kanji resources, and felt disorganized in my study approach.

Q: Are there any apps I considered for studying kanji?
A: Yes, I explored several apps including Anki and a kanji study application but found them lacking in sentence context, which is critical for learning.

Q: What will I change for Day 3?
A: I plan to rely solely on ChatGPT for kanji, vocabulary, and grammar practice while using podcasts for listening exercises.