by Jonny | Oct 10, 2011 | Updates
I have spent my day's off (Sunday & Monday) practicing Chinese and mostly on the writing part and reading. I want to conquer that first. Although I still don't think I'm as good as I should be (As I'm studying for long periods), I'm making progress rather than not.
Yesterday, I spent the entire day learning how to write certain characters, which is what I've been doing most of today as well.
But the problem is, I'm not improving my speaking skills. Although I'll know more characters, to be able to talk, you need to use the actual language with your speech. I guess this is the same with most languages.
But the problem with Chinese is that the characters are insanely hard to remember. It is like I have to spend a few hours just on 20 characters to remember them fluently. – Even though I'll probably still forget a few of them. I guess remembering is a huge trait you require if you want to learn Chinese. Otherwise, if you are like me and have a not-so-good memory, you need to keep writing those characters until they are embedded in your head and in your hand! It's funny since I have a friend who seems to be able to write the characters a few times and she can remember it whenever she needs to use it. (My god would that make things easier!) :d
Learning to speak
I downloaded a piece of software and a few GB's of mp3's which I'll use to help my speech and understanding of the structures that Chinese has; something I desperately need to work on. It is all good knowing how to read and write, but if you don't understand how to put sentences together when speaking, then you don't really know the language that well.
I'm getting there slowly.
But the one thing that has faced the ax as a consequence to studying hard is my exercise regime which I had before. I used to go to the gym nearly everyday, but now I am spending that time just studying. The exercise I feel can wait, plus I'm in good shape anyway's and probably above average in terms of fitness. (I can run 10km in 55 minutes; albeit in an air-conditioned gym)
by Jonny | Oct 9, 2011 | Updates
Today I checked my email (I hadn’t checked it in a while) and I have had an offer from some company who wants to buy this domain name. (jargoned.com)
I don’t think I’ll sell it, but was quite shocked someone was willing to offer me something for this domain name.
But in case I go bankrupt or I lose a lot of money somehow (Which I don’t think will happen), I will keep this domain name, although I do have to renew it next month. ($9.99 per year)
I guess the word “jargon” or past-tense form (Perhaps) “jargoned” is worth a lot. I’d be interested to know what website they intend to make with this domain. Maybe I can make something lol!
by Jonny | Oct 7, 2011 | Updates
I find when I'm in the library I am not actually really studying. I need to break out of this cycle of just chilling out in the library and only doing "some" studying of Chinese-mandarin. I guess my interest in Chinese was at an up around 2 weeks ago, until I got my test result this week on Monday. Let's just say, I didn't do well. – I studied my guts off yet I ended up with a grade which I didn't expect. I'm still trying. I haven't given up yet. I know I just need to study and focus more if I want to improve and get better. I don't want to have to repeat the same level of Chinese, I want to move on to the more difficult stuff. But I need to put the time, effort and concentration/focus in order to achieve that.
I just find it hard separating the adverbs and verbs, even though it is very simple. I just need to know more on the meanings of certain characters. But I have a test coming up this Tuesday. I will have from today to Monday to study hard, since on Tuesday, I don't have class as it will be Taiwan's birthday or something or the other.
MORE FOCUS/CONCENTRATION
by Jonny | Oct 4, 2011 | Updates
I am officially Taiwanese!
It is pretty great as I can stay in Taiwan for as long as I’d like to stay with no restrictions anymore. I can also work here without having to apply for a working visa. I’m also now able to move to a total of 28 countries (incl. European Union countries) without restriction. How cool is that?
I will likely stay in Taiwan for a long time I think. Depends on the situation, what happens, if I’m still happy here, or if I meet anyone etc. I can already foresee many scenarios which can take place good and bad. So depends on the situation whether or not I stay in Taiwan. However I can definitely see myself here for a good few years. – Which will hopefully let my Chinese advance to higher levels as I become assimilated into the Taiwanese culture and life-style!
But yeah it is funny. The nationality is Taiwanese here from what I can understand, yet on all ‘Taiwanese passports’, it says “The Republic of China (ROC)”. Which is why I have included ‘Chiwanese’ in this title. But don’t worry, I know I’m Taiwanese. *wink*
But, there is a catch! I have to do 11 months of Taiwanese military service. *Oh, shit* Was this worth it? 😛