what is a good way to learn japenese

[Tanner-kun]

i want to learn japenese and was wondering if anyone knows a good free way to learn japenese

[Walbuls]

torrent Rosetta Stone for Japanese? lol

[Abs.]

Ah, key word was free.

[Sakina]

Spelling it correctly might help.  >.>

[baka1412]

i want to learn japenese and was wondering if anyone knows a good free way to learn japenese

Watch a lot of Anime (un-dubbed) with English sub-tittle...

It's like killing 2 birds with 1 stone (if English is not your Native language), it works fine for me.. At least I'm a passive Japanese speaker 

[CoolKid3]

Formal education is still the key to learning a new language... Watching anime in Japanese dubs would only help you in the familiarity aspect... Conversations would be on a whole new different level... You might be familiar with some terms and yet you still might get lost during a conversation with a native speaker...

I also wanna learn the Japanese language so that I can sing anime songs with ease... Aside from that, it would also be an advantage on my part learning another language in case our firm is dealing with Japanese firms...

In another online forum, there was a same topic like this and there are some that recommended Rosetta Stone like walbuls did...

[Tanner-kun]

thank but i think rosseta stone cost and being 13 no job to pay for it

[Abs.]

Assuming you are in the US, Rosetta Stone costs about $500 for all three levels... $200 range for just the first level.  Time for a summer job.

[Walbuls]

torrent Rosetta Stone for Japanese? lol

O_O

You already download anime lol

[ranger]

Dunno how exactly useful Japanese is in the current economy, but just wait until you enter high school and choose that as your main foreign language.

[c-square]

i want to learn japenese and was wondering if anyone knows a good free way to learn japenese

The best way: Get a Japanese boy/girlfriend!    (Seriously, it works!)

If that's not an option, here's a good way of learning the basics that doesn't require you to take classes.  It does require a lot of hard work, discipline and patience, however.

Step 1: Study and memorize how to read and pronounce all the hiragana and katakana (flash cards really help!)

Step 2: Get an English/Japanese dictionary or find one online. 

Step 3: Try to get your hands on some manga in Japanese (make sure it's one where there's furigana on top of the kanji)

Step 4: With the EJ dictionary handy, and this list of Japanese particles, start translating the manga.  It'll be very slow at first, it may take several days to get through one page, but keep at it, and don't move on to the next page until you've completed the one you're on.  Be sure to also have a support group you can ask if you have any trouble with some of the colloquialisms or slang (e.g. start up a Japanese help thread here!)

Step 5: Slowly, over time, you'll begin to recognize words and phrases and your speed will pick up.  You'll get to learn the rules of the language and build your vocabulary.  You'll be reading one page a day, then two, then perhaps half a chapter, then a whole chapter. 

Step 6: You can then start to build your ear for it by watching anime on DVD in Japanese without subtitles, pausing it to look up anything you don't understand (My Neighbor Totoro is a great first movie to watch in Japanese).  Be sure not to cheat by putting the subtitles on!

Step 7: Finally, try to find someone to talk with in Japanese.  It doesn't have to be someone fluent, it can be another student like yourself.  Or, find a Japanese pen-pal!

Best of luck!

[baka1412]

Dunno how exactly useful Japanese is in the current economy, but just wait until you enter high school and choose that as your main foreign language.

Ditto..

I don't mean to disrespectful to Japanese, but studying Mandarin Language is more profitable nowadays..

Anyway, how about taking a course ? Or if you're still in the High school, you might want to considering Japanese as your Major...

[Tanner-kun]

i probly will after i finsh middle school

[Walbuls]

Aye Mandarin is predicted to become the most used language in business in the years to come, if you want to learn a language, its the one to pick for your future.

[CoolKid3]

I don't mean to disrespectful to Japanese, but studying Mandarin Language is more profitable nowadays..

Yeah... that's right... A couple engagements a few months ago prioritized members who were able to speak Mandarin cause they are to be sent to China...

The best way: Get a Japanese boy/girlfriend!    (Seriously, it works!)

My 3rd ex girlfriend was a pure Chinese but I never mastered their language and I wasn't forced by the circumstances since she was born here in the Phils. she can also speak our native language. She taught me a couple of words but I only retained those regularly used during conversations...