Really want to learn Japanese?

Question

I am 15 male, in new zealand and are somewhat fasicinated by Japan. I respect their culture and basically just how they go about their everyday lives. last year i was not "smart" enough to take the course, therefore i cannot do it this year or the year after and go to japan with my schools exchange next year. I would love to learn japanese. How would i do this? could i teach my self some basics from the internet or some software? or would i have to go to a tutor? can they teach you from scratch? i only speak english. I also know of exchange programmes i will go on once i have learnt some japanese

Answer 1

I've been studyind Japanese for 5 years at my home university and for 1 year in Japan (as an exchange student).
To my mind you should get some basics not from the internet or any other sources by yourself, but form teachers or tutors.
I'm sure there are a lot of students from Japan in New Zeland looking for a part-time job! So for a start you could try to find an English-speaking Japanese who will be willing to teach you! If you manage (i'm sure you will!) - then try to have your lessons not less than twice a week (otherwise it will be hard for you to advance in your studies).
When you get some basics you will be able to read. Start with literature for children or manga (Japanese comics).
And of course when you get a chance - go to Japan!!!
Good luck ;)

Answer 2

First of all, don't discredit yourself by saying you weren't "smart" enough to take the Japanese course. Perhaps you were unprepared, but the same can be said for anyone who just started learning the language. With enough effort you can definitely learn Japanese as well as anyone else.

I've studied Japanese on my own for two years and then at my university for three more years. In the two years I was studying on my own I covered enough material to skip the Japanese basics, which was two years worth of Japanese at my university.

I first started out on the internet, which wasn't as good then as it is now for material. One site I would suggest is http://www.popjisyo.com . It allows you to input a Japanese website and will translate the individual characters for you as you hover over them with your mouse. Although this may be a little much for you right now, I would definitely bookmark it.

As for the absolute basics, I got all the study material I ever needed from my local library. I checked out everything from dictionaries, kanji texts, grammar books and even phrase books. This is the easiest way to get access to some free material.

However, if you're serious enough about this to purchase some Japanese books I would recommend the Genki series (http://genki.japantimes.co.jp/index.en.html) published by Japan Times. As a matter of fact, most of the texts I've seen by Japan Times tends to be rather informative.

Another thing someone mentioned are comics. If you can get comics or books from Japan that are at a child's reading level it will help you immensely. Some of the material will be difficult to understand, but you will be amazed what you can pick up after working at it. You might also be able to find some of this online, although I would have no idea where to find it. I would recommend books more than software anyway, since studying at a computer monitor for hours isn't very comfortable.

Lastly, if you can, find a tutor. There are plenty of places online where you can email a Japanese person looking to exchange language study (primarily English). Hopefully that person's English will be at a level you can converse with, otherwise there will be quite a language barrier. A website I would suggest for language exchange is http://www.japan-guide.com/local/?aCAT=3 .

Once you have all the materials and resources, you will need to practice. If you are serious about this then you'll need to practice and sometimes it will not be easy. Keeping yourself motivated can be tough, especially if you are having trouble with certain aspects of the language. Try to immerse yourself in the language somehow (Television, music, movies, etc.) to keep your interest while allowing you to listen to the language being spoken.

And again: practice, practice, practice!

Answer 3

Honestly! The best way to learn Japanese is from a Japanese friend. I say this because if you can find a good teacher then he will teach you correct pronunciation.

Another way is to watch japanese anime. Watching anime is a fun and effective way to practice, once you've already gotten a firm foundation elsewhere so you have a chance of knowing what they're saying. Cover up the subtitles with a piece of paper and do NOT rely on them or try to learn from them. Try to repeat as much as you can.

Yet another way is on iTunes, JapanesePod101 it's free and you learn how to speak it easily, they have beginner, advance, intermediate lessons and survival phrases. I've learned so much from it! That and listening to Japanese music also helps you pick up words here and there and it'll help you immerse yourself in that language better.

Hiring a private tutor for one-on-one tutoring is the best way to go. However, if money is an issue, you can opt for online tutoring instead. Try some online tutoring services like:
http://www.tuitionplaza.com/tutoring/ - tutoring by retired teachers and volunteers (free)

Think ouside the box and you'll have more options! Good Luck and enjoy learning Nihongo.

Answer 4

Try taking Japanese categories on Saturday. Everywhere I've been continually host Japanese categories. Check out your regional neighborhood core. Watching Japanese indicates, dramas and anime will more commonly educate you the fundamentals if you happen to watch ample. From what persons inform me, they suppose its handy. But after they do talk it, they announciate it weirdly do to the truth that they do not have this Japanese accessory.

Answer 5

konichiwa- good morning, hello, good day, afternoon
kobanwa- good evening
hello (answering phone only) moshi moshi

what is your name- anohito no namae wa nan desu ka?

my name is ____
watashi wa ___ desu

you are my friend- anata no tomodachi desu.

excuse me- sumi meson
I'm sorry- gomen
I'm sorry polite- gomen desai

good bye-sayonara, jene (informal)