I've been trying to learn for about 2 years now, but it hasn't gone so well. Money is too tight in my family for me to buy anything, so I would like either a "penpal" or some websites with free lessons.
2007-07-15 11:02:14 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Well, I'll probably earn a bit of money soon from babysitting once I get back to my house in 3 weeks, seeing as I'm in Arizona on vacation right now. Do books and CDs cost a lot of money? Is it really worth it?
2007-07-15 11:10:09 · update #1
http://www.kanji-a-day.com
That's a good site for learning kanji for free.
You can also download a program called "Kanji Gold" for free.
If you go to the library, just study whatever they have.
Money in itself doesn't necessarily help people learn Japanese. It may help them build up a collection of unread books though.
One problem in Japan is that many people want to learn English, so some go to eikaiwa (English conversation schools). They spend a fair amount of money, figuring the more they go, the better their English will become. That's only true to some extent. A lot of these people don't really improve because they don't study enough on their own. It's true that conversation is a great way to learn, but it doesn't guarantee good skills. You really have to dedicate yourself to learning.
My advice would be to study whatever you can get ahold of, and as much as possible. Penpals and stuff like that will definitely help too. Also check out any Japanese videos on Youtube. There are tons. Even just listening, without understanding, is good to get used to how Japanese sounds. You might want to listen to some Japanese music. Whatever you can find in Japanese, take a look.
Ganbatte!
2007-07-15 12:03:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Hey there :D I have some tips for you. I've been studying Japanese for almost a year. Rosetta Stone bootleg- yes, bootleg. It's helpful, trust me. It taught me hiragana...it teaches you some basic verbs. Japanese Demyisified- Great for new learners and intermidate. Youtube- Full of videos. Go to RanAbvideo :) she's my teacher and totally helpful. Dictornaries- once you learn the "te form" (similar to how we have ing" but wait till awhile too also to learn basic adjective conjugations. Lang-8: wait till you learn hiragana. This site allows you to write journals in the language you're learning. You can use google translator later too if you go from Japanese to English. Writing sheets: practice with hiragana and katakana. Grammar books: get basic grammar books then build your way up. Also, a dictornary with pictures wouldn't be bad later on too...also with a CD. Japanese music- I watch anime. Full Moon wo Sagashite, Sailor Moon and Angel Beats subtitled. Anime- as I mentioned above... If subtitles aren't on a video, I can get the idea of what they're saying :) which you can do eventually. Try to study as much as possible.
2016-05-18 04:17:59 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most large bookstores will let you sit in the store and read or study. I have found many fine books at both Barnes & Noble and Borders. In my opinion, the best one I've come acrossed is called Japanese in Mangaland. It's quite good at getting you aquainted with the principles of the Japanese language and teaching early vocabulary.
Also check out a website called thejapanesepage.com. It's a little small, but great for getting started. Then you can go to sharedtalk.com and get a Japanese penpal.
2007-07-15 11:10:58 · answer #3 · answered by ricothe3rd 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Well, besides Internet bills (which you pay anyway), this method is free.
Download Skype, and talk to Japanese people. Do a language exchange. You can also goto Mixi to learn the kanji/kana if you can get a Japanese friend to invite you in.
2007-07-15 11:31:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
There are heaps of websites that introduce penpals, just google it. It would be helpful if you buy a textbook - i recommend "japanese for busy people" for conversational info and vocab, and "basic kanji book" for writing - you can buy them both from the website below. Good luck!
2007-07-15 15:51:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
i know some people who studying japanese in here.
they're spending money and time but i dont think that's good choice.
japanese class scadule is kinda tight and lots of homeworks..
you better find japanese friend and penpal.
they can teach you how to talk and write japanese.
i checked some japanese class's text before but there are lots of mistakes.... i doubt that they can learn japanese...
somebody already suggest you some good web . try it. and get japanese friend.
good luck!
2007-07-15 12:29:21 · answer #6 · answered by askawow 47 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You Tube....many Japanese programs listed.
Also, I found a great quiz site to help you get started on Hiragana and Katakana. see link below
2007-07-15 11:07:47 · answer #7 · answered by x 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The internet provdes many websites for conversational Japanese. Also, watch lots of anime! Free fansubs are abundant!
2007-07-15 11:04:41 · answer #8 · answered by Jack Rivall 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Writing and reading on paper is necessary for learning Asian language which use characters and symbols.
2007-07-16 00:48:04 · answer #9 · answered by Joriental 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well if you want to learn fluently, its impossible not to spend money but other than that there Internet!
2007-07-15 11:05:58 · answer #10 · answered by Glam_Girl_98 :) 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