Japanese Learning Resources
Amavect
2023-11-22

ABSTRACT
I'm learning Japanese for fun.
Here's a list of things for learning, if you want to join.

PHILOSOPHY
Learning happens when you understand what's being said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiTsduRreug
Therefore, translating ideas into one's native language is a poor way to learn a second language.
The result would be poor pronunciation and slow speech comprehension.
Also, studying grammar is boring.
Instead, it's best to understand words and phrases on an immediate level.

BEGIN
The writing system is 2 syllabaries (hiragana, katakana) and 1 logographic system (kanji).
Learn the syllabaries as soon as possible, and don't attempt to pronounce them like your native language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxTcGPFyiUc
I kept these tables nearby to reference until I had them memorized.
Keep them in Japanese. Avoid romaji transliterations.
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B9%B3%E4%BB%AE%E5%90%8D#%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%89%87%E4%BB%AE%E5%90%8D#%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7
While doing that, you can begin listening to Japanese. Turn on Japanese subtitles.
https://www.youtube.com/@cijapanese
https://www.youtube.com/@nihongo-learning7582
Pitch pattern matters in Japanese. Be sure to listen for it.

YOUTUBE
I recommend making a new Youtube channel and using that to watch Japanese-only videos.
(You can make an extra Youtube channel without making an extra account.)
Then you can get recommendations in Japanese just on that account, without mixing it with your main account.
Be sure to set the language to 日本語.

RESOURCES
https://cijapanese.com/recommended-resources/
https://www.edewakaru.com/

TYPING
On Windows, you should be able to easily configure a Japanese IME in keyboard settings.
On Linux, there's a separation between input method and input engine.
I currently use mozc on the fcitx5 engine.

REFERENCE
kanji draw:
https://kanji.sljfaq.org/drawj.html
dictionary, be sure to click 発音 for pronunciation and pitch pattern:
https://sakura-paris.org/dict/
I often stick words into an image search to get their meaning without translating to English.