It’s only been a week for me of serious learning, but I am already starting to feel overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff available. Here’s an example –
I made a goal of learning Hiragana first. I started with an app (Bunpo) and the app mixes up hiragana learning with vocabulary. I also borrowed a book from the library (Japanese from Zero) and did some exercises in the first few chapters. It is somewhat similar to Bunpo, mixing hiragana with vocabulary.
Then I remembered that I had a Udemy subscription and checked out what japanese courses there were. I did the Hiragana course from JapanesePod101, it was video-based.
I’m not sure if I’m spending my time productively this way or just wasting it jumping around. I’m not intending to take any language examination at the end of this, I just want to enjoy Japanese media (anime, LN, movies) without subtitles. Also being able to converse when I visit Japan on holiday. Should I just pick one avenue and stick with it? If so, do you recommend sticking with the book? What about immersion? A friend told me I should start watching anime without subtitles to improve my listening, should I start now or later?
Not sure if this is relevant but Kanji will probably be the easiest for me because I spent 10 years learning mandarin in school. I can read maybe 60-70% of Kanji I come across but I need to relearn the Japanese pronunciation.
4 comments
I love JFZ (Japanese From Zero), you don’t need any more resources so don’t waste more time on other resources, stick to one (JFZ gets you up to N4)
Nevertheless, if you feel like you are not progressing with a book or you’re not having fun, change the book.
Japanese is a long way, and there will be times where you think you are progressing slow and others where you think you are progressing fast, but always have in your mind that you are progressing.
You can get to N2 in 2 years, where you can almost read anything without looking it up on a dictionary, and if you have to you’ll learn by doing so.
Jumping around isn’t productive. There’s not any one source that’s all inclusive, so trying for EVERYTHING will be exhausting (as you’re finding out) stick w one or two books and either an app or podcast that suits the material your learning rn
I say pick an avenue and stick with it, but don’t rush making a choice. You want to enjoy the process.
I am using Japanese From Zero with my 9 year old, my 11 year old is using Minna no Nihongo with Japanese Kanji Study and KKLC, and if I was learning alone I would use Human Japanese followed by Satori Readers with Wanikani on the side. There are a ton of ways to do it so find the right one.
Personally, I like a main grammar text, but that’s very personal and not the best for everyone. I think if I was learning just for anime I would start with Japanese The Manga Way.
Start listening to anime now. Someone recently suggested Peppa Pig because it’s repetitive and for early learners.
I would try to avoid overlap unless there is a grammar explanation you dont understand you can try another source. as long as you just stick to something thats well regarded you should do fine