How to Actually Enjoy Reading in Japanese (Beginner to Advanced)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their personal journey of learning Japanese through reading, emphasizing the importance of balancing interest, difficulty, and comprehension. They discuss how to choose engaging content, challenge yourself to grow, and focus on consistency over perfection. The creator recommends various resources for beginners and intermediate learners, such as graded readers, NHK Easy, and manga with furigana. They also explore the value of tools like Maku for immersive learning. Ultimately, the video encourages readers to find content they enjoy, push their boundaries, and maintain consistent, manageable study sessions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on interest when selecting reading material for language learning. A book may be easy to read but not necessarily interesting to you.
• 📚 Gradually increase difficulty in your reading material to push your limits and improve, much like working out at the gym.
• 🧐 Aim for 70-80% comprehension when reading. It's important to understand most of the content but don’t stress over every unknown word.
• 🔑 Vocabulary is crucial. Build up a solid base using structured textbooks and flashcards, but gradually incorporate native content to increase exposure.
• 🎓 Genki 1 and 2 are great starting textbooks for beginners, as they provide structured grammar, vocabulary, and reading practice.
• 📖 Use graded readers (books written for language learners) to build confidence and consistency, then progress to easier native material like NHK Easy.
• 🎥 Transition to manga with furigana for beginners, and use tools like reading packs for support while learning vocabulary in context.
• ⚡ Consistency over long study sessions is key. Avoid burnout by setting short, consistent reading sessions and gradually increasing your immersion time.
• 📝 Focus on building reading stamina over time. Whether through graded readers, manga, or light novels, slow and steady improvement is the goal.
• 🌐 Tools like Maku can help reduce the need for constant dictionary lookups, making challenging reading material more manageable and immersive.

Q & A

Why is interest considered one of the most important factors when choosing reading materials for learning Japanese?

Interest is crucial because even if a book is easy to read, it won't be effective if it doesn't engage you. Enjoying the material makes the learning process more sustainable and enjoyable, which is important for long-term progress.

What does the speaker compare the process of managing difficulty in language learning to?

The speaker compares managing difficulty in language learning to working out at the gym. Just as lifting the same weight every day won't make you stronger, consistently reading materials of the same difficulty won't push you to grow your language skills.

What comprehension percentage does the speaker believe is optimal for enjoying reading in Japanese?

The speaker suggests that around 70-80% comprehension is sufficient to enjoy reading in Japanese. This allows for a relatively smooth experience without the need to understand every single word.

How does the speaker recommend tackling unfamiliar vocabulary while reading?

The speaker suggests using tools like Mako, which allows users to hover over words to instantly see their meaning and save them to an Anki deck for later review. This method helps reduce interruptions while reading, making the experience more fluid.

What resource does the speaker recommend for beginners to build a strong foundation in Japanese?

The speaker recommends the Genki 1 and 2 textbooks. These books teach vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, and include conversations and reading passages that reinforce what is learned in each chapter.

What is the benefit of graded readers for language learners, according to the speaker?

Graded readers are adapted books written for language learners at various levels. They offer an accessible way to practice reading without being overwhelmed, as they are tailored to match the learner's proficiency.

Why does the speaker suggest starting with NHK Easy articles once you move past beginner materials?

NHK Easy articles are rewritten versions of native-level news articles, designed for Japanese middle schoolers and language learners. They offer more exposure to real-world language while remaining accessible for learners who are past the basic stages.

What role does vocabulary acquisition play in language learning, according to the speaker?

Vocabulary acquisition is key to building confidence and consistency in language learning. It helps learners understand and engage with the language in a more meaningful way, which is especially important during the beginner stages.

What tools does the speaker suggest for making hard reading materials more manageable?

The speaker recommends using Mako, a tool that makes reading difficult materials more manageable by allowing users to interact with text directly, saving new vocabulary, and reducing the need for constant dictionary lookups.

How does the speaker balance structured study with immersion in language learning?

The speaker suggests using textbooks like Genki for structured study, but also emphasizes the importance of immersion through reading, watching, and engaging with content in Japanese. This approach allows learners to integrate vocabulary and grammar naturally into their language use.