Easy, inexpensive way to learn Japanese?

Talk about anything in here.
Post a reply

Easy, inexpensive way to learn Japanese?

Postby PrincessZelda » Sat Jan 02, 2010 12:43 pm

I'm most likely going on a missions trip to Japan this summer. It's not required that I know Japanese, but it would make things easier if I at least had a basic understanding of it.

Sooo... I know a lot of people on here know/are learning Japanese. I know some of you are probably taking classes of it, but I guess I'm wondering, if any one is learning on their own, how they did that. Like, what program, method, or curriculum you used.

I don't really mind paying a small amount of money for it, I just don't want to spend a fortune on it. So if anyone knows of anything that would be good, if you could let me know, that would be great! :sweat: Thanks!
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put that thing in your mouth, particularly if the thing is cats."

Image
User avatar
PrincessZelda
 
Posts: 1855
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:00 am
Location: New Mexico
Top

Postby Cap'n Nick » Sat Jan 02, 2010 3:13 pm

You can nab a used college textbook on Amazon for under $50. I used the Nakama series, and there are some other good ones out there.
User avatar
Cap'n Nick
 
Posts: 1008
Joined: Sat Nov 13, 2004 10:00 am
Location: Kojima, Japan
Top

Postby goldenspines » Sat Jan 02, 2010 3:18 pm

Do you have a Nintendo DS? If so, there's this DS game called My Japanese Coach that's rather dandy. It doesn't make you an expert or anything, but it does give you a general understanding of the language; how to read and pronounce all the characters/words as well as verb conjugation. I use it to study along with taking a my Japanese class in college. Plus, with My Japanese Coach allows you to hear the words/phrases spoken and allows you also speak/spell them back as well to make sure you are saying/writing them correctly. ^_^

Though, if you don't have a DS, finding a CD that has Japanese basic phrases and vocab on it may help you the most. There are also many books for learning it as well, but I sadly don't know which ones are the best ones. 8(

Best of luck to you!
Image
User avatar
goldenspines
 
Posts: 4869
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:42 am
Location: Up north somewhere.
Top

Postby Mr. Rogers » Sat Jan 02, 2010 3:42 pm

I have been studying Japanese for about two years. The best I have come across so far are these:

Books:
Japanese for Busy People
Minna no Nihongo

You can find these on Amazon.com for a good price. They are pretty good at helping you to efficiently study Japanese.

For websites:
JapanesePod101.com
YesJapan.com

Both are great sites and will run you $14-20/month.

You are not going to find anything good out there that is free, so forget about it. If there was anything out there that was free and high quality, I would be using it right now xD.

For vocabulary practice:
Anki Online

Google it and read why it works well. This will take your vocab study to a whole new level.

Give these sites a try and tell me what you think.

Tell me if you need help installing Japanese support on your computer.
User avatar
Mr. Rogers
 
Posts: 1512
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:23 pm
Location: Chicago, IL
Top

Postby PrincessZelda » Sat Jan 02, 2010 5:50 pm

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely have to check those out.
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put that thing in your mouth, particularly if the thing is cats."

Image
User avatar
PrincessZelda
 
Posts: 1855
Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:00 am
Location: New Mexico
Top

Postby That Dude » Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:00 pm

Also try and find someone who knows some and just have them teach you through conversation.
Image
I am convinced that many men who preach the gospel and love the Lord are really misunderstood. People make a “profession,â€
User avatar
That Dude
 
Posts: 5226
Joined: Sat Oct 04, 2003 4:00 am
Location: Where I can see mountains.
Top

Postby Arya Raiin » Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:52 pm

Aw man you're lucky to go on a mission trip to Japan! Lucky you! :thumb:
Image
User avatar
Arya Raiin
 
Posts: 242
Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:33 am
Location: In a galaxy far, far away...
Top

Postby ich1990 » Wed Jan 27, 2010 8:24 pm

Although I haven't tried it, http://www.livemocha.com looks promising. It is free, too.

