Exploring Effective Strategies for Learning Japanese
Written on
My journey in learning Japanese has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. As I reflect on my experience with the JLPT in July while gearing up for the December exam, I feel compelled to share my insights.
Although I’m not an authority on Japanese or standardized testing — being a literature enthusiast who prefers essays over exams — I often find myself stumbling over basic kanji while occasionally acing questions that seem beyond my current level.
Clearly, there are significant gaps in my knowledge, stemming from a haphazard approach to language acquisition. I often search for new words and grammar on a whim, opting to save money rather than invest in textbooks explicitly designed for JLPT preparation.
Yet, my goal isn't merely to pass the JLPT and move on. I don't want to regurgitate phrases like "declining birth rate and aging population" without understanding the context or implications of such discussions. Instead, I’d prefer to engage in lively conversations about the intricacies of vampires in manga or reminisce about my middle school gossip — topics that foster genuine dialogue.
If you're looking to form meaningful connections with Japanese speakers or plan to stay in Japan for an extended period, I’ve compiled a list of resources and techniques that have enriched my Japanese skills, enabling me to not only succeed in exams but also navigate real-life situations more effectively.
YouTube
Surprised? If you embrace the notion that "you learn better when you're interested," using YouTube as a study tool makes perfect sense. I was astonished at how quickly I absorbed vocabulary from Japanese videos compared to traditional mediums like books and manga.
I enjoy watching the same type of content I would in English: vlogs showcasing life in Japan, especially those that highlight charming cafes, which perfectly satisfy my culinary curiosity.
While I don’t usually indulge in gossip videos, one of them led me to a channel featuring a beloved J-Rock artist. The story of a reporter's inquiry into a supposed scandal involving him introduced me to intriguing vocabulary, including terms like "character defamation" (??????), which certainly adds flavor to my conversations.
By consuming diverse content, I’ve not only learned specific terminology related to food and celebrity culture but also picked up the rhythm of natural conversation and casual expressions that textbooks simply can't teach.
Just as many Japanese individuals lack confidence in their English due to rigid textbook learning, it's crucial to understand how the language functions in everyday contexts. Be sure to activate auto-generated Japanese subtitles when available; this allows you to jot down new kanji and follow the dialogue more effectively.
The structure of Japanese YouTube videos often mirrors that of variety shows, where subtitles accompany the visuals. The beauty of YouTube is its flexibility; you can pause, rewind, and adjust playback speed to enhance your listening skills, essential for engaging in conversations.
Anime
Watching anime with Japanese subtitles can also be beneficial. Like with YouTube, you can pause to look up unfamiliar words or rewind for clarity on pronunciation. However, unless you're already quite proficient, navigating through complex vocabulary in certain genres might prolong your viewing experience significantly.
Personally, I prefer to stick with English subtitles while watching anime, but feel free to experiment to see what suits you best. Transforming study time into enjoyable activities can be quite effective. Although it may feel exhausting initially, over time you’ll find yourself naturally acquiring language skills while relaxing at home.
That said, it's vital to avoid burnout. As I’m running out of activities I can classify as hobbies rather than work tasks, I've decided to give myself a break while enjoying anime.
Even while indulging in a couple of episodes daily, I'm still picking up new vocabulary and honing my listening abilities. I view YouTube as my primary learning platform, while anime serves as a space to test my knowledge.
Articles, Games, Manga, and Novels
Reading materials are undoubtedly the best way to enhance your reading skills, and while I rank them lower than YouTube and anime, it’s mainly due to the extensive time they require. Spoiler: it takes a considerable amount of time.
Articles can be quite effective; they often provide jargon and vocabulary relevant to current interests. Due to search engine algorithms, these articles are typically concise and straightforward, making it easier to grasp the content with minimal translation.
If you have a grasp on basic grammar, reading Japanese articles can serve as excellent daily practice while sharpening your writing skills. Fiction, games, and manga expose you to natural dialogue, varying by setting and genre. I often find it takes me three times as long to get through a chapter in a game about university bands compared to one steeped in dark fantasy.
While I’m likely to remember phrases from the former more effectively, exploring a variety of genres can enrich your vocabulary for niche discussions in the future. Novels also contribute to this, fostering an appreciation for literature that goes beyond mere reading and writing.
It’s essential to recognize that all written media possess unique styles, and familiarizing yourself with diverse formats will ease your learning journey in the long run.
Quizlet
Many of us wish for a photographic memory but often struggle to retain new vocabulary learned in just a few hours. This is where flashcard applications like Quizlet prove invaluable.
Quizlet has been a reliable resource since my middle school days. While it initially offered various engaging study methods beyond flashcards, many features now require a premium subscription. Nevertheless, even with just flashcards, it’s a superior memorization tool compared to jotting down vocabulary in a notebook.
With platforms like Quizlet, you can conveniently study during commutes using just your phone. I’ve created over 50 flashcard sets without hitting the maximum limit, making it a commendable free option that surpasses even popular language apps.
Japanese Learning Websites (JLPT Sensei, Tofugu, Japanese Ammo)
I firmly believe that personalized learning methods are more effective than strictly adhering to textbook curricula. However, it's worth noting that:
- You still gain knowledge through textbook study.
- Certifications, like the JLPT, are often necessary for job applications and educational institutions.
For those unwilling to invest in textbooks after registering for the JLPT, "JLPT Sensei" is an excellent alternative. This site provides comprehensive grammar and vocabulary lists, complete with clear explanations and numerous examples.
You can subscribe for $5 a month for unlimited downloads of flashcard packs, e-books, and study guides, but simply clicking through the free resources is also effective. "Tofugu" has been instrumental in my understanding of basic verb conjugations and serves as my go-to for specific Japanese counters.
I first discovered "Japanese Ammo" through its YouTube channel, where Misa offers in-depth explanations on various grammar topics. For example, she clarifies the nuances between different expressions of obligation in simple terms. Her channel features playlists for JLPT levels, and if you prefer reading, she also publishes articles that correspond with her videos, complete with color-coded parts of speech.
There’s no single correct method for language learning. Depending on your approach, your vocabulary may differ from a friend who favors visual novels over videos or anime. Even if you stick to textbooks focused on JLPT preparation, keep in mind that there’s no definitive list of vocabulary, and words classified as N1 or N2 in an online dictionary might appear on your N3 exam.
Thus, diversifying your study resources is crucial for developing all essential skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — over the long term. Ultimately, the method you choose to diversify your learning is up to you. Drawing inspiration from Japanese archery, it’s vital to discover your personal "form" or shakei that will guide you toward achieving your unique study goals.
Reflect on your motivations for learning Japanese, experiment with various study guides, and craft your own effective pathway to fluency. The very thought of this journey is motivating, right? Let’s keep pushing forward, everyone!