Studying
Japanese
Studying Japanese isn't easy. There are many ways to approach it. Here
are some tips for studying Japanese in Japan.
Buy Books and Computer Programs
Join a Private Conversation Class
Enroll at a University or a Language
School
Join a class at your Community Center.
Finding a Tutor
Search the Classified and Personal Ads
Links
| MYTHS about studying Japanese - Why you have
to study Japanese while living in Japan. |
1 |
"By living in Japan, I'll pick
up Japanese without needing to study with books." |
It's possible but you really need to
start studying it on your own. |
2 |
"Japanese is so difficult that I shouldn't
bother trying to learn." |
Japanese is grammatically more straight forward
than many languages. |
3 |
"I'll study if I have the time." |
You have to budget your time better to make time. |
4 |
"If it takes the Japanese half a lifetime
to master kanji, then I shouldn't waste my time even trying to learn." |
You don't need to learn all 3,000+! It's easy to
learn very simple kanji on your own. There are many books available
and once you learn some, your life will become easier. |
5 |
"I can't study Japanese without a teacher." |
You can always study on your own. There are many
books and computer programs to help you learn Japanese. Just select
ones that others recommend. |
6 |
"Don't the Japanese all speak English anyway's?" |
Although all Japanese study English in junior high
and high school, the average Japanese forgot most of it. |
7 |
"I'll start studying tomorrow." |
Tomorrow never comes, so start today! |
Buy Books and Computer
Programs
The easiest way to get started on studying Japanese is buying books
and computer programs.
Why don't you search my store and find out what
books are recommended.
If you're in Japan, try Maruzen or Kinokunia book stores. They are
in large cities and are usually located near department stores. They
have a large English book section. Other than those two, there aren't
as many book stores that carry many English books.
Kinokunia
Books Store
Join a Private Conversation
Class
Senseisagasu.com
Join a class at your
Community Center. Finding a tutor.
Each prefecture has its own International Association. Through them,
you can find out about joining classes, finding a volunteer tutor, or
finding a private tutor. Since most associations are located in mid
to large size cities, it may be difficult to find one near you. You
should try and go to your city's or town's community center to find
out information. They often offer weekly Japanese language classes at
cheap prices.
Find your prefecture International Association here.
Enroll at a University
or a Language School
Enrolling in a Japanese university or language school maybe the best
to study Japanese. The course are geared toward those that are serious
about studying.
Here are some links to get you started on your way to enrolling. We
do not endorse any of these schools.
Association of International Education - study
in Japan.
Comprensive
list of universities and schools throughout Japan for learning Japanese.
TOKYO YWCA - Summer
Intensive Course
Akita International University - Academic
Semesters and Summer Intensive Courses
Worldwide Classroom - List
of universities and schools.
Search the Classified and
Personal Ads
Many newspapers and online newspapers in Japan have a classified
section. You can search them and find private tutors, volunteer tutors,
and even Japanese who want to meet English speakers.
Links
LEARNING JAPANESE
The Kanji SITE - A very useful
site for the learner of Kanji
Japanese Language and Kanji
- Japanese sayings and kanji study guide for the Japanese Proficiency
Test
Jim Breens
J-E Server - This well known site offers you translation every which
way. All you will ever need
Learn Japanese NET - Comprehensive
site with a well structured and practical approach to learning the language
Pera Pera Penguin
|
