What is the Best Way To Learn How To Speak And Read And Write Japanese?

Question

What is the Best Way To Learn How To Speak And Read And Write Japanese? Because I am thinking of going to Japan in a year or two for an exchange student program, but to qualify to go to Japan, I first have to learn how to speak, read and write Japanese. And there are no classes where I live that teach how to speak, read and write Japanese. So, I have to self-teach myself. I'm a little neverous, since everyone says that learning how to read and write Japanese Characters such as Romanji and Kanji is very hard.

Should I just buy a Japanese- English/ English - Japanese Dictonary and learn from there?

And which way is the fastest and cheapest?

Answer 1

You'll need a proper immersion program. Even then it will take several years to learn.

Answer 2

First of all, I think you are attempting the nearly impossible task. It might be possible if you are learning French or Spanish, but if there is no one around you to teach you, I'm not sure if it's a good idea (I'm Japanese and I know lots of Japanese people find their own language difficult...)

The BEST way, is to actually go to the country, live there for a few years, and study there. However, if you are required to know how to read, write, and speak Japanese before you go in a year or two, it might be troublesome, because in any language (with the exception of English, maybe) it is impossible to read, write, and speak fluently like a native in only a little time, especially in a country where the language is not spoken.

Also, just buying the dictionary won't help, because Japanese grammar is very different from the English grammar:so it might be better if you can get a booklet that starts out with the basic--learning the basic 50 hiragana and 50 katakana, for writing and reading. Even the textbooks aren't really good, because the way textbook teaches how to speak, is not how people normally speak in Japan.

There is no fastest way to read, write, and speak all at the same time, although it may be possible if you concentrate of reading/writing skills, or the speaking skills. If you are traveling there, I recommend the speaking skills, because Japan isn't like other countries, where people speak some English: they don't. Also, you probably have to learn to listen to Japanese and comprehend it, in order to speak. Music might be alright, but they are not the best source. As much as the Japanese-lesson CDs that are sold in stores have a conversation part that sounds like they are dying, it is better than listening to just the musics' lyrics.

I didn't mean to discourage you, but I just wanted to know what you are attempting. If you really want to learn it, try to find a decent teacher. I'm really happy that you are trying to learn our language. However, it may not be the easiest language to learn.

Good luck, though.

Answer 3

1. It's "romaji".
1.5. Romaji is not what you have to learn in order to read and write Japanese. You have to learn hiragana and katakana. THOSE are the writing systems (as well as kanji).

2. Don't buy a dictionary and try to "learn" from it. That is just a wholly stupid idea. Open up an English dictionary. Do you think you could actually learn how to properly use English from it? The answer is "no".

3. Dude, just don't even bother. You cannot learn a language alone. You have to have a teacher and put in a lot of time, money, and effort. If I was to be deciding whether you could or could not attend an exchange program to Japan and see that you learned *alone* I would seriously doubt your actual ability and would want a written and spoken sample before even considering giving you an OK. Japanese isn't a Western language, it contains a complex grammar system that is practically backwards to English. And I'll not even start on the culture (which you would also be expected to know before leaving).

Answer 4

I would say watching Japanese shows and listening to japanese music is the best way to LEARN japanese but not so helpful in helping read and write it, you just have to try and translate the words you hear in music and shows into english like when you where a kid, you have to make sense out of them.

Answer 5

if you cant take formal classes or lessons in japanese...

you can get the dictionary, but it wont do anything for you. i say you'll also need to some book on basic japanese grammar. that will tell you how to conjugate the different types of verbs in the japanese language, and how to use their troublesome particles.

this way you'll know the tango (vocab) but at the same time, you'll know how to actually put them into meaningful sentences and phrases. and you wont sound like some lame "i watch anime and listen to j-pop, therefore i know japanese" wannabe.

good luck though! japanese may be intimidating at first, but it's not so bad once you've dived in!

Answer 6

What exchange program are you going with?
The one I went with had no such requirements.
Youth For Understanding doesn't require any knowledge of Japanese, and you really learn a lot when you are there!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me!

Answer 7

You would have to find a teacher that suites your learning needs.

I have that, and I watch anime and listen to Japanese music. Used to watch TV Japan, an all Japanese television station, but sadly it cost too much to keep. I find doing all that helps, but it is impossible to learn by oneself unless that's your learning style.

Answer 8

Write the Hiragana, katakana, and Kanji over and over and write the meaning of the symbol next to it.

Use that pimsleur stuff, it really helps!

write vocabulary over and over

http://www.trussel.com/f_nih.htm

http://japanese.about.com/bl_verbs.htm

http://iteslj.org/v/j/

http://www.sabotenweb.com/bookmarks/language.html

http://www.timwerx.net/language/index.htm

http://linguanaut.com/english_japanese

Answer 9

there is a software called "follow me ;the korean edition"
but i can remember where i saw it right now ,all i know is a terrific program in less than a month and a half you are going to be able not just speak but write as well,great!!!!

Answer 10

Move there as soon as possible. Respect everyone you meet and make as many friends as you can.

Then, できると懸命に調査しなさい!