I haven't posted on here for a few months now (and I feel like I've broken some law in doing so), but it's for a good reason, I swear. The last post I made before this was actually the very last grammar point in all of Tobira. So hurray! I actually completed it!
And to be honest, I am proud that I completed it, because it was not an easy book. Let's compare it to something like Genki - not only are the grammar points in Genki pretty basic and intuitive (at least it feels that way now), but they're also covered way more within each lesson. This includes pretty detailed explanations and example sentences with English translations so you know you're on the right track. It holds your hand.
In contrast, Tobira does not hold your hand. It gives a very concise explanation for each grammar point and follows that with 4-5 example sentences. It's not lacking, but it's quite succinct. The usage of that grammar point could vary a decent amount within those sentences, and so it's up to you to figure out that usage and translate the sentences on your own. This forces your brain to do a lot more work across each chapter (well, that and the fact that each chapter contains 15+ new points).
So, do I feel better or more knowledgeable when it comes to ~N3 level Japanese grammar now? Well actually, I think I do. I know there are some points from the book that I may've forgotten due to their specificity, but there were many more broad, commonly-used points that I've begun to internalize. I can see this now in my reading comprehension and in my Japanese knowledge in general.
Does that mean I'd consider myself ready to pass the N3 test? Probably not. I've never even taken a practice test, and so I'd probably be a little lost at first in terms of the types of questions being asked. But I think if I buckled down and prepared for it that it'd certainly be possible. Now it's mostly a question of whether I have any desire to do so.
I'm not really sure if I do want to, to be honest. Perhaps I'll consider it if I reach near fluency at some point and I want to be able to add that skill to my resume. But right now, a certificate for N4 or N3 would do me little good and would mostly stress me out when combined with all the other stuff that's going on in my life right now. So I think I'll stay where I am for the time being.
Of course, that doesn't mean that I've stopped my studies at all. I'm back on a regular study schedule now, doing WaniKani, Anki, reading, and some listening practice almost every day. I would like to broaden my reading practice with something more interesting like a light novel, but I also need to improve my vocabulary to make reading less painful. I suppose I should continue working on that right now...
