Being an independent studier is hard enough on its own. Being an independent studier with limited resource material is harder. In this post you will find helpful study methods and materials that can better prep and guide you in your language studies.
It's important to know that whether you are an traditional or independent student these study aids can better improve your basic vocabulary and written composition.
Google Translator:
There is a million reasons to love Google, one of them includes its Translator site. Enter any word in the English portion of the translator and it appears as it would in Japanese (or any other language you are studying). The Romanized equivalent of the word is also present for those who have trouble deciphering the symbols. There is also an "Listen" button for those who have trouble pronouncing the words and need the word read aloud to them.
http://translate.google.com/#
Merriam-Webster's Japanese-English Dictionary:
Purchasing this low cost dictionary will further add to your language needs. Although Google Translator is a very affective tool, having a dictionary will come in handy. Dictionaries provide the most correct use of words, spelling, grammar and phrases used in any given language. The dictionary can even provide information not yet available online.
Japanese For Dummies
Japanese For Dummies, is the ultimate traveler's and students survival guide. This Dummies' addition comes in a variety of formats from a full book, CD audio or an digital audio download. It also comes in a range of prices starting from $5- to $25.
The Itunes store has the digital version for around $6 .
ManythingsJapanese.org:
My final suggestion for study materials comes from student/guru Charles Kelly's site http://www.manythings.org/japanese/. The site gives helpful insight to those studying for the JLPT. With digital flash cards, videos practice quizzes and tests plus much more, this student friendly site can help you navigate and prep for one or all of the JLPT certification.
*My other suggestion, which is not fully mentioned above is making personalized note cards. Taking simple note cards and putting words, phrases, facts or anything else of importance onto them will help with memory and break down of the complex language.
To conclude this posting, learning another language whether as an traditional or independent student should cost you little to nothing in your quest for basic to complete fluency in your language of choice.
As always さようなら, sayonara or bye!
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I will now make it my mission to post a relevant suggestion every week.
ReplyDeleteSome of these resources, I have yet to check out. I agree that the little English/Japanese dictionary is one of, if not the single most important tool for learning the language.
If you have a Nintendo DS (or newer, I guess), you might want to check out the My Japanese Coach game. It's seriously a great way to practice, and while learning from multiple resources can be confusing sometimes, it also helps to have different perspectives.
ちょっと長いですね。。。
じゃぁ、明日ね
-Collin
Thanks for the suggestion about the DS. Unfortunately I can never again have in my possession a DS . . . it is far too addictive for me. If I translated correctly (courtesy of Google translator) you said "It is a bits long . . . see you tomorrow"? :)
ReplyDelete