You're Wasting Your Time Learning Japanese. This is Why.

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares insights on the three biggest mistakes learners make when studying Japanese. First, focusing too much on writing, especially kanji, which can be time-consuming and isn't necessary in the early stages. Second, poor immersion practices, such as choosing overly complex content or ignoring cultural immersion, which are vital for understanding the language. Lastly, the dangers of early output (speaking) that can lead to bad habits. The speaker advocates for comprehensible input—listening and reading at an appropriate level—before moving on to speaking, ensuring a stronger foundation and faster progress in language learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't waste time learning to write Japanese at the beginning; focus on reading and listening first.
• 😀 Writing in Japanese is optional and often unnecessary at the start of learning; it can be learned after becoming familiar with reading.
• 😀 Immersion is crucial for learning Japanese effectively, but it must be done correctly to avoid frustration.
• 😀 Language-based immersion involves replacing English content with Japanese content, but it should be at a manageable difficulty level.
• 😀 Avoid overwhelming yourself with complex anime or content that’s too difficult to understand early on.
• 😀 Cultural immersion is as important as language immersion; understanding Japanese culture enriches the learning process.
• 😀 Authentic Japanese food and snacks can provide a deeper cultural immersion, even if you're not in Japan.
• 😀 Early output (speaking) can be harmful if done too soon, leading to bad habits in pronunciation and vocabulary.
• 😀 The key to language acquisition is comprehensible input — content that is slightly above your current level but still understandable.
• 😀 Speaking should be delayed until a strong foundation of comprehension is built; this avoids ingraining bad habits.
• 😀 Immersing yourself in content that is just right for your level (e.g., anime with appropriate difficulty) is the best way to progress quickly.
• 😀 Don't rush to speak before you’re ready; focus on absorbing the language first, as this mirrors how babies learn their first language.

Q & A

What is the first mistake that people make when learning Japanese?

The first mistake is focusing on learning how to write Japanese too early. While writing is important, it should be learned after you can read and listen to the language, as it's a time-consuming process that may not yield immediate practical results.

Why is immersion considered so important in learning Japanese?

Immersion is crucial because it allows learners to naturally absorb the language. By surrounding themselves with Japanese content, learners can better understand vocabulary and grammar through context and repetition, accelerating their language acquisition.

What are the two types of immersion mentioned in the video?

The two types of immersion are language-based immersion, where learners replace English content with Japanese, and cultural immersion, which involves engaging with Japanese culture to better understand the language.

What mistake do many people make when immersing themselves in Japanese content?

Many learners choose content that is too complex for their current level, such as anime or media with advanced vocabulary. This can hinder their understanding and make immersion less effective.

What is cultural immersion, and why is it important?

Cultural immersion involves engaging with Japanese culture to understand the language more deeply. Since Japanese language and culture are intertwined, gaining an understanding of cultural nuances can improve language comprehension and fluency.

How does food play a role in cultural immersion for Japanese learners?

Food is an integral part of Japanese culture, and trying authentic Japanese food can be a way to immerse oneself in the culture. The speaker highlights the difference between Westernized Japanese food and authentic Japanese flavors.

Why is early output, or speaking Japanese too soon, considered a mistake?

Early output can lead to the development of bad speaking habits, such as improper pronunciation and poor vocabulary. This can create long-term challenges, making it difficult to speak naturally in the future.

What does 'comprehensible input' mean, and how does it help in language learning?

Comprehensible input refers to consuming content that is slightly above your current level but still understandable. This method allows learners to fill in the gaps through context and repetition, making language learning more natural and efficient.

What are two websites that can help learners find suitable anime to immerse themselves in?

The two websites mentioned are JPB.doio and LearnJapaneseAnime.com. These websites rank anime based on their difficulty level, helping learners choose content that matches their proficiency.

Why is it important to delay output (speaking) until a strong foundation is built?

Delaying output allows learners to absorb the language through input first, preventing the development of bad habits. Once a solid foundation is established, speaking becomes more natural and effective.