colourful-languages

Procrastination | How To Stop Hey guys, as you may have seen I recently made a post asking for advice or tips on how to stop procrastinating because I haven’t been doing much work recently and have been falling behind in my classes and didn’t have the motivation to catch up. Well, I received a lot of helpful advice that I’m really thankful for, and I’ve received a couple of messages asking me to share the advice that I received so I’m going to summarise the things that were said to me below. I want to give a big shout out to @octoberswimmer, @littlebigmouse, @ex-nihilo-persona, @icystudying, @notprincesscharming, @chokopan, @study-the-thing, @sweetscientist, and all of the anon messages that I received for all of their advice! Tips and Advice to Stop Procrastinating:

Create a studyblr dedicated to what you’re studying so that you’re motivated more to study in order to create new content for the blog.

Follow more studyblrs so that as you scroll through your dashboard you can see how productive everyone else is being and become inspired to be the same.

Listening to music can help you focus. Spotify has a bunch of already made playlists to help you focus and study, or you could easily create your own playlists on Youtuber, Soundcloud, Spotify, etc.

Dedicate an area at your home specifically for studying or being productive so that when you’re in this area your brain and your body know that you have to be productive while there. Your bed is one of the worst places to study because your brain usually relates your bed to sleeping, so you might become really tired while studying in bed. If you get distracted easily at your own home then try to go to a library or a cafe. Somewhere that you can’t get easily distracted!

Turning off or putting away your phone or anything else that may distract you is a good idea. There’s a lot of extensions for your browser that you can install that can block certain websites for a period of time so that you can’t go on them to procrastinate!

Try to prepare some snacks and something to drink before you start studying so that you don’t wander off halfway through and then not return!

Split a major task that you have to complete into say three or four smaller tasks so that it doesn’t seem as daunting to you and starting it may seem easier.

Do the 50/10 or 30/30 rule. Do work for 50 minutes and then have a 10 minute break, or work for 30 minutes and have a 30 minute break. Find an interval that works best for you and try to keep at it until you’re motivated enough to work for longer periods of time. This helps to break up a seemingly large or scary workload.

Just do ONE thing. Start with answering one question, one sentence of an essay, or doing one page of required reading. If you feel motivated enough to keep going, then keep trying, but if you don’t you can stop there knowing you’ve at least started and that it might not be as hard the next time you start.

Doing it first thing in the morning might make you feel better. The more you put it off throughout the day, the worse and more guilty you may feel.

Be honest with yourself and try to do the important tasks first, especially if there is a deadline coming.

Just do it! Starting is the hardest part and once you’ve actually begun doing what you’ve been putting off, you’ll find that it’s not as difficult or as scary as you were making it out to be.

How to Start Studying at Home In Eight Steps:

Step One: Make your bed and clean your room.

Step Two: Brush your teeth, wash your face, brush your hair, and get changed into something clean and comfortable.

Step Three: Clean and organise your study space.

Step Four: Put the materials that you will need on your study space (your pens + notebooks, textbooks, laptop, headphones, etc.)

Step Five: Prepare some snacks and something to drink.

Step Six: Put on some relaxing music or something that will help you focus.

Step Seven: Open your notebooks, textbooks, and laptop to the documents or pages that you need.

Step Eight: Just do it.

That’s a question I asked myself many times. So I spent a lot of time on blogs and websites telling me that you can’t name an exactly number. Of course you can’t but I was just searching for an “around this” number. Everyone knows that there is no magical number like 1000 and then you’ll speak your target language but with 999 you wouldn’t. I just wanted “around this” numbers to be motivated, to have a goal, to have a direction I can keep in mind.  It was a pain in the ass to get an answer to this. And I want to share it with you guys, so you don’t have to waste your time on several blogs and giant textwalls to get just a little bit closer to this answer. Don’t forget these are just “around this” numbers and it’s very(!) important that you also use them and SPEAK your target language.  _______________________________________  100 most common words make up 50% of conversations.

300 most common words make up 65% of conversations.

2.000 most common words make up 90% of conversations. _______________________________________ What are the different levels of a language?

A1: 500 words A2: 1.000 words

B1: 2.000 words B2: 4.000 words

C1: 8.000 words C2: 16.000 words _______________________________________

And here a little bit detailed:

250 words - without these words, you can’t make a sentence.

750 words - is needed for everyday conversations.

2.500 words - will allow you to say most things you want, but sometimes in an awkward way.

5.000 words - is an active vocabulary of a (not high educated) native speaker.

