Self-Learning Japanese Tips

There is no perfect app that will help you to master the language, each of them is good and bad in its own way.

For example, Duolingo and Lingodeer are perfect if you are a beginner and want

• To improve your vocabulary
• To understand basic grammar rules
• A well-structured course to follow

Each lesson usually takes 5-10minutes to finish, making it easier to commit to a routine.

However, they both are not ideal if you are trying to improve your oral skills.

Both apps have oral practice exercises yet the voice recording function is a little bit buggy and could be frustrating when practicing.

テレ朝ニュース & Easy Japanese Newsやさしい日本語ニュース(ESJ) are perfect for strengthening your listening, reading and oral skills.

Both apps are Japanese News apps but

テレ朝:

• News is read by REAL Japanese News Anchor
• NO English or other translation is available
• Perfect for shadowing

ESJ:

• News is NOT read by real people but artificial voice assistants
• English and other language translations are available
• News articles are modified into an easier version for beginners to read
• Free JLPT mock exams are available

No matter which app you choose, reading the News is always one of the best ways to learn a language!

One of the best things about learning on Social media is there’re A TON of interesting and new resources.

Since I check on my newsfeed on Instagram and watch Youtube for leisure every day anyway, reading Instagram mangas, watching Japanese reels and videos are very entertaining, it didn't feel like I am studying at all.

However, some contents might contain inaccurate information that will hinder your learning.

Being able to select the right learning materials on social media is crucial yet can be an overwhelming process.

The first step is to master 50音 & pick ONE language learning app to start with.

Hoarding apps at the beginning is a bad way of learning because information overloading can make you give up easily.

Slowly add in more apps/materials after you have a grasp of the basics.

After that, create an immersive learning environment for yourself such as

• Changing the language setting on your social media to Japanese
• Watch Japanese Shows on Netflix
• Find good pages to follow on social media

A good beginning is half the battle, everything gets easier & easier after you have a learning routine!

Looking for more resources? Don't worry, I got you!

Useful links:

• まるごとのことばhttps://words.marugotoweb.jp/top.php
• SK Home Online Language School https://youtube.com/c/SKHOMEyoutubeJapaneseschool
• NHK やさしい日本語https://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english/learn/list/

Shows for Japanese learners:

• Terrace house series (Reality TV)
• Shirokuma Cafe (Anime)
• Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (Anime)