With so many dictionaries and study guides, which is the best one?
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.
Be aware that buying at books stores like Maruzen and Kinokuniya, you
maybe paying much more than suggested retail. You should consider
shopping gotjapan or amazon.com and shipping items to your residence
in Japan.
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.
|
GotJapan - List of language schools
throughout Japan. |
 |
Japan
Student Services Organization - Info and Links for studying
in Japan. |
|
Japan
Student Services Organization - Comprensive list of Universities
and Schools throughout Japan. |
 |
Hiragana
Times - Great list of school listed by prefecture. |
 |
TOKYO
YWCA - Summer Intensive Course offered in Tokyo |
 |
Akita International
University - Academic Semesters and Summer Intensive Courses
|
 |
Worldwide
Classroom - List of Universities and Schools to study in Japan.
|
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.
 |
The Japan
Times
- Online English Edition. This newspaper is popular but less well-known
than the Daily Yomiuri and can be delivered to your home. |
|
The
Asahi Shimbun - Japan's Leading National Paper - Online English
Edition |
 |
Mainichi
Daily News - Online English Edition |
 |
The
Daily Yomiuri
- Online English Edition. This newspaper is very popular and can
be delivered to your home. |
 |
Metropolis
- Formerly the Tokyo Classifieds, it is Japan's No.1 English Magazine.
|
|
Hiragana
Times - Monthly magazine with classified ads. |
Links
LEARNING JAPANESE
 |
The Kanji
SITE - A very useful site for learning 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 |
|
