How best to learn Japanese?

[Dent]

Osu!

(There seem to be several of the board members interested in learning at least some Japanese, so this thread may be very helpful. I'm very interested in your ideas.)

OK, outside of being born in Japan to Japanese parents who speak only Japanese; the rest of us are going to need some additional resources.

Let us, for the sake of argument, also state that we aren't foreigners born in Japan, or citizens of other countries born to Japanese parents. Living in Japan is out, as is taking on another spouse/ significant other etc.

How best would you suggest the learning of the Japanese language? (Side note: Trying to learn in a class of Chinese folk also doesn't work very well. Talk about being behind the Kanji curve!)

Osu!

[ANTSAN]

I haven't tried this personally but a search into google resulted in free language software called Before You Know It which could be helpful:

http://www.byki.com/byki_descr.html

[Bloke]

Great Idea for a thread Dent - Im very interested to hear the answers

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by ANTSAN

I haven't tried this personally but a search into google resulted in free language software called Before You Know It which could be helpful:

Thank you. That does look interesting, AntSan. I like the bit about flashcards for iPod use. Very smart idea that too.

Osu!

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by Bloke

Great Idea for a thread Dent - Im very interested to hear the answers

Thanks, Bloke! I',m not given that many good ideas, so I try to space them out every six months or so...

Osu!

[Nix]

I got a Japanese-learning CD-ROM from the library (they apparently didn't want it back, so...). It's not bad, it will learn you the basics. You could also watch Japanese animé, but of course that will only get you so far. My grandfather learned Norwegian by reading comic books, so I guess it is possible, but he also lived there. To fully learn Japanese, you probably need a teacher.

[kakatootoshi]

Originally Posted by Dent

Osu!

(There seem to be several of the board members interested in learning at least some Japanese, so this thread may be very helpful. I'm very interested in your ideas.)

OK, outside of being born in Japan to Japanese parents who speak only Japanese; the rest of us are going to need some additional resources.

Let us, for the sake of argument, also state that we aren't foreigners born in Japan, or citizens of other countries born to Japanese parents. Living in Japan is out, as is taking on another spouse/ significant other etc.

How best would you suggest the learning of the Japanese language? (Side note: Trying to learn in a class of Chinese folk also doesn't work very well. Talk about being behind the Kanji curve!)

Osu!

Dear Dent,
Is not taking proper lessons the simplest answer? Same argument as "Can we learn Kyokushin from books and videos?"

Or are you actually asking for methods of self-learning Japanese?

OSU!

[Kris]

Self learning works very well in the beginning with Japanese. Listen to the CDs from Pimsleur and work with the interactive CD from Rosetta Stone for example. Learning Hiragana, Katakana and basic kanji from self study books are also fairly easy.

After this I started to study with a teacher. It is so much easier having a person explain new grammar to you rather than learn it from scratch in a book. Even if you are not in Japan you can still take classes. At nights, once a week would still be better than doing it totally on your own, which I think is impossible for most people.

[oniyuri]

(Due to not having posted enough replies, I cannot submit links in my messages. Therefore I've only written the names of the sites that I mention. They should be among the first to appear on google, though.)

I used to study japanese at the local university, so I have no real experience to speak of regarding self learning.

But still, during my time as a japanese student I kept hearing a lot about the site Japanesepod101.
It has changed somewhat in appearance since I visited it last, but if the content is still the same, I'd say it's quite useful.

Also, concerning translation, these two are to recommend:
Jim Breen's Japanese Dictionary and Reading Tutor.

Hope you'll find them useful! ^_^

[vapor]

Jumping in the pool and having to swim is the best way---not always painless, but the need glares you in the face....

