LangCorrect was released as the new Lang-8 alternative at the end of October. For those of you missing the learning style of Lang-8, this could be for you. Lang-8 was used to share writing posts and have them corrected by others to see what mistakes were made. Although some things have been changed around, the basic idea is the same.
After setting up an account, you … [ Read more ]
Subjects: Language Study, Miscellaneous | Other
There are tons of Japanese reference and learning apps out there, so if this one looks familiar to you, don’t worry. That’s because it isn’t new at all. It’s been around on iOS since 2008.
But Japanese has undergone some major changes recently and is now the shiny, new version 4!
This app has a ton of new content:
Sources: “Renzo Inc.”, “Tofugu” | Subjects: Apps, Language Study, Miscellaneous | Other, Translate
This is a “cheat sheet” for the Japanese language. It is an attempt to condense and organize as many of the basic elements of the language onto one sheet of paper as possible. The intended use of this document is for you to download it, print it on two sides of one sheet of paper and keep it wherever you need it (in your Japanese … [ Read more ]
Source: “Nihonshock” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
The Kansai Japanese-Language Institute has developed this web portal in order to support overseas learners of Japanese. The site introduces all kinds of websites and useful tools which learners can use in their studies.
Each website or online-tool includes a summary of the contents, some basic user instructions and guidelines on how the site could be used to address concrete learning needs, all in a way … [ Read more ]
Source: “Japanese-Language Institute in Kansai” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
This list has been broken up by category, that way you can find the things you’re most interested in quickly and easily (without having to scroll through the entire list). Within each category, I’ve listed resources starting with my favorites and working my way down. Those marked with a tofugu logo () are “Tofugu approved,” which mostly just means they’ll give you a warm and … [ Read more ]
Source: “Tofugu” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
This site offers free downloads of various well-known books, audio and software (e.g., Pimsleur, Lonely Planet, Japanese for Busy People, Kanji Power 555). I am quite sure it is not at all legal, but I leave the decision whether or not to use it up to your own conscience.
Source: “Sabotage Internet” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
Read what Harvey has to say about studying, living, and working in Japan.
Source: “Harvey” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
The home for MIT class 24.946. This course is a detailed examination of the grammar of Japanese and its structure which is significantly different from English, with special emphasis on problems of interest in the study of linguistic universals. Data from a broad group of languages is studied for comparison with Japanese. This course assumes familiarity with linguistic theory.
Source: “MIT” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
Charles Kelly, Aichi Institute of Technology Professor and the man behind Charles Kelly’s Online Japanese Language Study Materials, has grabbed 900 photos of real life Japanese signs and stuck them on the web so people outside of Japan (or people in Japan who can’t pry themselves away from the computer) can practise reading them. The photos don’t come with translations (you have to do some … [ Read more ]
Source: “Charles Kelly” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
People often say that Japanese is hard to learn.
Rubbish!
The truth is, Japanese is hard to learn how to learn. However, once you’ve got the techniques down pat, then you’ll be making yourself understood in no time.
Who’s this site for?
This website is for learners of Japanese who want to put into practice language learning techniques that work. It is for beginners looking for … [ Read more ]
Source: “Dougal Phillips” | Subjects: Language Study, Miscellaneous | Other
A basic introduction to Japanese grammar covering the following topics:
1. Introduction
2. Standard hiragana
3. Double hiragana
4. Other kana information
5. Numbers
6. Greetings
7. Basic grammar
8. Vocabulary
9. Dialogues
Source: “Shinji Takasugi” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
The difference between written language and conversational language in Japanese is much greater than in English. Japanese letters often use classical grammar patterns which are seldom used in conversation. Although there are no particular rules when writing to close friends, there are many set expressions and honorific expressions (keigo) used in formal letters. A conversational style is not usually used when writing formal letters.
Source: “About.com / Namiko Abe” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
This site uses the the Kougouyaku Translation (Colloquial Translation) of the Bible to study Japanese. Basically, you can view each book chapter (currently only the Gospel of John) in three columns – an English translation, Japanese with furigana and Japanese without furigana. You can even hide the English column for enhanced study effort.
The site also features a weekly grammar example taken from the reading … [ Read more ]
Source: “Bible Japanese Page” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
I haven’t always been impressed with About.com, but the guide for the Japanese Language pages is really good and the newsletter is the best way to keep up on new content posted (and it is usually good content)
Source: “About.com / Namiko Abe” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
WWOOF Japan allows travelers to stay at places around Japan, receive meals, boarding, and learning with the local people at no cost, in return for helping the people with their work.
By the way, WWOOF originally stood for ‘Weekend Workers on Organic Farms’
Source: “WWOOF Japan” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other
Kansai Ben is a dialect of Kansai area,and the most powerful dialect. Learn more about it here (though the site is not too extensive)
Source: “Hidetoshi Tokumaru” | Subject: Miscellaneous | Other