How NOT to Learn Japanese

Summary

This video script warns against ineffective methods of learning Japanese, such as relying solely on living in Japan or using English subtitles while watching anime. It emphasizes the importance of making an effort to learn the language actively, regardless of location. The speaker advises against trusting unverified information from strangers online and over-optimizing for JLPT exams, which may not reflect real-life Japanese usage. Instead, the script encourages the use of authentic materials to learn everyday, real-life Japanese and suggests engaging with such content through repetition and lookup of unfamiliar words.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning Japanese requires effort regardless of living in Japan; mere presence won't ensure fluency.
• 📚 Textbooks and apps may not teach the everyday Japanese that native speakers use, so seeking real-life resources is important.
• 🔗 Subscribing to the speaker's email group can provide access to practical Japanese lessons that reflect real-life usage.
• 🎬 Watching anime can be beneficial for learning Japanese, but using Japanese subtitles instead of English is recommended.
• 👶 For beginners, repeating lines from anime they already understand can help with pronunciation practice.
• ❌ Relying on random strangers on the internet for language learning can be risky due to the potential for misinformation.
• 🗣 Even native speakers may not be reliable sources for language instruction, as they may not accurately explain their language.
• 📚 JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) may not be the most efficient way to learn conversational Japanese due to its focus on less common words and expressions.
• 📈 Prioritizing the learning of high-frequency words and expressions is more beneficial for practical communication.
• 🎓 Taking the JLPT is not discouraged, but over-optimizing for it might not be the best approach for understanding real-life Japanese.
• 📚 Authentic materials such as Japanese YouTube videos, TV shows, films, and books are crucial for learning the language as used by native speakers.

Q & A

What is the first mistake mentioned in the script for learning Japanese?

The first mistake is coming to Japan to teach English, hanging out with other English teachers, and complaining about the difficulty of making friends with Japanese people due to communication barriers, which can lead to a negative experience and feelings about Japan.

Why does the script suggest that living in Japan does not guarantee automatic learning of Japanese?

The script suggests that even if you live in Japan, you still need to make an effort to learn Japanese. Simply being in the country is not enough; you must actively engage with the language and culture.

What is the purpose of the video mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the video is to teach viewers the kind of Japanese that real-life Japanese people speak today, as textbooks and apps often do not teach everyday, real-life Japanese.

Why is watching anime with English subtitles not recommended for learning Japanese according to the script?

Watching anime with English subtitles is not recommended because it encourages viewers to focus on reading the subtitles rather than understanding the Japanese language. Instead, turning on Japanese subtitles can help force comprehension of the language.

What is the issue with asking random strangers on the internet for help with learning Japanese, as mentioned in the script?

The issue is that random strangers on the internet may not be credible sources of information. They might provide incorrect answers that sound convincing, making it difficult for learners who are not fluent to discern the accuracy of the information.

What is the main problem with studying for the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) as per the script?

The main problem with studying for the JLPT is that it often prioritizes less common words and expressions over the most frequently used ones in real life, which can slow down the learning process for those aiming to understand and communicate with real-life Japanese people.

Why might focusing on JLPT be inefficient for learning real-life Japanese?

Focusing on JLPT can be inefficient because it may lead learners to prioritize low-frequency words and expressions, delaying their ability to start using authentic materials and understand real-life Japanese conversations.

What is the script's stance on using authentic materials for learning Japanese?

The script encourages the use of authentic materials, such as YouTube videos, anime, TV shows, films, radio shows, songs, video games, books, and manga, as they provide context and are more representative of real-life Japanese language use.

What is the advice given in the script for beginners who want to use anime as a learning resource?

The advice for beginners is to watch anime they have already seen, which reduces the stress of understanding the story and allows them to focus on language learning. They can also stop the anime to look up words they don't understand and practice pronunciation by repeating characters' lines.

Why does the script suggest that textbooks and apps are incomplete for learning Japanese?

Textbooks and apps are considered incomplete because they only cover a small portion of the language and often ignore words and expressions that are frequently used in real life, leading to outdated and unnatural language learning.