Is there a good way to learn Japanese?

Question:

I have 2 books I bought off of amazon so I can try to teach myself but I'm just getting confused. I'm more worried about being able to speak rather than writing it right now. The only thing I can say is my name and to ask if the person speaks English. There has to be a better way, right?

Thanks!

Answer:

Before you start studying for real you need to do a mental inventory:

1. For what purpose am I learning Japanese?
2. When will I need Japanese?
3. Will I need to speak?
4. Will I need to read?

The answers to these questions will determine how you should study. Especially the period of time you are working with.

Wow, 3 months. Then you are right to focus on speaking first. Unless you have some Japanese friends near your house to practice with, you're going to want a book with a cd, because listening skills are crucial.
Here's how I would do it:

1. Listen to Japanese daily. 7 days a week. Even if only for a few minutes, but ideally longer when you have a chance. You can use the CD that came with your books or you can go to ITunes and check out the podcasts for learning Japanese. There are many of them. I've never listened to them before but they seem fairly popular, so they must be alright.

2. After you get a little more familiar with the language, (say, around Christmas holiday), rent or watch some Japanese movies or animations. With Japanese language and English subtitles. Or try with no subtitles, but it's pretty hard since they are speaking natural speed. With subtitles your brain will be making a connection between what's said and what you see.

3. Study 30 minutes-1 hour everyday with your textbooks. In Japan, when my English coworkers and I first learned, we all used the "Japanese for Busy People" series. Everything is written out in English letters, and there are reading and grammar and vocabulary exercises. The type of book is not important. What is important is that it is not too difficult for you and you can understand explanations. And repetition. Your brain will forget something within 24 hours unless you reinforce it (i.e. study it again.)

4. Use flashcards/notecards/word cards-whatever you call them. You will be bombarded with new vocab that sounds nothing English. Writing it down and reviewing it is the best way to remember.
Here is the word "house," in German, Norwegian, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, and French, respectively:

Haus, huis, hus, casa, casa, maison--- these languages are all part of the same family, and similar to English words. This is why many kids take Spanish in high school, it's the easiest language, and you can guess.
In Japan, the word for "house is ie. There is no relationship with English which means you will have memorize seemingly random words. But it's easier than Chinese, where all words are very short and the tone of your voice is the only that changes the meanings. That's why "horse" and "your mama" are spelled the exact same in Chinese. Fortunately, there are no tones in Japanese, it's just that the vocabulary are very different.

Always write new words down, write the meaning on the back of the card, and test yourself every time you have a bit of free time. My point with all of these suggestions is that "cramming" does not work with language skills. It may help you pass the test, but the real test is being able to speak with Japanese people. Not studying for 6 days and then studying 7 hours on the last day will not help. Short, even 15-30 minute study sessions daily will be much, much better for your brain to get into the habit of working with Japanese. (this is scientific fact, BTW, not just my own personal preference)

5. Take advantage of the internet and social networking. I'm sure there are Japanese study groups forming right now, as the big test (JLPT) is being held in a month. So meeting people who are studying or who are teaching, also use all of the great online study aids people have made over the years:

http://www.manythings.org/japanese/
http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/Download.ht…
http://www.tofugu.com/2010/04/06/tofugu-…
http://www.sabotenweb.com/bookmarks/lang…

just a few of the thousands of options.