Blog Archives
BLITZED: What I Learned Reading 100 Books in 100 Days in My Target Language
Blitzed, by Jason S. Comely, is a fascinating and somewhat eccentric dive into language learning through an intense, self-imposed challenge. Comely embarks on a 100-day journey to read 100 books in Polish, a language he is just beginning to learn. The book chronicles his experiment, blending personal anecdotes, language-learning tips, and reflections on the books he blitzes through in this mental marathon. It’s a quirky mix of language-learning guide and memoir, offering insights into the highs and lows of this unconventional approach.
One thing that stands out immediately is Comely’s relentless drive and creativity. His creation of the “Bimodal Blitz” method—reading while simultaneously listening to audiobooks—shows a commitment to hacking his way through the frustrating walls of traditional language learning. For instance, when he tackles classics like Animal Farm and Candide, the struggle is palpable. He often loses his place, gets mentally exhausted, and admits to barely understanding chunks of the text. Yet, there’s something inspiring in his persistence. He doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. That honesty makes the book relatable and motivating for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by learning a language.
Comely is open in sharing his thoughts througohout this experience. When he blitzes through Lolek, a memoir about the bond between a man and his dog, Comely notes improvements in his Polish comprehension but doesn’t seem to connect emotionally with the content. In some cases, the rapid-fire consumption of literature sometimes reduces the books to mere stepping stones in his language journey rather than meaningful experiences.
The book is also full of moments that resonate emotionally. Comely’s reflections on books like Anne Frank show a more introspective side. He finds himself moved by Anne’s unwavering optimism despite the grim historical context, a sentiment that clearly touches him on a personal level. It’s in these moments that Blitzed transcends from being just a log of a language experiment to a heartfelt exploration of human resilience and connection through the written word.
Blitzed is not your typical language-learning book. It’s raw and sometimes chaotic. Full of triumphs and stumbles. Comely’s journey is a testament to the power of immersion and persistence in learning a new language. I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in learning a new language, especially through an unorthodox method. It is also great for people who enjoy stories of personal challenges and growth, with the added bonus of discovering new books along the way.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0D8BLRXJN
Broaden Children’s Cultural Understanding
In Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?, readers learn alongside two children from America and Japan who discover fun differences in the way their two cultures express onomatopoeias. Where did the idea for this book come from?
When I first started studying Japanese, I was amazed by how much onomatopoeia is used in everyday conversations. In US English, we use words like “pop,” “meow,” “crackle,” and “bang” to add vividness to our language. However, in Japanese, there are thousands of onomatopoeia used that not only represent real sounds but also describe conditions, movements, and feelings. For example, “fura-fura” means dizzy, “waku-waku” means excited, and “noro-noro” means moving slowly. I found these expressions so colorful and funny that I thought they would be a fun way to introduce language differences to children. While teaching cross-cultural education at elementary schools in Kobe, Japan, one of my most popular lessons was about the differences in Japanese and US animal sounds. This experience inspired me to write my award-winning children’s book, Why Max MEOWS and Risa NYAAS?
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
Because Japanese and US English languages have different pronunciations, I wanted to ensure children learn the correct way to pronounce Japanese animal sounds. After consulting with several native Japanese speakers, I created a chart for the book that includes both Japanese and US English animal sounds with phonetic pronunciation and spelling.
What is one thing you hope young readers, their parents, and teachers are able to take away from Max and Risa’s story?
Having lived in Japan for over 25 years, the culture has profoundly influenced my life. Through my children’s book, I want to introduce young minds to the wonders of Japanese art, language, and culture. In my book, Max, an American boy, is intrigued when he hears Risa, a Japanese girl, mimic a cat’s sound as “nyaa” instead of “meow.” This curiosity leads to the discovery that animals might “speak” different languages in different parts of the world. I hope teachers and parents can use this universal concept of animal sounds to broaden children’s cultural understanding and even spark interest in learning a foreign language.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
In line with my mission to introduce children to the rich traditions of Japanese art, culture, and language, I am currently writing a book with a Kintsugi theme. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, celebrating imperfections, and embracing the beauty of flaws. Additionally, I am working on a second onomatopoeia-themed book that introduces the Japanese onomatopoeia used to express feelings and emotions.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Amazon
Max’s ordinary day takes an extraordinary turn when he and his friend Risa stumble upon a cage with a mouse in their classroom. They realize something peculiar – they hear animal sounds differently. Why does a mouse go “chu-chu”or a crow cry “kaa-kaa”? Max and his friend Risa embark on a mission to uncover the truth! Are dogs barking “wan-wan”? Is it “meow-meow” or “nyaa-nyaa” for a cat?
With vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline, get ready to giggle as Max and Risa reveal the hilarious differences between English and Japanese animal sounds.
Will Max and Risa ever agree on the horse’s sound? Grab your detective hat and join them on their whimsical journey to find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship, curiosity, and the magic of language.
Why Max “Meows and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures
Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures, by David Huerta, is a delightful exploration of onomatopoeias, emphasizing their role in developing language skills such as speech fluency and pronunciation. The story follows Max, an American boy, and Risa, a Japanese girl, who share a classroom in Japan. Max is initially puzzled when he realizes that Risa interprets the sound a mouse makes differently than he does. This discovery leads him to embark on a fascinating journey with Risa to uncover how animal sounds are interpreted across cultures.
The characters of Max and Risa are endearing and humorous, showcasing a strong, supportive friendship. Their interactions are engaging and highlight the joy of learning about cultural differences. Through their journey, readers gain valuable insights into Japanese culture, as Max and Risa navigate their differing perspectives and learn to appreciate each other’s viewpoints. This narrative beautifully illustrates the importance of accepting others’ opinions and the value of collaboration.
Huerta’s book features a charming array of animal sounds, including those of dogs, cats, and sheep, offering a rich and entertaining learning experience. To enhance understanding, a table at the end lists the sounds in English, Japanese, and their Japanese pronunciations, providing a practical reference for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, with clear and relaxed tones that make the story visually appealing. Set in a lively school environment, the narrative portrays learning as an enjoyable adventure. Although some sentences may be a bit long for very young readers, the explanations are thorough, and the concepts are conveyed clearly.
Why Max “Meows” and Risa “Nyaas”?: Cracking the Code of Animal Sounds Across Cultures is a charming and educational tale that not only introduces children to animal sounds but also serves as a captivating introduction to Japanese culture. David Huerta has created a story that is both entertaining and enlightening, making it an excellent resource for fostering cultural awareness and language development in young readers.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D1RLPDXX
Fluent by Fire: Language Learning RPG
In the vibrant world of role-playing games (RPGs), players immerse themselves in character-driven adventures, embarking on quests and navigating complex interactions. Jason Comely’s Fluent by Fire: Language Learning RPG ingeniously applies this gaming concept to the process of language learning, presenting a novel and engaging approach. Comely proposes that mastering a new language can be akin to participating in the most immersive RPG. Each conversation becomes a quest, and every interaction is an opportunity to level up in your linguistic abilities. This analogy transforms the often-daunting task of language acquisition into an interactive and dynamic experience, reminiscent of the skills-building in video games.
The book suggests that by treating language learning as an RPG, individuals can adopt a playful yet strategic mindset. Approaching lessons and real-world interactions with the same enthusiasm and determination as one would in a game allows for a deeper appreciation and a more effective learning process. Each successful communication becomes a victory, comparable to completing a challenging quest in a game. This concept stands out as one of the most original and innovative methods for language learning. Comely’s analogy simplifies the learning process, making it accessible and appealing, especially to the millions who have grown up enjoying RPGs. For these readers, the idea of “leveling up” through each new conversation is both familiar and motivating.
While I feel the RPG analogy may not resonate as strongly with those unfamiliar with gaming, the approach still offers valuable insights. Even readers who are not avid gamers can benefit from the motivational framework Comely provides. The book emphasizes the sense of achievement that comes with advancing in language skills, likening it to the satisfaction of overcoming a challenging game scenario.
Fluent by Fire provides a refreshing perspective on language learning. By merging the engaging aspects of RPGs with the intricacies of acquiring a new language, Comely delivers a compelling strategy that could revolutionize how people approach language education. This short yet impactful read promises to inspire and motivate anyone looking to enhance their language skills in a fun and meaningful way.
Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0CNQK444F
LITERARY TITAN 