10.000 words - is an active vocabulary of a (high educated) native speaker.

To make it easier, I will answer in three parts and I’ll tag you in the other posts so you don’t miss anything^^ 

These three personal pronouns all refer to the second person of the singular.

TÚ

Tú is the pronoun that acts as subject (you). In Spanish, speakers often skip the subject pronouns, because it is understood who you’re talking about when conjugating the verb.

Tú comes. (x) Comes. You eat.

You must also use tú when comparing and (tú) is the second object of comparison.

Soy más alta que ti tú.I’m taller than you.

Check here the difference between usted and tú.

⚠️Tú is not the same as tu (possessive your) 

Tú tienes tu casa y yo tengo la mía. You have your house and I have mine. 

*** *** ***

TI

If (tú) follows a preposition, it becomes ti, except for con*, según, and entre.

Según tú, mañana lloverá. Según tiAccording to you, tomorrow it will rain.

Entre tú y yo, no me gusta la lluvia. Entre ti y míBetween you and me, I don’t like rain.

Tienes todo tu futuro ante ti. You have all your future before you.

*Remember that con ti is not correct, you must use contigo (with you). Also look at the difference between the prepositions con and sin + ti.

Estoy mejor contigo. I’m better with you.

Estoy mejor sin ti. I’m better (off) without you.

*** *** ***

TE

Works as direct and/or indirect object and can also be found in reflexive verbs’ forms. Te can go before or after the verb:

Te quiero. I love you.

Quiérete.Love yourself.

Broadly speaking, te = a ti (and sometimes para ti) (You/To You). But te goes before the verb and a ti goes after.

Te preparé el desayuno. Preparé el desayuno para ti. I cooked you (some) breakfast.

You can also use both to emphasize something.

Te quiero a ti.

No one is instantly a perfect student. It’s well known that ‘’perfect’’ studying requires some practice. Fortunately, there is a bunch of information available on this topic on the internet. In this way everyone can become a professional student.

1. Choosing the right study spot

Create a study space

Desk organisation

Study music (x) (x) (x)

Remove distractions

Study space guide

2. Being well equipped 

Studyblr on a budget

Organizing systems

How to stationery smart

Save money on stationery

School supplies shopping

Study apps everyone needs to use

Things you need in high school

Things that are useful in college

DIY school supplies

3. Getting focused

How to concentrate

Useful apps for focus

How to focus when a thousand things happen at the same time

Tips on staying focused

Academic goals

Getting started

4. Improve your handwriting

Handwriting goals 

Improve your handwriting (1) (2) (3)

Fake calligraphy

How to calligraphy

Some banners

Some fonts to try out

5. Taking useful notes

Cornell notes

Outline notes

Alternative to flashcards

Taking notes in class

Or during a lecture

Mindmaps

Highlighting

Typing your notes

Flashcards

Feymann’s technique

Colour coding

Sticky notes

Annotating

Decorate your notes

2 notebook method

Taking notes efficiently

6. Creating an efficient study routine in your life

How to create a study habit

Public transport productivity

Prevent the curve of forgetting

Make the most of your day

Study snacks

Succeed at school

Effective studying

Improve memory

Last minute studying

10 best study habits

After school routine

7. Planning your studies

Scheduling studying masterpost

Promodoro method

Plan during your study breaks

Bullet journalling

Plan for multiple tests using a calendar

Use printables

Use your productivity wisely

Be more productive with a planner

7 ways to better organise your study time

8. Study strategies

Types of learners + strategies

Study skills for test taking 

Study strategies masterpost

SQ3R reading method

Tips for effectively studying

Finding your perfect study method

How to memorise

Studying in a group

Study from textbooks

Quizing yourself

Secrets of a straigt A - student

My other masterposts

Scheduling studying

What to learn first when learning a new language

How to stay motivated when learning languages

How to learn a language with a different script

How to learn kanji

Vocabulary list topics

How to make vocabulary lists

How to expand your vocabulary

How to learn vocabulary and verb endings

How to improve your listening skills

How to practice speaking your target language

How to go from intermediate to advanced in your target language

How to learn two (or more) languages at once

How to learn all the languages you want

How to avoid mixing up languages

How to study languages with depression

How to practice speaking when you have social anxiety

How to study with a language exchange partner and what to talk about with them

How to study with Duolingo

How to make a language notebook

How to divide your language notebook/what to write in your language notebook

How to use bullet journal in language learning

How to find native speakers to practice with

How to know what level you are in your languages

Medical Terminology! YAY! ✺◟( • ω • )◞✺

Just more fun words to know. :)

In honor of the new year, here is my simple tutorial for setting up and maintaining a language journal. I’ve made 3 so far using this method for spanish, french, and italian because it’s so simple. Disfruta y espero que logres sus metas de lengua este año! <3

What You’ll Need:

composition book

highlighters

flashcard(s)

black ink pen

In celebration of reaching 3k followers!

