Fastest Way to Learn Japanese?

Question:

Hello everyone, I'm planning on moving to Japan to attend College, but I would like to be able to reach at least JPL2 by the time I go there (2013), so which learning method would be the best? I've been using an Application called Human Japanese for almost two weeks, and so far I've memorised the entire Hiragana Syllabary, and started forming some basic sentences (e.g. "Konichi ha[wa], watashi ha[wa] America-jin deshita," "Anata ha[wa] sensei desu ka?," etc.), but I want to know which method would allow to become as fluent as possible within the next two years. Is it a realistic goal to expect to reach JPL2 by the time of graduation? Thank you for your time.

Answer:

Josh:

The best method for learning Japanese must be based on interacting with the language as often as you can everyday. I encourage you not to rely on educational software like Human Japanese or Rosetta Stone, but on real, native, RAW Japanese media. Everyday watch YouTube or Nico Nico Douga videos in Japanese. Watch also news in Japanese, TV shows and anime (WITHOUT English subs). Listen to music and podcasts in Japanese. Visit Japanese websites from time to time and skim their content. Read (skim at first) Japanese manga and even books/novels if you can get your hands on some. In short: For everything you do, see how you can inject Japanese into it.

"...become as fluent as possible within the next two years. Is it a realistic goal...?"

Contrary to what most people will tell you, if you are willing to be persistent, put in the time each day, and just give your life to the Japanese language for the next two years, you will not only become fluent... you will become native-like. If you want more in depth information on how to achieve this I recommend you check out this resource:

http://www.squidoo.com/learn-japanese-la…

As for the JLPT2 thing... tell me something: Would it be necessary to waste money on some standardized test if you fill all your papers and applications in full Japanese and conduct your College interviews in full Japanese? JLPT scores don't really reflect if you are proficient or not... they only reflect if you are proficient in taking the test itself.

Finally, I recommend you watch the "Extra Credits" series on The Escapist magazine. They'll give you some very nifty tips and insight about the videogame industry: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/v…

I hope these resources are of help. Wish you success Josh! :D