| Learning Japanese is a process and before you start | | | | Forget about studying vocab or grammar, learn |
| it is important to think about how you are going to learn | | | | patterns. Language is defined by how people in the |
| and acquire this new skill. Languages, particularly | | | | real world are using it in context. At one time the |
| Japanese, are unique ways of thinking and it is very | | | | dictionary definition of "cool" had only to do with |
| helpful to come up with a few basic strategies for | | | | temperature. Through common use, the definition of |
| success. After you finish reading, remember to check | | | | "cool" has changed, and will continue to change. Don`t |
| out Kawaii Japanese for cute and fun videos to | | | | worry about remembering individual parts of Japanese, |
| further help you on your way towards learning | | | | but concentrate on actual pieces of the language put |
| Japanese. | | | | together and how you will use them now. |
| #1) Forget Everything | | | | #5) Pronunciation |
| Languages, Japanese included, are ways of thinking | | | | Unlike English, Japanese words have only one possible |
| and each one is different. Excited? Learning Japanese | | | | pronunciation. The rules for pronunciation are well |
| is not just a great way to improve your business and | | | | defined and once you have a basic understanding of |
| meet cute girls, but also learn about yourself and your | | | | their alphabet (presented in "free lessons") you can |
| own culture. While it is fun, remember to forget your | | | | pronounce any Japanese word like a native speaker. |
| own language and assumptions. | | | | No tonality differences, no odd rules, its just simple. |
| Ex) In Japanese you say "Asobou" to mean "lets hang | | | | #6) Grammar |
| out," but the literally translated this means "lets play." | | | | Japanese grammar is, well, backwards. Take an |
| #2) Make Mistakes | | | | English sentence, reverse the word order and presto! |
| What is the best way to learn? Make mistakes. Get in | | | | Japanese grammar. The great news is that while |
| the ring and take your punches. The good news is that | | | | Japanese grammar in written communication can be |
| people love somebody who is willing to go out there | | | | difficult, spoken Japanese with people you know is |
| and make a mistake and smile about it. Remember it is | | | | very informal and simple. In terms of speaking to |
| fun and have a good laugh. | | | | friends in Japanese, nothing could be easier. |
| #3) Think in Japanese | | | | #7) 80% Fluent |
| Speaking a language is like playing a sport. It does not | | | | Here is something most language sites don`t want you |
| require much high-level thought, but is a reaction. You | | | | to know: you are almost there already! Research has |
| see a situation and you react. When learning new | | | | shown that up to 80% of communication is gestures |
| words or grammar, think of how you will use them. | | | | and tonality. Most of what you communicate is done |
| Visualize and see yourself speaking the words, who | | | | simply by how you say the words, not what you say. |
| you are talking to, and in what situation. When are you | | | | Smile and kick-back because you are on your way. |
| actually there and using the Japanese you learned it | | | | Just remember, be very expressive in your |
| will come out naturally. | | | | communications. |
| #4) Language in Use | | | | |