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Learn Japanese
Okay, so basically I want to learn Japanese. I already have alot of basic knowledge. I can ask where the bathroom is, I can introduce myself, I can ask if someone's okay, tell them how I'm feeling, ask someone's name, identify some some colors, some animals, some buildings, some foods, some body parts etc.
But I'm sure I don't know all the basics, so I'm looking for some stuff good for beginners.
I've heard of Rocket Japanese, which looks pretty good, but I don't have the money for that.. Soo that's out the window.
So, I was wondering if anyone could give me some good kanji dictionaries and other books I'll need?
I'm trying to keep this in the 100-150 dollar range...
All help appreciated!
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Maybe give some free advice about: Random Weirdos?
My suggestion in iTunes...yes iTunes.
Click onto the iTunes store and click on "Podcasts", then search "Learning Japanese" (or something similar to that.
I actually did this last summer to help keep my sharp with French, and now this year I'm taking Advanced Placement French :)
Other than that, it is proven that the best way to improve yourself in a foreign language, is to read it on a sheet of paper while it is being said aloud. So maybe find a Japanese song, print the lyrics and read them them while you listen to the song?
Good luck! :)
-Laura (17-f)
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Ohayou gozaimasu!
Glad to hear you want to learn. I love languages too! But you have sooo many more options today then I did when I was younger.
Here are some things you can do that don't cost a lot of money:
1. Amazon.com has tons of books of all kinds (with cd's to listen to too) - many used for under $10 or so.
2. Go to your local library and get some books for free!
3. If you have a college near you- even better, you may or may not be able to use their library but you will be able to at least buy the Jap. 101 textbook and CD (can probably get these online too if you don't have a college near you). They are more expensive but worth it. One college textbook is better than a dozen cheapo's.
4. Rent any Japanese CD you can and watch them with English subtitles. You won't understand a lot but you will pick up a thing or two here and there, and most importantly pick up on the right intonation, pronounciation, etc.
5. Japanese music (there is some on itunes). Bonnie Pink is one of my fave's.
6. Check out to see what you find on the net- youtube for example.
7. Try this site: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
I just went there to check my spelling of good morning and noticed they have the japanese writing on there as well as audio to hear it spoken properly!
8. There are lots of free dictionaries online. Check them out.
9. If you want to learn to write as well check out some BILINGUAL books. For example, there are haiku books that have the Japanese on one side and English on the other. (And haiku is short so that makes it a little easier)
10. Essential Japanese Grammar is a good, quick, cheap book if you just want the basic run-down and don't need a lot of fluff or explanation.
Gamabate! (I think that means go for it if I remember correctly). :-)
That should give you enough ideas to start with!
RT
PS- A secret tip- try writing to do lists, grocery lists, etc. in Japanese. That way you learn things that have to do with YOUR life (what YOU do what YOU eat...) This works way better than vocabulary from a book!
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