Hey guys, i would love to learn how to speak Japanese rather than how to write it. I am staying here (in japan) only 6 months and thus just want to be able to understand and have a conversation (to a certain level of course). I think memorising kanji and stuff would be pointless as i am staying here too little. Do you have any suggestions for resources?
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Minoh Falls, Nov. 2022
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If you are completely new and have limited time., I’d focus on foundational conversational skills. When I am looking into learning a new language, I start with Pimsleur. It’s essentials to get you through travels and introduce you to the feel of a language but I’m sure it gets into some other fundamentals that would serve you in the time you’re there. Since it focuses on shadowing the speaking, I think it would benefit you
After watching a couple of Wakakozake episodes, I was able to pick up “sumimasen” when calling a waiter over at a restaurant. And, then proceeding with “A onegaishimasu” or “A to B onegaishimasu”. She likes her “nama biiru.” There are other phrases that I’m still trying to catch, like when she asks about what drink goes good with a particular dish. The episodes are really formulaic, so things like being asked how many people and being guided to seats is pretty standard across episodes.
A phrasebook might be good for quick touristy interactions like the above scenarios.