Studying Kanji is a Waste of Time

Summary

This video script challenges the conventional wisdom that mastering Japanese kanji is an arduous task requiring extensive memorization. The speaker argues that traditional study methods are inefficient and suggests an alternative approach: learning kanji through vocabulary acquisition. By focusing on words rather than individual characters, learners can more efficiently and effectively read Japanese. The speaker supports this claim with personal experience and cites a Japanese teacher's advice, emphasizing the importance of context over rote memorization. The script also touches on the complexities of kanji readings and offers strategies for making educated guesses, advocating for a more practical and engaging way to learn Japanese.

Takeaways

• 😨 The fear of learning Japanese kanji is often exaggerated, but it is still challenging.
• 📚 Traditional methods of learning kanji, such as rote memorization of individual characters and their readings, are inefficient.
• 🔍 Many people struggle with kanji because they try to learn each character in isolation, which is not practical for reading real Japanese text.
• 📈 Learning kanji through vocabulary acquisition is more effective, as it allows learners to encounter characters in context and build recognition over time.
• 🚫 There is no need to study kanji individually if the goal is to read Japanese; focusing on vocabulary is more beneficial.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that learning to read kanji should not precede learning to write them, as it is more practical to learn to write characters only after becoming fluent in reading.
• 📝 The speaker's personal experience with dedicated kanji study was not fruitful, leading to a shift towards vocabulary-focused learning.
• 🗣️ A Japanese teacher featured in the script also advocates for learning vocabulary over individual kanji, emphasizing that even knowing all kanji readings does not guarantee the ability to read Japanese.
• 📚 The process of learning kanji through vocabulary involves using tools like Anki for spaced repetition and actively reading Japanese text to reinforce learning.
• 🎲 The existence of games like 'Kanji to Go,' which challenge players to guess kanji readings, highlights the complexity and sometimes arbitrary nature of kanji readings.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe that studying kanji is often considered a waste of time?

The speaker believes studying kanji is a waste of time because many people use inefficient methods, such as memorizing individual kanji characters with all their readings and radicals, which is time-consuming and doesn't necessarily lead to the ability to read real Japanese text effectively.

What is the common misconception about the number of kanji characters and their readings?

The common misconception is that there are millions of kanji characters, each with numerous readings, making it seem like an impossible task to learn them all. However, the reality is that there are a more manageable number of characters, and the number of readings per character is often exaggerated.

How does the speaker suggest learning kanji more effectively?

The speaker suggests learning kanji more effectively by focusing on vocabulary words as they come up, rather than studying individual kanji in isolation. This approach allows learners to encounter kanji in context, which helps in understanding their usage and readings.

What is the role of Anki in the speaker's recommended learning method?

Anki is recommended as a tool for learning vocabulary words. It helps in memorizing words and their kanji components, which in turn aids in learning how to read kanji without dedicated study.

Why does the speaker argue that learning stroke order and radicals might not be necessary for reading kanji?

The speaker argues that learning stroke order and radicals might not be necessary for reading kanji because if the goal is to read rather than write, these aspects do not significantly contribute to recognizing and understanding kanji in written text.

What is the difference between kunyomi and onyomi readings in kanji?

Kunyomi are readings for native Japanese words, while onyomi are readings for words that were imported from Chinese. The speaker suggests that understanding this distinction can help in making educated guesses about the readings of compound words.

How does the speaker's personal experience with learning Japanese support their argument against dedicated kanji study?

The speaker's personal experience shows that they were able to learn to read Japanese effectively by focusing on vocabulary and not on dedicated kanji study. This supports their argument that learning kanji through vocabulary is more efficient.

What is the 'Kanji Grid' add-on in Anki and how does it help in learning kanji?

The 'Kanji Grid' add-on in Anki generates a visual representation of all the kanji found in one's Anki deck, allowing learners to see the kanji they have encountered and learned through vocabulary. It helps in gauging progress and understanding the kanji one is familiar with.

What is the game 'Kanji to Go' and how does it relate to learning kanji?

Kanji to Go is a game where players guess the readings of kanji. It is mentioned as a fun way to test one's ability to read kanji and to learn about less common readings, indicating that even native speakers can find it challenging, which supports the idea that learning kanji through vocabulary is a more practical approach.

Why does the speaker suggest waiting until fluency in written Japanese to learn how to write kanji?

The speaker suggests waiting to learn how to write kanji until fluency in written Japanese is achieved because the focus should be on reading comprehension first. Writing kanji without understanding them in context can be less practical and more challenging.