i want to learn Japanese just for fun. What programs should i use?

Question

I am very interested in the japanese culture and would like to learn japanese on my spare time. What programs should i use and how long will it take me? How hard is the language?

Answer 1

So you want to learn Japanese eh? Great choice! The language is fun, the culture is fascinating, and the food is delicious!

Here's a few tips to get you started.

1. Be aware that Japanese is unlike any other language. You need to completely rewire your brain to speak it effectively. This website ( http://kimallen.sheepdogdesign.net/Japanese/index.html ) gives a great introduction on how the language is structured in relation to English. For a more detailed approach, check out this website ( http://www.guidetojapanese.org )

2. Language learning consists of four parts: Hearing, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Be sure to focus on each of these areas, but especially hearing and speaking. To help, try JapanesePod101.com ( http://www.japanesepod101.com/ ) and sign up for their free podcasts. This is a great resource for Japanese learners. You can also look for a Japanese pen pal on the internet. Shared Talk ( http://www.sharedtalk.com ) seems to have serious students, who aren't just looking for a girl/boyfriend.

3. Study everything! Don't look for one or two resources and expect to learn everything from them. When someone asks which book, CD, or computer program is best to learn from, I say, "All of them!" I learned something from every Japanese language-related book I've ever read. Read a lot and you'll learn a lot. For starters, I liked the book "Japanese: The Manga Way" by Wayne P. Lammers.

4. Take a class. The good thing about taking a Japanese class is that it forces you to study, even if you don't want to. It also provides a nice structure for learning the language, along with someone who can correct your pronunciation.

5. Go to Japan! This is the number one, fastest, easiest, guaranteed-to-work way to learn Japanese. Even if it's just for a visit, being immersed in the language is a huge benefit to study. Japanese people are usually really supportive of foreigners learning their language and their encouragement will be a great boost for you.

6. Never give up! Japanese is a really hard language. It might seem fun now, but it also requires a lot of memorization and practice. Don't expect to be fluent even after a few years of study (especially if you're not studying in Japan). Language learning is a life-long pursuit.

これから頑張ってね!

Answer 2

Look up the Berlitz school of languages. It was German owned but I think the Japanese bought it.

Answer 3

make some Japaneses friends