How I Learned Fluent Japanese (10 Things I Did)

Summary

In this video, Jenny shares her experience learning Japanese, emphasizing the importance of mastering pronunciation and pitch accent for sounding natural. She highlights the challenges English speakers face with Japanese sounds, especially the subtle differences in pronunciation. Jenny reflects on her immersion-based learning approach, inspired by how babies learn language through observation, and encourages learners to find methods that suit them. Whether through shadowing native speakers or using online resources, she advises consistency and adaptability, offering a supportive message for anyone on their Japanese learning journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pronunciation in Japanese is unique, and mastering it is key to sounding natural.
• 😀 English speakers may struggle with Japanese sounds, especially those where lips don’t touch.
• 😀 Pitch accent is an important aspect of Japanese pronunciation that many learners overlook.
• 😀 The speaker’s learning method was based on mimicking natural conversations, much like a baby learning their first language.
• 😀 Consistent practice and shadowing native speakers help to internalize correct pitch accent without formal knowledge of the system.
• 😀 There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning Japanese; it's essential to find what works for you.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of using various resources, including free online ones, for learning Japanese.
• 😀 Pronunciation improvement should be a gradual process, with attention to each sound’s proper articulation.
• 😀 Some learners may prefer immersive learning methods over traditional textbooks, depending on personal learning styles.
• 😀 The speaker encourages learners to experiment and customize their learning routine to fit their needs for better success.

Q & A

What is one of the main challenges English speakers face when learning Japanese pronunciation?

One of the main challenges is the difference in how sounds are made, such as the 'h' sound in English versus Japanese. In Japanese, the 'h' sound doesn't require the lips to touch, unlike in English, which can make pronunciation difficult for English speakers.

Why does Jenny suggest it’s important to focus on correct pronunciation in Japanese?

Jenny emphasizes that mastering pronunciation is key to sounding natural in Japanese. If you don't get the sounds right, it can lead to misunderstandings, even if you're using the correct words.

How did Jenny learn Japanese pronunciation and pitch accent?

Jenny learned pronunciation and pitch accent by mimicking native speakers through TV shows and other media, rather than focusing on textbooks. She trained her ears to pick up on different accents and pitches.

What is pitch accent in Japanese, and why is it important?

Pitch accent in Japanese refers to the rise and fall of tones in words that can change the meaning. Jenny realized that pitch accent is an important aspect of the language that affects how natural someone sounds, even though she didn’t initially know it existed.

What method did Jenny prefer for learning Japanese over textbooks?

Jenny preferred learning Japanese the way a child would, by observing and mimicking everyday conversations between native speakers, rather than relying on textbooks. She felt this method was more intuitive and practical for her learning style.

What type of resources does Jenny recommend for learning Japanese?

Jenny suggests there are many good, free resources available online for learning Japanese. She also mentions that she has a course available for those interested in more structured learning.

What does Jenny mean by 'finding what works for you' when learning Japanese?

Jenny means that each learner is different, so it’s important to experiment with different learning methods and find what suits your style the best. This could involve combining various techniques like watching TV shows, using textbooks, or other resources.

How does consistency factor into learning Japanese, according to Jenny?

Jenny stresses the importance of staying consistent. Regular practice, whether it's through immersion or other methods, helps reinforce learning and leads to progress in speaking naturally.

What is Jenny's advice for those struggling with Japanese pronunciation?

Jenny advises learners to take their time with each sound and carefully examine whether they are pronouncing it correctly. She believes that attention to detail in pronunciation can lead to a more natural-sounding Japanese.

How can learners improve their pitch accent without formal instruction?

Jenny suggests that learners can improve their pitch accent by exposing themselves to natural Japanese speech, such as through TV shows, and training their ears to recognize the differences in pitch, much like she did in her own learning journey.