How difficult to achieve 35~40 in JPN SL?

[Jigsaw]

Hey all,

I was just curious how difficult it is to obtain around a 35~40 study score for Japanese Second Language if you have absolutely no ethnic relationship to the language what-so-ever. Is the competition tight against speakers (generally speakers with a background of Japanese)?

Thanks a lot

[Sine]

Hey all,

I was just curious how difficult it is to obtain around a 35~40 study score for Japanese Second Language if you have absolutely no ethnic relationship to the language what-so-ever. Is the competition tight against speakers (generally speakers with a background of Japanese)?

Thanks a lot

Hey Jigsaw

I can't say for difficulty but I know it's definitely possible. I had two friends who did JSL last year and one ended up with a 40+ score and the other 38-39 (can't remember which one) both weren't from a Japanese background and the latter did it through Distance Ed.

I also know of someone who got a 50 in chinese second language who had no prior exposure to the language other than from learning at school.

It's possible but from anecdotal evidence languages are quite time consuming.

[dm9195]

Hey Jigsaw,
I copped a 41 raw for JSL last year and I had no previous experience with Japanese language and culture.
The key is to ensure you embrace yourself in the language as much as is possible. There are now japanese shows on netflix which would be a great downtime activity (my advice with these is to watch it with japanese subtitles on if available) and I found it HUGELY beneficial to go to language exchange sessions where you have an opportunity to talk to native speakers (VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND). I have been going to one called Japaneasy in the city (http://www.japaneasy.com.au/language_exchanges/) and still go to this day to maintain my Japanese post-VCE.
Basically although it is a significant amount of work, I didn't feel it compromised my other subjects and it was a nice balance to have .
Good luck! And let me know if you have any questions

[Jigsaw]

Thanks a lot for your replies

[jibba]

Hey all,

I was just curious how difficult it is to obtain around a 35~40 study score for Japanese Second Language if you have absolutely no ethnic relationship to the language what-so-ever. Is the competition tight against speakers (generally speakers with a background of Japanese)?

Thanks a lot

I am not from a Japanese/Korean (or Chinese) background and ended up getting a 50 in Japanese (quite a few years ago now..). I actually think examiners in the speaking exam would hold you to a lower standard than background Japanese speakers.

You got some great advice from DM which I second. Japanese dramas, vlogs, shows as well as language exchanges are a great way to familiarize yourself to hearing the language.

[Sine]

I actually think examiners in the speaking exam would hold you to a lower standard than background Japanese speakers.

Yeah I have heard this too. Pretty dog tho