Learning Languages 語を勉強する

In a couple weeks I take my first big test for the Japanese language to see if I have learned anything at all... I certainly have tried. 

So, to mark the event I thought I would post about my favorite (and least favorite) language tools. 

My favorite learning resources for languages in general are: 

• The book Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner; I received a copy of this book from a friend when I was really discouraged and overwhelmed. It was wonderful for encouraging me, for motivating me, for reminding me that language learning is possible, and to help me structure my learning routine.
• Having an end goal or test to study towards (puts an attainable goal in mind and adds the necessary edge of pressure). Commit to something that is objective. 
• Submersion (in small doses at first so that you are not overwhelmed and give up).
• Singing songs in the target language (It was fun to sing songs that I was already familiar with in English, but generally better for studying if I learned new songs in the target language.) Youtube can be good for this, but make sure you have access to the written lyrics for validation. 
• Engaging in conversation with the language, even if it is simple and only with other newbies.
• Taking a class with a tutor. This cannot be overstated. Look online or for a community class in your area. 
• Putting sticky notes of vocab on objects around my house.
• Spark Charts
• Taping a vocab list to my mirror (to study when I brush my teeth).
• Messaging with other people who can only understand the target language (see websites like https://www.hellolingo.com/ if you need a friend in your target language.)
• Picture dictionaries in the target language
• Flashcards that I made without English on them, explain each vocab word with a picture.
• Spaced repetition software like anki for vocab
• Basic grammar dictionary
• Workbooks or notebooks that I used as notebooks. Repetition really is the key to learning. 
• Online grammar and vocab lists compiled by many different talented vloggers and bloggers. Beware of getting lost on the internet, though.
• Good old fashioned determination; every time you look a work up again you are one step closer to remembering it forever. 

For Japanese specifically I liked: 

• Kana Invaderds (https://learnjapanesepod.com/kana-invaders/) the perfect game for learning the writing system.
• Genki textbook series. They are amazing and easy to understand, even without a tutor.
• Jisho.org (a fantastic online dictionary which also has an app).
• Concise list of Japanese verbs (see the multi-part list at http://www.thejapanguy.com/100-japanese-verbs-you-should-know-part-1/)
• Puns (https://www.italki.com/article/293/learn-vocabulary-through-japanese-puns-dajare)
• Japanese through Pictures book (ISBN-13: 978-4794600738)
• Polar Bear Cafe (lhttps://myanimelist.net/anime/12815/Shirokuma_Cafe)  or any book which is simple enough to not be overwhelming, interesting enough to keep you motivated, and encourages you to engage one-on-one with the language
• Online NHK lessons (http://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/english/)
• Books for shadowing and emulating a language. Really make sure you make all the sounds right from the beginning. Do not build bad habits. I bought this one (ISBN-13: 978-4874243541) 
• Kanji workbook (ISBN-13: 978-4-384-05635-8)
• Concise vocab books (ISBN-13: 978-4863920101)
• Books to test and spur on progress such as (ISBN-13: 978-4872179408)
• Speak Japanese in 90 days by Kevin Marx

Poor life choices...

There were a few resources that were less than helpful. Some of these may be obvious, but I feel obliged to offer the list...

• Netflix 
• Youtube (it has good material including the links I attached above... but it is such a dangerous place to "search" for tools.)
• Rosetta stone (This software was really fun if you have a decent foundation, but starting from nil I found this software more agitating than helpful.)
• Mina No Nihongo textbook series. Just do not do it. Do not put yourself through that. 
• Not practicing (procrastinating is the worst.)
• Buying all the resources at once without setting a specific schedule or goals and yet promising myself that I will be awesome real soon. Do not make my mistake. Be realistic. Do not overbuy. You already are awesome, now prove it by studying.