I think I need to go to school. Not being able to keep up with the speed at which people talk at, is a source of constant frustration and embarrassment. It's like, in casual settings, everyone seems to talk at 3x speed and less intelligible.
My specific case:
- I am a permanent resident and semi-retired. I have no work requirements or student requirements.
- I already tested and passed the JLPT N2 exam a few years ago.
- I self-study Japanese and have never studied in a classroom. I have done this by reviewing flashcards 30-60 mins every day for a good part of a decade.
- I have always lived alone and have never had a "Japanese helper". Everyone seems to think that immigrants are dependent on their Japanese spouse. I assure you that I have never asked a Japanese speaker accompany me to translate or do paperwork. I take care of my own shit solo.
by CSachen