I am getting ready to start learning Japanese. I know enough that I know I need to learn Hiragana/Katakana first. But in any case I am thinking after that. What are helpful websites that helped you? I also wanted textbook suggestions. I know of Genki but I also found this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804835047/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1TNVX08ZN2JBFJYYKAYP&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
Some say it is better than Genki and I wanted to know opinions from people if they had tried both or one of these textbooks and if they liked it?
I was also curious about this book: http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Zero-Techniques-Students-Professionals/dp/0976998122/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Have you used it and was it helpful to you? Have you heard nightmares about it, etc.
Also helpful books for learning the Kana? I know of these two and wanted to know your opinoins:
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hiragana-From-Zero-George-Trombley/dp/0976998173/ref=pd_sim_b_5" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Hiragana-From-Zero-George-Trombley/dp/0976998173/ref=pd_sim_b_5</a>;
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Hiragana-Katakana-Beginners-Mastering/dp/4805311444/ref=pd_sim_b_1" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Hiragana-Katakana-Beginners-Mastering/dp/4805311444/ref=pd_sim_b_1</a>;
I know the first one is for Hiragana but they have a Katakana one as well. I also realize there are plenty of websites to help. I'm easily distracted with the computer though which is why I am resulting to books more so than computer methods.
Other things I would like to know is definitely what websites you used? Did you use social sites such as italki, livemocha, edufire, lang-8, etc? If so which were best?
Are there any blogs you suggest following? I know of Tofugu. I have done quite a bit of research on this. I just want to know personal opinions from those who have learned Japanese.
I also wanted to know how you learned Kanji. Was it flashcards or are there books you suggest there to?
Thank you all who answer. And hopefully I get some helpful and detailed answers :D Appreciate it!
For kanji, which is what I'm currently learning, I'm using
http://www.amazon.com/Read-Japanese-today-Len-Welsh/dp/0804804966
So far, this is proving helpful for me in learning the meanings. It basically breaks down the origin of the kanji into the picture it used to be/represent (not that it still doesn't XD). As I said, it's helpful in learning the meanings. It also gives the readings, which is nice, but I know that's something I'll have to go over many many times to get the hang of and actually use and see used before it sticks.
I've also taken to Kanjibox.net because it has kanji set in levels already, ready to be reviewed and quizzed.
Oh gosh, sorry it's such a long comment! XD
Hope some of that helps!
Lang-8, I've used and like. I wish I could use it more, but don't really know enough Japanese to convey what I'd like in that setting. Something worth checking out though.
Tofugu is a good blog, of course. There's also http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com/blog/
But there's lots out there. Depends on what you're interested in also. Like, aside from the language, I also have bookmarks of sites featuring Japanese cuisine and things like that. Not necessarily in Japanese, but with that bit of culture that's also important to know when learning a language.
If you're really determined to get a book though, I suppose I can suggest Kodansha's Hiragana Workbook. This is one that I bought and used for a bit. It has stroke order, some vocab, pronunciation tips/guide, and flashcards in the back that you can pull apart and use. But again, it's something that I didn't even complete because I ended up learning it on my own. Didn't even get a katakana workbook because I just learned it via the web. XD
As I stated, I used that Japanese from Zero series. I actually used the web-version first which is nice because you can pay and get access to everything, basically, the lessons, I mean. Only hirargana is in the first book.
Because hiragana and katakana are constant and don't mean anything other than sounds though, I wouldn't waste any money on a book solely for them. It can be tempting because you think "this will help me learn it", but really it just comes down to focusing and practicing, and you really don't need a book for those. Spend your money on things that you'll actually need help with and be learning in the long run; kanji, grammar, etc... Because once you learn the kana, you've learned it, it's done. Instead, find a nice resource online, something you can print out since you stated you didn't want a computer source and use that. Make sure it has the stroke order since, while not so important anymore because of technology, it will help get you used to it and expectant of how kanji works as well.
I've never heard of that book, but that doesn't mean it's not good. I have Genki, but for me, it's kind of hard to go through by yourself.
I have tried Japanese From Zero and I actually really like that series. That's how I got started with learning in the first place! XD
It depends on how you want to learn also. That series teaches you hiragana and katakana at pretty slow pace because it also teaches you other things like vocabulary and grammar. I personally, liked that idea because it allowed me learn many small things at once, instead of just one thing that could possibly burn me out. That said, I took learning hiragana and katakana myself, at a faster pace. I still went along with the other things in the book, I just went ahead and learned the kanas myself instead of following along.
