skywatcher

For me, it can go either way. I have this tendency to find for dual-audio versions of anime I watch, and then watch it all the way in subbed version - and then rewatch it while listening to the dubbed version. And then afterwards, I watch it while alternating the dubbed and subbed versions, and listening/comparing the language the translators used and the one the dubbers used. It's a fun experience for me, since I get to see and check and compare not only the words they used, but I also get to imagine Japanese voice actors speaking the English subs in their voices, haha!

It's a thing we do! Though it's not exactly "made-up". I think most of our words are based on a rather odd mixture of English and our native language (Filipino). The most I've used is "kebs", which is an abbreviation of the word "keribells", which is another derivation for "carry on", which is kind of becoming a new slang for "go on" or "okay".

I always have a dictionary with me everyday, and a few dictionary applications on my phone. I'm not sure, but it's better to always have a dictionary and a thesaurus handy (especially in my case, since my course is related to communication) when everyday life offers you a confusing bunch of people saying words here and there. It's good if you always have a reliable dictionary and thesaurus nearby to help you check (and recheck and verify) for the meaning of words you suddenly forgot, or words which meaning you suddenly doubted.

They are! At least, for me. Especially during the times when we had our Advanced Grammar classes, and most of the exams are composed of sentence correction (as in, a pure 100-item test where we're going to find out if sentences are structurally correct or not, and if not, we're supposed to rewrite the thing in its correct form), we really had to depend and check on English language apps. But I think it's also fun to have things like these constantly test and help you reevaluate your language skills, especially if these apps get updated with the latest words that help you get updated, and it's also cool if they help you refresh your skills.

I like it! Music can be a form of inspiration of sorts. Instead of simply relying on just "wanting" to learn the language and pushing yourself, the songs we listen to can actually push us to learn more about a language. It can't be a fully-blown lesson that can make us understand a lot about the language, sure, but the little bits that we learn just because we "want" to learn are good techniques to force new words into our head without forgetting them.

If it's not Japanese, it has got to be either French or Latin. Japanese, not just because I'm a big fan of Japanese culture, but because I find their language unique and creative than other conventionally learned languages. They have separate sets of characters, thousands of interchangeable symbols with very sensitive differences, and it could greatly help me if I chose to have a career in Japan, especially as a writer or a speaker.

I don't exactly overuse it, but I can't say I'm not using "lol" in day-to-day matters. I admit, I use "lol" when speaking to my friends (sometimes), but I really use "LOL" when I find something extremely funny. Most of the time, we usually use "haha" or "HAHAHA" (if it's really funny) instead. But aside from this, we barely use "lol".

For me, it would definitely be speaking. I'm able to express myself effectively through writing, but speaking is another matter entirely. I have to consider my intonation, the proper pronunciation, the diction and my hand gestures, especially my facial gestures. I have to consider everything - from the audience, to the setting, and to my piece as well. I have to be able to effectively adjust myself depending on what happens while I'm speaking. This is harden than writing because, unlike writing that allows us to be in control of the situation, anything can happen while I'm speaking - which means I have to learn how to adapt quickly and respond effectively just the same.

This depends, but I try to read in a normal pace. Normal as in, not too fast that I couldn't read anything properly, but not too slow that it'd take me decades to finish something. I only read something slow when I have to understand them (i.e., philosophical texts, lessons at school, or a book I'm really interested in), and I only read something fast when I challenge myself or when I have to (i.e., quick reviewing, scanning and skimming notes). But when it comes to books, I always read in a regular pace and re-read when I want to understand and analyze something better.

I think it's appropriate for correct grammar to be observed whenever I'm writing or speaking to other people. Although this actually depends. If I'm deliberately using incorrect grammar for, say, entertainment, then I guess it's alright. But when it comes to learning new languages, and for formal purposes, I believe it's a definite must for me to be able to use appropriate and correct grammar. This is especially the case with new languages - I definitely have to learn how to use certain words correctly, and to find out their appropriate flow in a sentence, so I could effectively learn the language.