[Harold]

I started not even a year ago. (Late May '07)
I can hold a fairly decent conversation if I have a dictionary nearby. However, I talk at a very slow pace.

Subtitles for television shows have been probably one of the best learning tools for me. They have helped my ears in getting accustomed to the natural rate of speech. I still have quite a way to go.

I'd have to say my biggest weakness conversation-wise is my inability to comprehend slang and my slow rate of speech.

Oh, also. 独学しています。でも、今年の夏休みは留学生で日本に 行って高校に入ります。