Job Discussion Forums

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

I would be much obliged if you recommend a free website for learning Japanese. The student is a beginner.

Cheers!

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

JaredW · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 12:39 am Post subject:

I have found this website useful.

http://momiji.jpf.go.jp/kyozai/index.php

MrCAPiTUL · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 232 Location: Taipei, Taiwan

http://www.thejapanesepage.com

Very well rounded site. If you out grow it, plenty of information on where else you can turn to find more J.

whatthefunk · Joined: 05 Aug 2003 Posts: 130 Location: Japan

the web sucks for learning a language. buckle down, buy a book, find a friend to help out.

red dog · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 41

Well, I really liked those Thedd cartoons explaining the Kanji. Anyone know if more of them are available?

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

If you wanted any sort of credential before getting an opinion on a topic, I majored in Japanese language and culture.

The web is by far the best resource for studying Japanese from intermediate level up. But, before we get there, let's start at the beginning.

You can use the internet to learn Kana, as long as you are also writing it down on a piece of paper in front of you (find printable kana paper, or buy a notebook from a J-town near you). Vocabulary, grammar, and excercises should all be completed from a proper textbook if you are elementary level. Genki is a great series. (Amazon link to Genki I. There is also a Genki II after you've finished that.)

When you are finished with Genki, you can move on to another textbook (I'd recommend either Images of Japan: For Pre-Advanced and Advanced Learners of Japanese or Authentic Japanese: Progressing from Intermediate to Advanced)

This is also the time you would start using the internet to study. For example, find a blog written Japanese and targetted at Japanese learners (Here's one for you: http://www.voiceblog.jp/nippon/ - It has podcasts for each entry so you can practice listening as well). The blog, coupled with a firefox plug-in like Rikaichan, is ideal.

Cheers.