Japanese Language..?

Question

Is it possible to learn off of the computer, with nobody actually speaking it... and how long would it usually take?

Possible to learn Japanese off the computer... just by reading it with english letters, with nobody actually telling you how to say things, and how long on average does it take to learn.

Answer 1

muzukashii

Answer 2

I think that it is possible if you have a certain amount of drive and determination. You may develop quite a vocabulary but sentence structure and grammar might throw you off a bit once you try and use it. I suggest getting a book called, "Japanese for Busy People". It has basic sentence structure and writing in it. Also, try getting Japanese on tape. That way, you'll learn how the language flows (proper inclination). I think the tapes helped me the most. Of course I learned the greatest amount through emersion ( I am still no where near fluent and I've been in Japan close to 4 years). It takes lots of practice, and depends greatly on your motivation. Gambatte ne! (wish you luck)

Answer 3

It is very difficult to learn to speak/comprehend Japanese without actually using it. Speaking skills are much different than reading/writing. Pronunciation is actually quite easy, but even if you know the grammar, it is much different when you have to construct a sentence verbally. When you read, you can go at your own pace, but when you speak, you need to be quick if you want to sound fluent and keep conversations going.

Are you young? Not in college yet? If so, I think the best thing to do is to teach yourself hiragana, katakana, and kanji. The only thing you need to learn these are either reliable websites or a book of kanji. You don't need Japanese people to learn to read/write (but with writing, pay attention to stroke order). You can also teach yourself basic grammar. Learn vocabulary along with the kanji and you will greatly benefit from it!

Once you get into college, you can then choose one that offers Japanese. Your knowledge of hiragana, katakana, and kanji will give you an advantage when you learn to write/read, and any grammar points you learn will also help.

If you are past college or are already attending a university that does not offer Japanese, then you should find a language partner. If there is a university near you, you can contact them and tell them you want to do a language exchange with one of their Japanese exchange students. Language exchanges allow you to learn directly from the Japanese person. Keep in mind that they usually involve you also helping them with English. Just make sure that you don't end up only working on their English.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You have great Ans--I'd like to add that I got to live in Japan long ago for a yr; took conversation lessons from a Dr's wife who used to live in the States. The only difficulty that I remember is the intonation and pitch, but the communication still came across. I found a book on Hiragana and Katakana and found that they were phonetic!
I think there were 52 ? sounds. I got some children's fairy tale books and found they read from the back of "our" books; from Right to Left; and from top, down! I had been switched in the 1st Gr from being Left-handed to Right! Messed up my speech--everything. Reading was difficult for me and I did only what I HAD to do for school. No such thing as leisure reading for fun! But Hiragana intrigued me, esp when I could make my way around town in Fukuoka, and I learned the sounds/words. I could read signs and children's books...and those seemed to "heal" my reading block! I was living right near Hakata Bay and found Sampson's History of Japan. Ghengis Khan's invading fleets had been destroyed 3 times by the Divine Winds--Kamikaze in 1281, etc. I was hooked and have been reading ever since! I'll always be thankful for my experience there! And immersion was really the best way for me and a wonderful patient Dr's wife! Understanding of other cultures always helps us understand our own better.

Answer 5

It is best to learn a language with a native speaker so you could practice speaking. If you just want to read and write, it is possible through self study with a good text book or online, however you will benefit from a live instructor or a native speaker.

Gambatte!

Answer 6

You can only learn so much from the internet. You need to learn the living language. If you want, I can put you in touch with a Japanese person who would be happy to teach you Japanese. If you help with English in return.

Good luck to you.

Answer 7

Well, I think Japanese pronunciation is relatively easier than other languages, so you could learn Japanese without any teacher.
I'm sure that it will take years, though.
Why don't you teach yourself basic grammer and letters (as you know, there are three kinds of letters) and then get somebody to correct your writing and speaking??

Japanese is hard even for native speakers like me!!

Answer 8

i dont understand the question