Self-Assessment and Reflections

Over the course of the semester (Spring 2024), I had to face several challenges in which some of them are something I have to overcome when learning Japanese. Since the beginning of my journey I had issues with pronunciation of words and phrases. Not only is this a challenge that I am faced with while learning Japanese but I also have to deal with this when I speak in English (my native language). When I was in class, my professor and fellow classmates would help to correct me on words and phrases that I had struggled with pronouncing. They would break it down and have me either repeat each word after they have or repeat the character sound and give feedback on how to remember the pronunciation. Before completing any video recordings or language exchanges, I would practice each word using Google Translate’s audio or character sounds using a YouTube video to practice. The YouTube video is Learn Hiragana fast in 3 minutes created by Cyber Bunny. This video was first recommended in Japanese 111 when I was first learning Hiragana. Instead, the video has become a helpful tool when I struggle to pronounce a character sound correctly.

Sadly, I struggle with pronunciation so much that it will sometimes hold me back when I am trying to practice my communication skills. That is because I had a bad habit of being a perfectionist due to personal issues growing up. This trait does hold me back quite a bit; however, I gave it my all to make sure that it did not impact me this semester. I took my professor’s advice and tried making mistakes when I practiced. 

This challenge will continue to be an issue that I must overcome the rest of my life. With the help of YouTube videos, loads of practice, and the advice that I was given, making mistakes is a part of life. We can not be perfect all the time, the mistakes we make are what makes us human. With these mistakes we can learn and grow as students, teachers, and as human beings.