A R A B I C : @arabic-langblr

C H I N E S E : @multilingual-musings, @langblog, @aspoonfuloflanguage

D U T C H : @onzin-en-talen, @helaas–pindakaas, @join-the-dutch-clan, @nederlandsedingen, @lalinguistique

F I N N I S H : @languagesandshootingstars, @finnishfun

G E R M A N : @deutsian, @dialect-warrior, @cloip, @marvelous-language, @learngermanblog, @languagepixie, @suplanguages, @athenastudying

F R E N C H : @frenchy-french. @lemonadeandlanguages, @salutcavaouiettoi, @parisbian, @francais-formidable, @prepolyglot, @jeparletoutesleslangues

I T A L I A N : @plurilinguismo, @langsandlit, @italianoacasa, @sciogli-lingua, @comaremena, @learninghowtopasta, @unearthitaly

J A P A N E S E : @aidoku

N O R W E G I A N : @whatlanguageisthis, @henvin, @fremmedsprak, @kjaerekrake, @vocablrs

P O R T U G U E S E : @brasilian-bs, @polyglotpearl, @langblr-brasil, @polyglot-oneday

S P A N I S H : @spanishskulduggery, @spanishlandia, @spanishahora, @polyglotten, @langsandculture, @foxlanguages, @languagesaregay

S W E D I S H: @organizedstudy, @svensklangblr, @scandiblr

R E S O U R C E S: @lovelybluepanda

M E M E S / H U M O R : @languagebender, @sprachtraeume, @gayforlangs

R A N D O M  S T U F F  I  L I K E  O N  M Y  D A S H : @languagemoon, @pkeoj, @somalang, @she-learns, @amygdalalangblr, @pastel-languages, @malteseboy, @areistotle

Welcome vocabulary list

いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase) - Welcome used in shops 

歓迎: かんげい (kangei) - Welcome/ reception 

 迎え: むかえ (mukae) - meeting/ greeting/welcome 

有難い: ありがたい (arigatai) - grateful/ thankful/welcome/appreciated/ evoking gratitude 

接待: せったい (settai) - reception/ welcome/ serving (food) /wining and dining/ business entertainment/ corporate entertainment/ entertaining politicians 

優待: ゆうたい (yuutai) - preferential treatment/hospitality/warm reception/ welcome 

耳より: みみより (mimiyori) - welcome (news)/ inviting/encouragingtempting/ hopeful

奉迎: ほうげい (hougei) - welcome

接遇: せつぐう (setsuguu) - reception, welcome

迎い: むかい (mukai) - meeting, greeting, welcome

どういたしまして (douitashimashite) - you are welcome, don’t mention it, not at all, my pleasure

お帰りなさい: おかえりなさい (okaerinasai) - Welcome home 

もてなす (motenasu) - to entertain/ to make welcome 

優遇: ゆうぐう (yuuguu) - favorable treatment/favourable treatment/ hospitality/warm reception/good treatment/ hearty welcome 

ようこそ (youkoso) - welcome!/nice to meet you! 

厚遇: こうぐう (kouguu) - cordial welcome/ hearty welcome/kind treatment/ hospitality 

歓待: かんたい (kantai) - warm welcome/friendly reception/ hospitality/ entertainment 

歓送迎会: かんそうげいかい (kansougeikai) - party to welcome (e.g. new employees) and send off (e.g. retiring employees)

新歓コンパ: しんかんコンパ (shinkankonpa) - welcome party for new students, club members, etc.

This is the beginning of a list of verbs that will be included on my Japanese final for Levels 3 / 4. 

I’m still a beginner, so if there are any mistakes, please correct me! Also, some of these are generally written without kanji, but I thought I’d still include the kanji.

