My 9 Essential Tools I use for Studying Japanese
Learning a new language is a rewarding yet challenging, and sometimes seemingly impossible endeavor. For me, Japanese holds a special place due to my family ties. Over time, I've discovered various tools that have significantly helped my learning journey and I thought sharing them might help propel you forward in your quest to master Japanese as they did for me (although I am far, far from mastering it!).
Japanese from Zero
Japanese Ammo with Misa (YouTube Channel)
Misa's detailed videos are a treasure trove of knowledge. She meticulously explains concepts with numerous examples, ensuring a solid grasp of the language. Subtitles in Kana, Kanji, and English are integral to her videos to help enhance understanding. Over the years, her channel has become an indispensable part of my learning routine, covering a vast spectrum of grammar and vocabulary from beginner to advanced levels. Highly recommended.
Miku Real Japanese (YouTube Channel)
Miku offers a faster-paced learning experience compared to Misa, with her videos being shorter and more succinct. Although I turn to Misa more often, Miku's videos are nicely structured, and both channels complement each other well, often covering similar subjects, but using different approaches.
Japanese with Shun (YouTube Channel)
Lately, Shun's vlogs and podcasts have been my go-to for enhancing listening skills. His Oyasumi podcast is a serene prelude to a night of restful sleep, while his vlogs are great for intermediate learners keen on expanding their vocabulary and building their listening skills. What I particularly like about Shun's videos is that the vocabulary used in them is limited to beginner/intermediate Japanese, however, the delivery is still natural and fluent. Backed with Kanji subtitles, they are great to play back over and over to improve you listening ability. I really recommend these videos for listening practice.
WaniKani
Mastering Kanji felt like an uphill battle until I discovered WaniKani. The platform’s blend of mnemonics and a Spaced Repetition System (SRS) turned the daunting task of memorizing over 2,000 Kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words into an engaging puzzle-solving quest. Pre-WaniKani, Kanji was a hurdle; post-WaniKani, it became an fun aspect of my language journey. The clever mnemonics and optimal review intervals made retaining Kanji feel less like a chore, setting a solid foundation for my advancement in Japanese.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is an exceptional platform connecting over 40 million members globally, fostering language learning through text, voice, and video interactions with native speakers. The app's Voicerooms and live events hosted by expert teachers add a communal learning experience, making language exchange more interactive and enjoyable. The 'moments' section is my most used section, offering a window into the daily musings of other users which in turn enriches my understanding and appreciation of Japanese.
Jisho
Jisho is my go-to online dictionary for Japanese. Its comprehensive search functionality allows for looking up words, Kanji, and even example sentences swiftly. The ability to search by drawing characters or using voice commands are notable features that make Jisho a user-friendly and indispensable tool for every Japanese learner. This is the one dictionary I definitely use every day.
Todai: Easy Japanese
The "TODAI JAPANESE NEWS" section of this app is a boon for anyone keen on leveling up their Japanese reading and listening skills. With a vast database of articles, vocabulary, and Kanji, it's an excellent tool for daily practice, encompassing topics from sports to business, while catering to all proficiency levels from N5 to N17.
Ai LingoPlay
Learning Japanese has been a fascinating, yet testing journey, but the real test comes when I visit Japan. Often, I'd find myself losing confidence and mumbling words, despite knowing the language well. That's where the idea for Ai LingoPlay came from. I wanted to create a space where people like me could practice conversing in real-life scenarios without the pressure.
Ai LingoPlay lets you interact with life-like AI characters in different everyday situations, like ordering coffee or checking into a hotel. You can choose from over 10 languages, making it a great tool for many learners. Whether you prefer texting or speaking, the app adjusts to your style.
What I love about Ai LingoPlay is the instant feedback. It helps you understand where you went wrong and how to fix it. If you come across a word you don’t know, the translation feature is there to help. If you don't understand the AI character's response, the app will provide a detailed breakdown of with full explanations.
Powered by ChatGPT, each character have their own personalities and you can converse with them by typing and reading, or hearing them speak and responding with your voice, for that full immersive role play simulation.
Currently, Ai LingoPlay is completely free to use without any need for an account, so it's easy for anyone to jump in and start practicing. It's a simple, effective way to get more comfortable with the language you're learning and prepare for real-life conversations when you next go abroad.
These tools have significantly enriched my Japanese learning journey, making the process more engaging and effective. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, I believe these resources can add immense value to your learning experience, propelling you forward in your linguistic adventure. The beauty of these resources lies in their ability to cater to diverse learning styles and stages, making Japanese a less daunting and more enjoyable language to learn. The interactive and immersive nature of these tools not only enhances understanding but also fosters a genuine love for the language and the rich culture it represents.
Lastly, I believe that the journey of learning is perpetual. As we evolve, so does our understanding and grasp of the language. These tools have been my companions on this enlightening journey, and I hope they serve you equally well, if not better. The road to mastering Japanese is indeed a thrilling one, filled with discoveries at every turn. So, equip yourself with these fabulous tools, and enjoy every moment of your learning journey. 頑張って (Ganbatte - Do your best)!
Comments
Post a Comment