Expert: Dreams - 7/4/2009

Question
Well..I'm really looking forward to learning Japanese..I've been fascinated with it for years..but where do I start?
I was thinking about maybe starting with the writing styles..
I've got simple things down like Konnichiwa(sp?) and O genki desu ka?... and Ohayo Gozaimasu.
Sorry if my spelling is terrible.
XD
Would I be best off with starting with the grammar...? And is it possible to learn the language free and online?

Answer
Hello,

Because Japanese is such a popular language now, it is definitely possible to learn the language through free/online resources. :) I would recommend following this rough outline of what you should learn in order to be well-rounded in the language:

1. First, learn your kana (hiragana & katakana). It's actually pretty easy, and will get you far in reading ability. You can learn all the kana online at www.kanachart.com.

-Bookmark basic resources:
J-E Dictionary: http://www.df.lth.se/cgi-bin/j-e/dict
Kanji Dictionary: http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1B
Meguro Language Center: http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/Download.htm (this has all kinds of free practice sheets/Flash movies)

2. Learn basic grammar. Start out at websites like www.guidetojapanese.org, www.nihongoresources.com, www.timwerx.net, and japanese.about.com to begin understanding basic grammar patterns, particles, and the like.

-If you want to type in Japanese, you may want to consider installing Japanese IME if you have Windows. (Installation varies depending on what version of Windows you have.)

3. Start learning vocabulary as you move along. I found a good way of doing this was to learn several kanji each week. www.thekanjisite.com has lists of kanji included in levels 2, 3, and 4 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, so it's a good place to memorize kanji readings and meanings. The only problem is that the website will not teach you compound words (two or more kanji put together), which make up many Japanese nouns.

-If you ever decide to invest in a kanji dictionary, "Kanji & Kana" by Wolfgang Hadamitzky and Mark Spahn is a great resource for cheap via Amazon. It includes punctuation, a history of the written language, and the entire jouyou kanji list (1950 characters you must learn to be considered literate) with common compound words.

-Kiki's Kanji Dictionary also has a massive list of kanji here (http://nuthatch.com/kanji/demo/radicals.html) that includes compound words with each kanji, although it might be a bit overwhelming.

4. So by now, you should know your kana, basic grammar, and be learning kanji & vocab regularly. Continue on with intermediate and advanced grammar! At this point, if you haven't yet, I would recommend joining some Japanese language communities online, so that you can get help if you need it:

www.japanese-online.com
www.japan-zone.com/forum/
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-japanese

5. TRANSLATE THINGS. Even before this point, practice translating things between Japanese and English whenever you can. Even if you have to use the Japanese-English dictionary and kanji dictionary over and over, this is obviously essential. And the best part. And if you can get translations checked by someone online, all the better. And be sure to get in audio practice, which you can do via YouTube or even Japanese music. (Searching for Jagainu-kun on YT is a good way to see if you have verbal comprehension. XD)

Advanced Resources:
Japanese Dictionary: http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/
Japanese Penpals: http://www.japan-guide.com/local/jp/?aCAT=2
Particles: http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8A%A9%E8%A9%9E
Kanji Driller: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ik2r-myr/kanji/kanji1pa.htm

The single most useful advanced resource you will want/need is Space Alc (http://www.alc.co.jp). I cannot stress how helpful this website will be once you learn your kana and intermediate grammar. You can enter any Japanese or English word or phrase, and it will come back with bilingual results that show the word/phrase in natural sentenced or dialogue.

To become proficient, be sure you set aside time to study each week, or several days a week. It sounds silly, but good study habits make a huge difference. Also make sure you join forums or find other people who can help you with the language, even just practicing simple dialogue. Don't be afraid to try translating something, even if it seems above your level. And be sure to have fun with the language. :) I would get bored with the routine of memorization and go, "How do you say 'fat cat' in Japanese?" and then figure it out.

When all else fails, look at Japanese cats.
http://ameblo.jp/torankopunyon/theme-10009086648.html

Ganbatte and best wishes,
Dreams

P.S. Your spelling is fine. :)