Monday, June 7, 2010

Studying for the JLPT2

Why JLPT2?

I decided recently that one of my study goals is to pass the JLPT2 exam. Why not level 1? Well, my goal is really to have qualifications to do professional Japanese-English translations. I've hard that if you pass level 2 it's not too difficult to get translation work.

Practice Exam Results

This past weekend I decided to try my hand at some JLPT practice exams. I received a borderline passing score on the level 3 practice test. When I took the N2 practice exam I received a ~30% on the reading section and a 100% score on the listening section. The biggest difficulty with the N2 exam is the vocabulary and grammar.

Memorizing Words

I've decided to do to prepare for the N2 exam by memorizing more vocabulary words. Since I recently finished all of the Joyou Onyomi readings I think now is the perfect time.

During my previous challenge I managed to consume about 1,150 words from the level 1 list (19%) over 23 days. It was grueling to say the least and I was spending several hours a day going over reviews. I burned out and put the challenge on the shelf.

I've studied the JLPT2 list for about 10.65 hours over the last 2 weeks. I've memorized a total of 850 words in less than an hour per day. I'm really surprised and pleased by the results. I attribute this entirely to memorizing the Onyomi readings.

Current Goal

My current goal is to complete the JLPT2 word list over an unspecified period of time. I've been averaging about 61 words per day. Some days I do 100 new words and other days I might just do reviews with no new words. I'm not forcing myself to adhere to a daily goal this time. I estimate I'll complete the remaining 2,486 words over the coming months. Next year I'm going to own the JLPT2 test :)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Yakuza 4 - Amazon Review Translation

I translated this review today. For my next translation I think I'll choose a professional editorial from Famitsu or Kotaku.

龍が如くをやるためにPS3を買い。クリアした結果。本当にPS3を買って良かったです。

I bought a PS3 so that I could play Yakuza 4 (Like a Dragon). I played through the entire game. I'm really glad that I bought a PS3.

グラフィック、モーション、システム、基本的な物は3からほとんど変わっていませんが、自分はストーリーと桐生一馬やキャラが好きなので、その辺は気になりませんでした。

The graphics, animation, and game mechanics haven't really changed. Personally I liked the story and the character Kiryuu Kazuma (桐生一馬).
* I'm not sure what その辺は気になりませんでした means but I think it means this thing isn't very important. I couldn't find it in any of my grammar books.

シリーズ4作目なので新しい物を求めてる人にはマンネリ化かもしれませんが、今回は主人公が四人いて、その四人が繋がっていくストーリーに大いに楽しませてもらいました。

People looking for something new in the latest game of the series might be disappointed however this time there are 4 main characters. This was a lot of fun because all 4 characters are tied together in different ways.

四人とも格好よく、最後に四人揃うとこなんかは思わずニヤニヤしてしまいましたね。

The main characters are really cool and they all come together at the end. I finished the game with a big grin on my face.

ストーリーもコテコテと言ってしまえばコテコテですけど、それでも引き込まれる物語(まぁ好みの問題ですが)魅力的な登場人物。

You can say the story is over the top however the way it draws you in is amazing (if you like things like over the top storys).

毎シリーズクリアするたび次回作が待ちどうしいです。

Every time I finish a game in the series I look forward to the next one.

シリーズのどれかをやって面白いと思った人は是非買って欲しいですね。

If you enjoyed playing other games in the series you'll definitely want to buy this game.

That's all for now. I'm looking forward to having my translations reviewed for accuracy. Overall I think I've captured the spirit of the review.