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Robb's Japanese Learning Journey

September 16, 2023
I'm thinking about an idea and what to see how you perform with a task. I'm going to give you a starting point tied to a particular month and an ending point tied to a particular month, and I'd like you to think of these as points in a project that needs to get completed incrementally. Can you fill in work to be done and goals accomplished for each month in between the starting and ending points? Starting Point = January 2024: Living in USA with little to no savings, Robb only speaks a little bit of Japanese. Ending Point = January 2025: Robb vacations in Japan for a few weeks and is able to speak enough Japanese to not resort to speaking English.
ChatGPT

Absolutely! Let's break down Robb's journey over the course of a year to achieve his goal of vacationing in Japan with a comfortable level of fluency in Japanese and having enough savings for his trip. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown:

January 2024: Assessment & Initiation

  1. Savings: Assess monthly expenses and create a budget. Dedicate a fixed amount to save for the Japan trip every month.
  2. Japanese Learning: Identify current proficiency level. Start with basic Japanese textbooks (like Genki I) or apps (such as Duolingo or Memrise). Commit to studying at least 30 minutes daily.

February 2024: Foundations

  1. Savings: Open a separate savings account specifically for the trip.
  2. Japanese Learning: Begin with the basic grammar structures and frequently used vocabulary. Consider joining a local Japanese learners' group.

March 2024: Building Routine

  1. Savings: Review budget to ensure you're on track. Consider freelance or part-time jobs for extra income.
  2. Japanese Learning: Start integrating Japanese podcasts or music into your daily routine. Look into interactive platforms like iTalki for conversational practice.

April 2024: Cultural Integration

  1. Savings: Look for any unnecessary expenses you can cut.
  2. Japanese Learning: Start watching Japanese TV shows or movies with English subtitles. This will improve listening skills and familiarize you with the culture.

May 2024: Intermediate Goals

  1. Savings: By now, you should have a clear idea of your monthly savings rate. Adjust if necessary.
  2. Japanese Learning: Progress to an intermediate textbook (like Genki II). Start speaking Japanese in your local learners' group.

June 2024: Immersion Techniques

  1. Savings: Consider organizing a garage sale or selling unused items online.
  2. Japanese Learning: Transition to watching Japanese content without English subtitles. Begin journaling in Japanese to improve writing skills.

July 2024: Real-life Application

  1. Savings: Review and update budget based on the first half of the year.
  2. Japanese Learning: Start ordering food or shopping using Japanese, even if it’s just role-playing at home or with peers.

August 2024: Intensifying Efforts

  1. Savings: Research the cost of the trip in detail: flights, accommodations, meals, sightseeing, etc.
  2. Japanese Learning: Engage in longer conversations on iTalki. Read short stories or children's books in Japanese.

September 2024: Preparing for the Trip

  1. Savings: Start booking flights and accommodations, especially if you find deals.
  2. Japanese Learning: Focus on learning useful phrases for traveling, like asking for directions, ordering food, or shopping.

October 2024: Local Exploration

  1. Savings: Finalize all travel plans.
  2. Japanese Learning: Visit local Japanese restaurants or markets, practicing your Japanese with the staff. This will give you confidence for real-world interactions.

November 2024: Final Push

  1. Savings: Have emergency funds in addition to trip savings.
  2. Japanese Learning: Take a mock trip day where you only speak Japanese – no English allowed! Identify areas of weakness and work on them.

December 2024: Wrapping Up & Reflection

  1. Savings: Make sure all travel documents, insurance, and reservations are in place.
  2. Japanese Learning: Review the year's learning. Focus on your weak points and immerse yourself in Japanese as much as possible.

January 2025: Enjoy your vacation in Japan! Experience the culture, practice the language in real-life situations, and celebrate the progress you've made in the last year.

Remember, the exact progression will depend on Robb's personal pace and preferences. The key is consistency, immersion, and practice. Safe travels!

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