出来る（できる）to be able to do

怒る（おこる）to become angry

答える（こたえる）to answer

感謝する（かんしゃする）to be grateful / to appreciate

着く（つく）to arrive

聞く（きく）to hear / to listen

質問する（しつもんする）to ask a question

付ける（つける）to attach

いる to be (animate things like people and animals)

ある to be (inanimate objects like desks and books)

成る（なる）to become

始まる（はじまる）to begin

生まれる（うまれる）to be born

借りる（かりる）to borrow

連れて来る（つれてくる）to bring someone

持って来る（もってくる）to bring something

買う（かう）to buy

聞こえる（きこえる）to be audible

見える（みえる）to be visible

気を付ける（きをつける）to be careful

風邪を引く（かぜをひく）to catch a cold

応援する（おうえんする）to cheer

噛む（かむ）to chew

片付ける（かたづける）to straighten up (i.e. a room)

掃除する（そうじする）to clean

閉める（しめる）to close

来る（くる）to come

比べる（くらべる）to compare

渡る（わたる）to cross (i.e. a bridge)

込む（こむ）to be crowded

泣く（なく）to cry

切る（きる）to cut

死ぬ（しぬ）to die

食事する（しょくじする）to dine

漬ける（つける）to dip

離婚する（りこんする）to divorce

する to do

ホームステイをする to do a home stay

自己紹介する（じこしょうかいする）to do a self-introduction

頑張る（がんばる）to do one’s best

書く（かく）to write / to draw

飲む（のむ）to drink

運転する（うんてんする）to drive

食べる（たべる）to eat

Have you ever heard of of tried the 六度法 (Rokudo method) for writing kanji beautifully? It’s basically a series of 6° angled lines that are supposed to help your kanji look well balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

I’ve seen some kanji workbooks designed for Japanese people recently with this kind of grid system, I’m curious to see if it gives me a neater or more natural writing style than the kind of kanji writing grid I currently prefer:

I’ve been told by native speakers several times that whilst my kanji are very legible, they’re too font-like, meaning they don’t have the slope and sweep that they would if written by a native speaker. I know studying calligraphy could potentially help this, but before I try formal study I thought I’d give this a try. There’s a video series that can help you learn how to try this system for yourself.

I made this printable so you can try it out, if you use it, please tag me in a picture of the results, I’d love to see how you do and hear your thoughts on this.

Hey there! 

Firstly, thanks for the question. I’ll try and keep my answer concise, but I’ll also link some more detailed explanations on various websites if you’re interested in the full story.

History:

To understand what “kun-yomi” and “on-yomi” are, you first need to understand the origin of the Kanji system used by the Japanese language today. Kanji were imported to Japan a very, very long time ago from China. They are the writing system used by China. However, because Chinese and Japanese used very different sounds, the pronunciation of the original chinese kanji was not conserved exactly. Hence, every kanji was associated with at least two readings; one reading which matched the chinese sound as closely as possible, the on-yomi reading, and a second reading which represented the native Japanese reading for the concept, the kun-yomi reading. To illustrate this point, I’ll use the kanji 山 as an example.

Sidenote: In dictionaries and learning resources it is customary to always write the on-yomi reading first as a mark of respect and acknowledgement as to the original origin of kanji (China), however for the ease of explanation I’ll write the kun-yomi reading first this time.

Readings: 

Kun-yomi: Taking the example kanji 山, meaning “mountain” - the Japanese made an association between the meaning of the kanji, i.e “mountain” and the word they already used to describe a mountain, やま。Hence, this is the kun-yomi reading - a reading which matches the concept of a kanji with the native Japanese word to describe it.

On-yomi: The Japanese then adopted a second reading for the Kanji to match the native Chinese reading as closely as possible. When the Chinese see the character 山, they read it as something equivalent to さん。Hence, this is the on-yomi reading. However, since Japanese uses different sounds to Chinese, the pronunciation can still differ slightly from the true native Chinese reading.

山：Mountain

On-yomi: さん 

Kun-yomi: やま

Does Any of This Even Matter?

Yes. As a general rule, the kun-yomi reading for a kanji is used when it appears on its own, but when multiple kanji appear together in a compound, the on-yomi reading is used. However, this is not a golden rule and there are always exceptions. It’s best to take it more as a rule of thumb and learn the critical exceptions for each kanji as you encounter them. The bottom line: If you want to understand and read complex Japanese words and sentences, you absolutely must know both readings.

I’m far from an expert on this matter, and I don’t feel like I’ve really done the matter justice, so I highly suggest you read the material found in the links below to get a more consolidated account of the history and mechanics around the kanji reading system. At any rate, I hope this helps!

Bibliography:

Wikipedia

Tofugu

NihongoMaster

Learn Japanese Adventure

Youtube Videos:

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