how i study japanese- tips from an actual language major | THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Summary

In this informative video, Jasmine, a first-year BA Japanese student, shares her effective strategies for studying Japanese after six years of experience. She recommends top apps for learning kana and kanji, emphasizes the importance of workbooks, and highlights various resources for reading and writing practice. Jasmine also discusses tools for speaking and listening skills, alongside cultural immersion techniques, such as watching Japanese media and reading manga. Her comprehensive approach combines modern technology with traditional methods, providing viewers with valuable insights to enhance their language learning journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jasmine has been learning Japanese for over six years and shares her study methods to assist others on their language journey.
• 📱 Recommended apps for learning hiragana and katakana include Dr. Moku and Learn Japanese, both of which utilize effective mnemonic systems.
• 📚 Workbooks are essential for practicing writing; Jasmine emphasizes that writing on an iPad differs from using paper.
• 📝 Japanesepod101 provides a comprehensive range of resources for free, including pronunciation videos and practice workbooks.
• 🎌 For kanji study, Jasmine's favorite app is Learn Kanji, which covers levels from N5 to N1 and aids in building vocabulary.
• 📖 Satori Reader and Todai are key apps for reading practice, offering various difficulty levels and features like instant translations.
• 🗒️ Jasmine develops her writing skills through diary entries and structured essay writing using squared paper notebooks.
• 🎙️ For speaking practice, Jasmine recommends the Kaizen app and highlights the usefulness of Language Learning with Netflix.
• 📺 Cultural immersion is important; Jasmine enjoys YouTube channels that discuss various aspects of Japanese culture and language.
• 📘 Reading materials like magazines and travel books contribute significantly to language learning, enhancing vocabulary and cultural understanding.

Q & A

What are the top three apps recommended for learning Hiragana and Katakana?

The top three apps recommended for learning Hiragana and Katakana are Dr. Moku, Learn Japanese, and Write It Japanese.

Why is the Dr. Moku app particularly effective for learning Kana?

Dr. Moku is effective for learning Kana because of its mnemonic system, which helps learners remember the characters quickly.

What resources does JapanesePod101 provide for learning Kana?

JapanesePod101 offers free resources, including videos for pronunciation and workbooks filled with practice for each character, example words, and flashcards.

Which app does the speaker use daily to learn Kanji?

The speaker uses the Learn Kanji app daily to study Kanji and vocabulary.

What is the significance of the mnemonics book mentioned in the transcript?

The mnemonics book is crucial because it helps learners remember Kanji characters, which can be confusing due to their complexity.

What are Satori Reader and Toadai used for?

Satori Reader and Toadai are apps used for reading practice, offering fiction and non-fiction articles respectively, with features for instant translation and vocabulary saving.

How does the speaker practice writing in Japanese?

The speaker practices writing by keeping diary entries and completing essay questions from textbooks, which helps in using newly learned grammar.

What unique feature does the Kaizen app offer for speaking practice?

The Kaizen app offers conversation practice across different levels, allowing users to master self-introductions and other dialogues.

Which YouTube channels does the speaker recommend for learning Japanese culture?

The speaker recommends Onna Mapu and Kemushi-chan for their engaging content on Japanese culture and language learning.

What types of books does the speaker suggest for enhancing Japanese reading skills?

The speaker suggests magazines, travel and culture books, and beginner-friendly textbooks to enrich reading skills and exposure to the language.