#52 Stevijs3 - Over 7,000 Hours of Immersion in 3 Years
Aug 4, 2021
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We interview Stevijs3, who studied 7,000 hours of Japanese in 3 years and has a gamified learning system. Topics include his immersive study method, Japanese proficiency level, favorite immersion techniques, challenges of communicating in a foreign language, and using Anki for language learning.
Persistence and basic language learning steps can lead to progress in language immersion learning.
Using Anki and tracking progress can help with motivation and achieving language learning goals.
Dedicating specific timeframes to language learning and optimizing resources can enhance progress and fluency.
Deep dives
Stevie GS3's Language Learning Journey and Study Method
Stevie GS3, known for his success in language learning, shares his journey of learning Japanese through immersion learning. He spent over 7,000 hours studying the language, meticulously tracking his progress using a level up system and statistics like Anki repetitions and content consumed. Despite some initial doubts, he emphasizes the importance of persistence and not overthinking the process. Stevie also discusses his gaming mindset and how it translated into language learning, as well as the motivation and benefits he gains from tracking stats.
The Role of Anki and the Importance of Enjoying Immersion
Stevie highlights his use of Anki to reinforce his language learning, particularly for memorizing vocabulary and pitch accent. He mentions the value of tracking progress and using Anki as a tool to stay motivated and achieve goals. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of enjoying the immersion process by immersing in content that is personally interesting, even if it may be challenging. Stevie's approach focuses on the idea that as long as you continue immersing and following basic language learning steps, progress is possible.
Goals and Future Plans: The Kanken Exam and Native-level Speaking
Stevie shares his future goals, including working towards taking the Kanken exam, a Japanese proficiency exam focused on kanji. He mentions his interest in tackling the pre-June level as a stepping stone. Although he aims for native-level speaking, his focus is on effective communication rather than absolute perfection, acknowledging that a slight foreign accent may persist. He also highlights his dedication to improving pitch accent perception and maintaining enjoyable immersion experiences.
Consistency and Set Timeframes for Language Learning
Creating a consistent study routine and setting dedicated timeframes for language learning can greatly enhance progress. The speaker shares their personal experience of dedicating a specific time each day to watch anime, which allowed them to immerse themselves in the language and improve fluency.
Min-maxing in Language Learning
Drawing from the concept of 'min-maxing' in video games, the speaker applies it to language learning. They explain that min-maxing involves optimizing resources to maximize desired outcomes. In language learning, this can involve focusing on areas of improvement, tracking progress, and finding effective methods. The speaker also emphasizes the motivation and addictive nature of tracking progress and seeing improvements over time.
This week we talked to Stevijs3 AKA Stevi AKA new special nickname to be disclosed in this episode, who has studied a staggering 7,000 hours of Japanese in just a period of 3 years. He tracked every minute he spent studying the language in an extensive excel sheet, including Anki reps, pages read, and even a level up system he designed to gamify learning Japanese. We also talk about just how good his Japanese is, what his goals are for the future, as well as his FAVORITE type of immersion.
