CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

I'm most likely going on a missions trip to Japan this summer. It's not required that I know Japanese, but it would make things easier if I at least had a basic understanding of it.

Sooo... I know a lot of people on here know/are learning Japanese. I know some of you are probably taking classes of it, but I guess I'm wondering, if any one is learning on their own, how they did that. Like, what program, method, or curriculum you used.

I don't really mind paying a small amount of money for it, I just don't want to spend a fortune on it. So if anyone knows of anything that would be good, if you could let me know, that would be great! Thanks!

You can nab a used college textbook on Amazon for under $50. I used the Nakama series, and there are some other good ones out there.

Do you have a Nintendo DS? If so, there's this DS game called My Japanese Coach that's rather dandy. It doesn't make you an expert or anything, but it does give you a general understanding of the language; how to read and pronounce all the characters/words as well as verb conjugation. I use it to study along with taking a my Japanese class in college. Plus, with My Japanese Coach allows you to hear the words/phrases spoken and allows you also speak/spell them back as well to make sure you are saying/writing them correctly. ^_^

Though, if you don't have a DS, finding a CD that has Japanese basic phrases and vocab on it may help you the most. There are also many books for learning it as well, but I sadly don't know which ones are the best ones. 8(

Best of luck to you!

I have been studying Japanese for about two years. The best I have come across so far are these:

Books:
Japanese for Busy People
Minna no Nihongo

You can find these on Amazon.com for a good price. They are pretty good at helping you to efficiently study Japanese.

For websites:
JapanesePod101.com
YesJapan.com

Both are great sites and will run you $14-20/month.

You are not going to find anything good out there that is free, so forget about it. If there was anything out there that was free and high quality, I would be using it right now xD.

For vocabulary practice:
Anki Online

Google it and read why it works well. This will take your vocab study to a whole new level.

Give these sites a try and tell me what you think.

Tell me if you need help installing Japanese support on your computer.

Thanks, everyone! I will definitely have to check those out.

Also try and find someone who knows some and just have them teach you through conversation.

Aw man you're lucky to go on a mission trip to Japan! Lucky you!

Although I haven't tried it, http://www.livemocha.com looks promising. It is free, too.

EDIT: It looks like they have moved some of their content so that it is only available to paid subscribers.

I've had found two web sites I like to visit. The GenkiJapan.net site has a lot of free on-site stuff. Lots of fun games and videos to help you learn. A cute girl's voice sounds out the Hiragana, Katagana, and phrases. (you may want to turn your sound down a bit first though).

Also handy for a step by step free instruction is http://www.learn-japanese.info/

Hope this helps. God speed on your missionary trip.

Do you have a DS? My Japanese coach could be good way.

I have used livemocha before when it was completely free and really liked it. I think most of the features are still available for free. The fun part: it is interactive. The "Extra Practice" section allows you to write/record yourself speaking and native speakers will comment and make suggestions.

hmmmm

I think having great friends who are willing to teach you is also a fun way to learn! Right, Doughy?

now, if Ionly I would actually show up for classes... >_>

Japanese for Busy People is probably the best one for travel purposes. It focuses mostly on survival Japanese. I know a couple places around here who us it and it is highly recommended.

I learned a lot from watching raw anime... just take a DVD and watch in Japanese w/o the subs.

It's amazingly helpful.