But, given that not everyone can just jump on a plane to Japan....getting the basics down on your own has merit

As Kris mentioned Pimsluer and Rosetta Stone are both good programs (I have worked with both of the companies in my previous career, and the two programs are different in method, so depending on your learning style, a choice would need to be made)

Language exchange is also another way.....find an exchange student from Japan in your area, and it is a barter.....for x amount of time, you both speak Japanese, then you switch to English....win-win if you can find the right personality who has the patience!!

vapor

[Dent]

Osu! KakatoOtoshi,

Originally Posted by kakatootoshi

Dear Dent,
Is not taking proper lessons the simplest answer? Same argument as "Can we learn Kyokushin from books and videos?"

Or are you actually asking for methods of self-learning Japanese?

OSU!

Yes, you caught me being a bit naughty.

The best way is almost certainly with a qualified teacher. I do recommend that just as with a Karate class, you check out the class and the instructor thoroughly.

Now for those without much access to native Japanese speakers, some of those suggestions will probably be quite helpful.

Osu!

[StarKodama]

I think it's crucial to have a teacher, at least in the beginning. You can self-teach from there on.

As for me, I watched a ton of Japanese TV shows and tried to copy what the people on TV said, exactly the way they said it. It sounds dumb but I'm often complimented on my pronounciation, so I guess it worked!

[Kris]

I found that learning the writing was a good way for me to sort of "see what I heard". Hiragana is only 50 symbols and with that you can write everything. ( in a somewhat childish style, but it works) Self learning hiragana can be done in a week or two with a pencil. Just copy it a few hundred times on paper.

[vapor]

Originally Posted by StarKodama

I think it's crucial to have a teacher, at least in the beginning. You can self-teach from there on.

As for me, I watched a ton of Japanese TV shows and tried to copy what the people on TV said, exactly the way they said it. It sounds dumb but I'm often complimented on my pronounciation, so I guess it worked!

This is exactly the way that I did...and still do, learn new things.

I call it parrot learning (I coined the phrase...Trade Mark pending!! )

In my opinion, it prevents you from having to re-invent the wheel....if you can hear phrases that are being said, then you don't have to go to a whole lot of effort to compose logical sentences...the work has already been done for you!!

vapor

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by vapor

This is exactly the way that I did...and still do, learn new things.

I call it parrot learning (I coined the phrase...Trade Mark pending!! )

In my opinion, it prevents you from having to re-invent the wheel....if you can hear phrases that are being said, then you don't have to go to a whole lot of effort to compose logical sentences...the work has already been done for you!!

vapor

Bah! I knew it was going to be more difficult than for most. What most don't know about me, unless they are lucky (?) enough to drive with me, is that I'm a bit hard of hearing. Great after a rock concert or the firing range when everybody is equally deaf, but terrible for the subtleties of pronunciation.

Tonality in voice is difficult to copy, both on the hearing and on the speaking side. Modification of mistakes is also a bit more difficult.

Osu!

[satodojo]

Osu, Dent san,
You live in the area that has a great language school.
Check the website below.
http://www.pcjls.org/e_index.html
Their JASL (Japanese as second language) program is highly recommended.
Or, come to NYC to attend our Friday's second session every week.

[supergroup7]

My daughter is learning Japanese from a local Japanese Cultural Center. They allow non-Japanese people to become members and participate in their events. She has opportunities to sit, listen, and try to converse with others in a real social environment. I think that this is a great way to learn.

She also enjoys watching the Japanese Anime cartoons with english subtitles, and listen to Japanese contemporary music. Although it doesn't teach her Japanese, she has found that certain phrases, flow of speech, etc. have "caught" in her mind just through hearing it.

I would recommend "Death note" as an anime to watch. I found it fantastic to watch myself. Also, you might enjoy watching "Full Metal Alchemist" episodes. I do not know where to find the online videos of these, but I'll ask my daughter, if you are interested.

[Dent]

Osu! SatoDojo,

Originally Posted by satodojo

Osu, Dent san,
You live in the area that has a great language school.
Check the website below.
http://www.pcjls.org/e_index.html
Their JASL (Japanese as second language) program is highly recommended.
Or, come to NYC to attend our Friday's second session every week.

That's a great find! Thank you very much for sending this link. I also like the idea of the two sessions in your neighborhood.

Osu!

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by supergroup7