Do you have any tips for learning Japanese? I'm trying to actually learn, but it's slow, especially since it's being self taught. I know a bit of vocabulary, some basic phrases, hiragana, and katakana.
English
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I like to listen to songs while reading the lyrics. (Don't brother with romaji) it's helped improve my reading a lot, while being entertaining. http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Kanji-Characters-Systematically-Reference/dp/0834802228 There's no point in learning kanji later on, go straight into it and incorporate it into your studies. Tae kim's grammar guide is pretty good, also.
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Just keep plugging away. Grammar is just forced memorization. I heavily relied on flash cards to practice. Also find a friend to speak Japanese with (they could be learning to which is actually best) so you can practice grammar and vocabulary that you learned during the day. My wife always recommends learning at least one new word and one to phrase a day and using it in either speaking or writing. As for actual writing, again forced memorization. There's a method to the Heisig Method of appropriating stories and ideas to the hirigana, katakana, and kanji since most Japanese who learn them are between 1st to 12th grade so have more flexible minds whereas older people don't. If that makes sense. Younger people learn things much faster and quicker with more retention. Of course, they are also Japanese which helps.
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Thanks. Unfortunately, the only person I know that is "learning" is a weeb...
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Yeah but it can be used in your favor. Weeb may be but they do pick up on some Japanese watching those shows. Having a partner who may not be the same type of learner than you can can actually be very beneficial and productive. Maybe by studying with you, he/she can become serious about studying Japanese outside of just watching anime and manga in Japanese without English. Just a thought.
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Again, thanks. I'll do my best, but as with all languages, it'll take a few years without full immersion.