Bye Bye JLPT... Hellllooooo Freedom!

As you can see by the title of this post, I'm quite happy that obscene test is over. However, judging from how I felt on Sunday, I don't think I'll be receiving a pass certificate in February. Now, you may be thinking I am just being modest. However, the Japanese people have not rubbed off on me in such a way. I'm not being modest- I seriously think I crashed a burned. This test, though, to my credit, is pretty darn tough. The reading and vocabulary were the really difficult parts for me and although it has all been crammed into my head, I'm not at the level where I can recall everything in a split-second. All that to say, I probably failed the test but there are certainly benefits to having studied so much. I am still trying to convince myself of this truth though, so I have composed a list in case my memory fails me and I need to refer to this post.

Reasons Why Even Though I Failed the JLPT I Am Not a Loser
1. Plenty of other people don't even bother taking the test. At least I tried!
2. Even if I can't read passages about REM sleeping patterns in Japanese, I can order a gin and tonic. This is crucial.
3. I have lots of friends I only speak Japanese with. Therefore, I must have some social abilities in the language.
4. Unlike other people taking the test, the results have no effect on my current employment status. I can keep my job. This is a good thing.
5. The people that passed aren't better or cooler than me. They just have a piece of paper. I can make my own "My Japanese Still Rocks" certificate if need be.

Pass or fail, I LOVE studying Japanese. I love the challenge of learning something new and then actually using it in a meaningful way. I enjoy reading kanji. I like memorizing a new grammar pattern and testing it. I laugh when I make mistakes. The more I speak the language, the more I can listen and learn about Japan from Japanese people. That's way more important than some test.

Next up on the blogger menu: See how I rid myself of PTT (Post Test Trauma) at the Chichibu Night Festival.

Now, off to more studying! ;)