LLearn Japanese

i have genki 1…what now?

i know the textbook and workbook will be an invaluable resource for me, but…i feel lost on how to utilize a textbook for self study. how do the rest of you all utilize it? what do i do in the absence of classroom lessons, quizzes, etc? i’ve gotten through the first section that covered basic greetings and numbers, but i haven’t *learned* it with proficiency yet. do i just keep drilling until it’s cemented in my brain? i’m just starting to feel overwhelmed and a bit frustrated. i don’t want to give up this early on, but i’m hitting a wall.

9 comments

  3. as for numbers i suggest maybe getting some numbers out of any random number generator and trying to say or write those. since i don’t have any study partners, i do the majority of exercises on my own. but i try to form my own sentences/dialogue using the grammar and vocabulary i’ve learnt. eventually you’ll see some words again and again throughout the book. i think you should move on to the next chapters and keep praticising what you’re currently learning.

  4. I don’t bother with exercises at the end of the chapter until I’m more comfortable with the material. The corresponding sections at the back of the book are good to go through. Then move on to next chapter. Repeat previous chapters if content isn’t going in.

    If you can, use other resources for studying as well.

  5. While you go through Genki, check out the YouTube channel TokiniAndy. He’s a wonderful teacher. Even has a cheap Patreon if you feel moved to use it where he offers good additional resources.

  6. You don’t *learn* with the book. The book is there to help you learn faster, but cementing it into your brain (as you put it), is done through immersion. I would advise to do a few chapters (or parts… points?)of the book and then look for what you learned in the wild (when reading or watching something)

  7. Self study with a college textbook is not for everyone. It might be a good idea to hire a tutor in the beginning to help you build good study habits and find your groove. Once you feel ready you can continue in self study. Given how popular Genki is it shouldn’t be difficult to find a tutor online who uses it.

  8. Don’t know much about Genki, but put your vocab in Anki. Do all the practice work in the lesson and then do any workbook work. That’s how I do MNN but the whole book is basically practice dialogue, grammar work, and reading comp. If genki doesn’t have enough practice work you may want to invest in some sort of supplement.

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