In recent years, the landscape of language learning has undergone a significant transformation. With the advent of technology, traditional methods of studying Japanese are being enhanced and sometimes replaced by digital tools that cater to a variety of learning styles and can both enhance and make learning more efficient. From…
Laziness and complacency are two of the most common obstacles that people face when trying to learn a new language. This will be a post taking some ideas from Dr K’s videos linked below, and it builds heavily on learning how your mind works and identifying what ‘laziness’ really means….
At the beginner stage of learning a second language, often you find yourself much slower than everyone else. This is because you hear what someone says in Japanese, try and remember it, then go through each word individually, parse the grammar and then maybe end up with an understanding of…
What’s the difference between someone who is just good at speaking a second language, and being fluent/native? Maybe a hard distinction to draw sometimes but you know it when you see it. The Triple JJJ Hottest 100 #1 song from 2018 sums it up nicely. Features Let’s think about some…
How does one study Japanese? Through these blog posts and previous videos I offer many sources you can use to practice your reading, writing, speaking in Japanese. One common question I get asked is, “Do you recommend to consume native materials, particularly kids’ books and school worksheets?”. My short answer…
When I tell people I teach Japanese, the reaction from everyone is always, “You teach Japanese?” I wasn’t born in Japan, didn’t start learning it seriously until I was 15 and have probably only spent about 2 years total in Japan. Why would you ever listen to what I have…
For a lot of you, the JLPT has been your major Japanese-related goal for the year. Now it’s over, this can bring with it a corresponding reduction in Japanese study. Drilling Japanese for the JLPT is effective for pass rates but probably unsustainable in the long term, nevermind whether such…
Understanding katakana words can be tricky, but I’ve got some tips that you can use yourself to work out what these words are. Mio is helping me out with this video and gives some great comments in English and Japanese. Katakana is a big part of Japanese and just knowing…
Hello everyone! I am a Japanese tutor that does private lessons. I’m turning my lessons into videos for you so you too can learn Japanese. Please subscribe and leave any comments relating to any burning questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer them, it may even turn…
This lesson we’ll be looking at the ‘ga’ particle a bit more, counting and some kanji. Google Doc to follow along with the lesson: https://goo.gl/Ng2Jz9