EDIT: It looks like they have moved some of their content so that it is only available to paid subscribers.
Where an Eidolon, named night, on a black throne reigns upright.
User avatar
ich1990
 
Posts: 1546
Joined: Mon Apr 16, 2007 2:01 pm
Location: The Land of Sona-Nyl
Top

Postby Noblewreck » Sun Jan 31, 2010 8:33 pm

I've had found two web sites I like to visit. The GenkiJapan.net site has a lot of free on-site stuff. Lots of fun games and videos to help you learn. A cute girl's voice sounds out the Hiragana, Katagana, and phrases. (you may want to turn your sound down a bit first though).

Also handy for a step by step free instruction is http://www.learn-japanese.info/

Hope this helps. God speed on your missionary trip.
User avatar
Noblewreck
 
Posts: 66
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2007 7:46 pm
Location: Accross the bridge from Wilmington, N.C.
Top

Postby acgifford » Wed Feb 03, 2010 1:56 pm

Do you have a DS? My Japanese coach could be good way.
[color="Lime"]"Do or do not, there is no try." Yoda[/color]
[color="DarkOrange"]Psalm32: 1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.[/color]
Proud member of MOES!! You better believe I have no scrolling.^_~
[color="Blue"]Doctor Who fan!! [/color]:jump:
[color="Yellow"]"Dare to read, think, speak and write." John Adams[/color]
[color="Pink"]Proud Member of the SisterHoos! ^^[/color]
[color="Red"]Vash the Stampede: I meditate diligently every morning. The subject is Life and Love. I quit after three seconds.[/color]
User avatar
acgifford
 
Posts: 576
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:58 pm
Location: Achaea
Top

Postby Doe Johnson » Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:04 pm

I have used livemocha before when it was completely free and really liked it. I think most of the features are still available for free. The fun part: it is interactive. The "Extra Practice" section allows you to write/record yourself speaking and native speakers will comment and make suggestions.
The #1 Fan of mastersquirrel's Voice!

In those days spirits were brave, the stakes were high, men were real men, women were real women and small furry creatures from Alpha Centauri were real small furry creatures from Alpha Centauri. - Douglas Adams
I smell cinnamon roll-y!!

You fight like a dairy farmer!
The Giver of Quality Hugs
I felt a great bump in the Thread, as if millions of posts suddenly bumped in terror and were suddenly silenced.

No - My birthday isn't really on the Ides of March, but that is the fake date I use everywhere on the Internet.
Adopted: ishy

the cc is special ground, cc's provide protection to all who seek shelter there, no violence can be done in a cower corner - it is known
User avatar
Doe Johnson
 
Posts: 489
Joined: Fri Apr 22, 2005 10:45 pm
Location: Kansas
Top

Postby ChristianKitsune » Sat Feb 27, 2010 11:35 pm

hmmmm

I think having great friends who are willing to teach you is also a fun way to learn! Right, Doughy? :)

now, if Ionly I would actually show up for classes... >_>
ImageImage
Stick Monkey Chronicles Web-Manga Hosted by: The Project
User avatar
ChristianKitsune
 
Posts: 5420
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2005 12:00 pm
Location: In my sketchbook of wonderment and puffy pink clouds! *\^o^/*
Top

Postby Mr. Rogers » Sun Feb 28, 2010 1:03 pm

Japanese for Busy People is probably the best one for travel purposes. It focuses mostly on survival Japanese. I know a couple places around here who us it and it is highly recommended.
User avatar
Mr. Rogers
 
Posts: 1512
Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:23 pm
Location: Chicago, IL
Top

Postby GAINAX » Sun Feb 28, 2010 1:58 pm

I learned a lot from watching raw anime... just take a DVD and watch in Japanese w/o the subs.

It's amazingly helpful.
-Formally known as O)m
GAINAX
 
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Mar 19, 2007 12:09 am
Top

Postby jtire » Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:04 pm

http://www.japenesepod101.com:thumb:
User avatar
jtire
 
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 8:09 pm
Location: Maryland
Top
Post a reply

Return to General

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 190 guests

Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
 

Loading

Please wait.