Learn Japanese FAQ

Archive for February, 2009

Q: Hi Richard! I have a slight situation. I’m currently almost done the full Pimsleur Japanese lesson, but I want to continue learning Japanese. I won’t be going to Japan anytime soon (maybe not even for at least another five years!), so I am wondering if you know any steps I should take when I’m done with it to learn more? I prefer vocal teaching, but I also have several E-Books as well, to teach me how to read and write new words. I’m sure that alone isn’t enough though. I have already learned how to write hiragana and katakana, and all the compounds and whatever those ones with the ya/yu/yo beside them are called. Do you know of any other vocal lessons that I could get? Or do I have to just rely on E-Books for a long time? Thank you for the time to answer this, Richard.-  Johnny

A:  Congratulations on working your way through the Pimsleur course, that is going to be a big help and you should have the basic feel for how Japanese works.  Rather than concentrating on ebooks or writing, I’d recommend doing a quick google search for Japanese people wanting to do language exchanges.  You agree to chat on Skype once a week, half in English (for their English practice) and half in Japanese (for your practice).  It’s sort of like taking online lessons but for free!   Over time you’ll probably make a few friends who you chat to reguarly and to be honest I think it’s even more effective than actually being in Japan!

Be genki,

Richard

Whilst I was up in Tokyo the other week I took requests for places to video.  Some of the highlights were Shibuya, where the famous crosswalk is, Harajuku (with the girls all dressed up) plus Tokyo by night.  I’ll be uploading those soon, but for the moment enjoy Akihabara, the electronics capital of  Japan!