Asking Japanese teachers how to learn Japanese FASTER

Summary

In this insightful video, Takashi interviews various Japanese tutors and fluent speakers to uncover the best strategies for learning Japanese from scratch. The discussion covers the importance of focusing on pronunciation and learning Hiragana and Katakana early on. It also explores the benefits and pitfalls of using anime for language acquisition, the impact of one's native language on pronunciation, and the necessity of stepping out of one's comfort zone to immerse oneself in the language. The video emphasizes the importance of passion, courage, and practical application in the language learning process.

Takeaways

• 📝 Start with pronunciation: Focus on getting the sounds right early to avoid developing bad habits.
• 🔡 Learn Hiragana and Katakana: These are essential for reading and are the foundation for understanding Kanji.
• 🌐 Combine characters with phrases: Don't just learn characters in isolation, but start associating them with phrases and vocabulary.
• 🌐 Utilize technology: There are many apps and online resources available today that make learning Japanese more accessible than in the past.
• 🎶 Listen to Japanese media: Watching anime, dramas, and listening to music can help with intonation and vocabulary acquisition.
• 🚫 Beware of context in media: Anime and dramas may contain informal language or slang that might not be suitable for everyday conversation.
• 🌐 Pronunciation similarities: Spanish speakers might find it easier to pronounce Japanese due to similar phonetic structures.
• 📚 Practice writing Kanji: Even though typing is common, being able to write Kanji is useful for understanding and recognizing signs.
• 📚 Don't just memorize: Relying solely on memorization without context is not effective; use flashcards with contextual examples.
• 🌐 Embrace the culture: Learning Japanese includes understanding the culture, so enjoy the journey and the insights it provides.
• 💪 Have courage and passion: A positive mindset and the willingness to step out of your comfort zone are crucial for language acquisition.

Q & A

What is the recommended starting point for learning Japanese from scratch?

Focusing on pronunciation is crucial at the beginning, as it can be difficult to correct later. Learning hiragana and katakana, which are the reading syllables, is also important as they are essential for reading kanji.

How does watching anime help in learning Japanese?

Watching anime helps by exposing learners to Japanese intonation and vocabulary in context, making it easier to remember words and phrases. However, it's important to balance this with other resources to avoid learning non-standard or overly dramatic language.

What are the differences between English, Spanish, and Japanese in terms of pronunciation and structure?

Spanish and Japanese might share similarities in pronunciation due to the CV (consonant-vowel) structure, but Japanese writing is more complex with three writing systems. English and Japanese are quite different, with English having more 'T' and 'R' sounds, which are pronounced differently in Japanese.

Why is it beneficial to learn Japanese phrases and characters simultaneously?

Starting with letters and associating each letter with its sound helps in vocabulary absorption. Learning phrases and writing them in hiragana and katakana provides a practical approach to language learning.

What common mistakes do beginners make when learning Japanese?

One of the biggest mistakes is incorrect pronunciation, such as not distinguishing between long and short vowels or not pronouncing double consonants properly.

How can using flashcards or apps like Anki aid in learning Japanese?

Flashcards and apps like Anki are useful for memorizing vocabulary in context, making it easier to recall words and phrases from real conversations.

Is it necessary to learn kanji to live and speak Japanese fluently?

While it's not necessary to write kanji, recognizing them is important for reading signs and understanding context. Learning kanji can also reduce the time needed to decipher meanings.

What is the role of passion in learning Japanese, and how does it impact the learning process?

Having passion for learning Japanese is essential as it motivates learners to engage with the language and culture, making the learning process more enjoyable and effective.

What advice do the interviewees give to someone just starting to learn Japanese?

The advice includes focusing on pronunciation, being courageous, and having a passion for learning. It's also recommended to immerse oneself in the language by watching TV dramas, listening to music, and trying to speak Japanese as much as possible.

How can living in Japan both help and hinder the process of learning the language?

Living in Japan provides an immersive environment, but it can also be a challenge if one sticks to their native language community. It's important to step out of the comfort zone and engage with native speakers to practice Japanese.