continuma: Studying Nihon Go

Maybe some of you wandering why lately I’m using some Japanese words in my writing. Yup, I’m taking a Japanese language course in Pusat Studi Jepang UGM. I recently study in small rustic class with only few classmates. Meet my classmates in Level 2, they are Gadiz-san, Dien-san, Crystal-san, Celine-san, Taka-san, Agra-san, Rido-san, and Dini-san. And we have the loveliest sensei, Icha sensei!

Level 2 in PSJ UGM is still categorized as a level for beginners, still N5 in Japanese language proficiency index, which is the lowest level. For your information, if you want to study or work in Japan, you must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). The lowest level is N5, ability to understand some basic Japanese.

Then there’s N4, ability to understand basic Japanese. Followed by N3, ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situation to a certain degree. Then N2, ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations and in a variety of circumstances to a certain degree. The last is N1, which is the ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances. Usually if you want to study or work there, you must pass either N3 or N2.

Hey, do you want to peek the book I found in the library there? Check this out.

It’s the history of Japan. Inspite of it’s awesomeness, I can’t imagine how can Icha sensei survive in Japanese Literature Department learning about Japanese history, she must be tough.

History from time to time

Shinto, Japanese belief

Kabuki -somekind of Ketoprak or Wayang Orang

There is culture class every session, this session we had COOKING! Let me tell you it’s the best part of studying there. We cooked Japanese traditional food such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Sushi, Onigiri, and Yakisoba. Delicious, all-you-can-eat, and free! I can’t be more thankful!