Did you ever think "shall I give myself a fun, little challenge and learn Japanese?". Wait just there, ask yourself do you really want to do this. Is it just your ego that wants to say "look people, I can speak Japanese, I can read a menu"? Or do you want to shout "tadaima!" whenever you arrive back home? Because that's all good and fun but the reality of learning Japanese is it's actually really hard. Yep, no fun, tanoshikunai desu yo.
But let's not get too negative because it's also fun and awkward and makes you feel like a kid whilst being a confused adult. So here are some of my take-away's as an adult struggling to learn a bit of Japanese. Just a disclaimer I am a very casual learner so I am in no way a pro just a very enthusiastic language person.
Over the six years I have been trying (in various stages of success) to learn basic Japanese I have had group lessons, one-on-one private lessons, zoom lessons and even impromptu Osaka slang lessons held over a yakitori grill. Besides that I have done self study as well as a bunch of apps like wanikani and of course Duolingo. So what would I recommend?
Group lessons
Only do this if you vibe of other people's strange energy and don't mind having to let the class dictate the level. It's a great way to start though and I actually took some prep lessons with friends before I went to Japan. That was super fun and I learned quite some basic Japanese.
My second time taking group lessons was less successful since it did involve a group of shall we say 'typical individuals' who would hold up the class just because they really, really, really couldn't say they had soba yesterday for dinner. Not because they didn't know how to say this in Japanese but because they actually hadn't. And so we spend the next 10 min waiting for someone to make up a word for 'stamppot' in Japanese just so we could progress with the class. See my point about other people's energy and level...
Zoom lessons
Zoom is great for when it's a global pandemic, you crave human contact and don't mind a slight delay in your internet connection. Also a love of broken up voices and non direct eye contact because of the placement of the camera is preferred. Very handy yet not the best way to really engage if you ask me.
One-on-one or private lessons
The best way to make steady progress in my opinion. Of course the downside is that it's often the most expensive option. But if you find a good teacher it's super efficient and can be really fun too. I have taken private lessons in the past and I'm taking some lessons now and am absolutely loving them.
Self study: apps
Wanikani is a kanji learning app by Tofugu. It's great, it's addictive. It uses the SRS or Spaced Repetition System for learning. The only thing is I would really like to be able to sort my kanji by level or occurrence or something. Because wanikani thinks it's ok to have people learn the kanji for 'dog' and next up is 'government papers' which you know kinda seems like a big step for a casual learner.
That leaves us with the green owl in the room, Duolingo. Too be honest I don't like this app. I don't like the gamification aspect which feels very in your face unlike wanikani which feels more natural and necessary to your studies. And the sentences! I mean everyone knows this but the example Duolingo sentences are just out of this world crazy, never to be used.
Self study: books
You need to do self study when learning any language but the type of book used can make a real difference. I started with the classic 'Japanese for busy people'. A book geared - in my opinion - not towards actual busy people but individuals who wish to converse like salarymen in bubble-economy era Japan. If you do not fit this image stay clear of JFBP I would say. I would recommend Marugoto and have heard great things about Minna no Nihongo.
Osaka slang lessons over a yakitori grill
Not readily available everywhere but if you can find this it's golden. Get yourself a parttime job at a yakitori restaurant and a badass Japanese (female!) chef who can teach you some true Osaka alternatives.
But maybe the most important thing is to find something you enjoy and suits the type of level of Japanese you want to speak. For me I want to be able to have little, chatty conversations. Nothing too elaborate, but a little more than the basics. Find out what works for you and just give it your best.
頑張ってね!
Hannah
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