akamonkai_online Do you find yourself struggling to stay motivated while learning a new language? This is a common problem people face, and a major reason people are reluctant to study the Japanese language online. That does not have to be the case, though.
It is possible to make significant progress in your Japanese language course, while engaging with the language in your free time. This is the most enjoyable way to learn Japanese, as you have the freedom to make any of your recreation activities productive for your language learning journey.
Here are some ways you can supplement your study of the Japanese language online:
1. Books and Audiobooks
Books are an invaluable source of knowledge. This is evidently true for your language textbooks, which you likely use to study the Japanese language online, but that is only the beginning! The beautiful thing about books is that there is always something for everybody.
Books
If you are a complete beginner in the Japanese language, looking to learn basic vocabulary and sentence-building, you can use children’s books to familiarize yourself with the basics.
As you progress, you can read short stories and then move on to classic novels, which will allow you to learn the Japanese language while exploring the literature of Japan. The awesome thing about books is that you can always choose something that matches your taste, meaning it is impossible to get bored. Fiction, non-fiction, romance, science, history etc.
It hardly feels like studying! Reading Japanese books in their original language will give you the original perspective, which is a great way of immersing yourself in the language and learning straight from the source. You will improve your reading skills, and your writing simultaneously, if you choose to take notes..
Audiobooks
If you are not much of a reader, you can always listen to audiobooks. They are another effortless way to supplement your study of the Japanese language online. The only difference is that you will develop your listening skills instead.
Audiobooks are especially helpful for people who want to learn the Japanese language on-the go, as they can be played nearly anywhere and everywhere. They allow you to learn Japanese while on the train, doing the dishes, etc., making routine activities more enjoyable!
2. Documentaries and Podcasts
Documentaries are another great way to learn the Japanese language, combining education and entertainment. Their format is more visual than audiobooks, which makes them a great option to go for when you want to kick back and watch some interesting, educational content.
How Documentaries Help You Study the Japanese Language Online
From public interest topics, to nature, history, criminology, art and more, documentaries provide education, as well as a local perspective on a lot of different subjects. Watching Japanese documentaries not only provides valuable information and knowledge on Japanese culture, it also gives you the space to intuitively understand how it influences the language.
The visual dimension of documentaries makes them easier to follow and understand, in comparison to audiobooks. They are a great resource for people who enjoy visual learning. Documentaries help you make connections between the language, history and culture of Japan while you’re in entertainment mode. This makes them a great supplement for people who study the Japanese language online.
Podcasts
Podcasts are another form of educational audio content. They are great for those looking to follow a more casual, conversational format.
Podcasts are incredibly interesting as there is a human element to them. Although they may not be as fact-heavy as books or documentaries, they are very easy to follow and their spontaneous nature adds a natural feel to the dialogue.
This not only makes them engaging to passively listen to, it also gives you direct access to Japanese dialogue, which will sharpen your conversational skills.
3. Manga
Manga is a popular form of storytelling through graphic comics. Reading them in their original language is going to improve your reading skills, as they use a combination of kanji, hiragana and katakana. The reading experience is mostly visual, making them relatively easy to follow.
The text being compact is not necessarily a bad thing, as it has a stronger emphasis where it is present. Given that the experience is primarily visual, understanding the narration and dialogue is all the more important. Even if you are struggling to understand a text box or phrase, it is not as overwhelming as trying to understand a whole paragraph in a book. Additionally, understanding text is essential in order to understand the context of the manga you’re reading.
This makes manga very engaging as a reading practice, and it happens to be some of the most consumable entertainment out there! You can implement your study of the Japanese language online by reading the Japanese version of your favorite manga, and having a separate version in English to help you translate when you are struggling. There are many websites you can use if you do not want physical copies. Shonen Jump Plus, for example, offers manga in both English and Japanese. The read is seamless, immersive, and entertaining!
Demographics
Manga are categorized by demographics. Shonen(少年) and shoujo(少女) mean “young male” and “young female” respectively, and both are popular manga demographics named after these audiences.
Seinen(青年) and josei(女性), on the other hand, is a more mature demographic, which is often reflected in the content of the manga under these categories. For those looking for grittier, more realistic manga with psychological and political themes, gekiga(劇画)is a classic manga format from the mid 1900’s, aimed at adult audiences. Gekiga directly translates to “dramatic pictures”.
4. TV Shows
Watching TV is a form of recreation everyone likes to engage in. It is easy, relaxing and enjoyable, which is why everyone loves it! Sometimes you may not feel like taking out your pen and paper to study, and would rather sit back and watch some movies or series instead.
The good thing is that it does not have to be one or the other.
You can watch TV shows in the Japanese language with English subtitles, which will strengthen your listening skills by introducing new words and phrases to your vocabulary. This is all done without you trying to translate, as the subtitles make the connections for you. On the other hand, if you are already on that level, a more challenging approach could be for you. Try Japanese audio and Japanese subtitles.
This is a fun way to make your screen time productive, by supplementing your study of the Japanese language online. The coolest part is that you have freedom of how much you actually want to study. You can watch a Japanese show with English subtitles if you’re looking to learn the basics, or you can watch it with Japanese subtitles.
5. Music
Listening to Japanese music is a great way to support your study of the Japanese language online. Music is another art form that everyone loves, so there are genres and artists for everybody. The great thing about music is that it is the most accessible form of Japanese content. You can find it in seconds, whether you use YouTube or streaming platforms.
On top of that, it is the easiest form of media to expose yourself to on a consistent basis! Songs are short, and all it takes to play them is your device. The more you like and play a song, the more often it will come up on your rotation, playlists and recommended feed. Then, as you listen to Japanese music, your algorithm will recommend you more Japanese songs from the artists and genres you like.
Additionally, switching from Japanese music to that of your native language, and vice versa, is not as hard of a decision as selecting what kind of movie you want to watch. You can mix them up at any time, making the listening experience seamless. Songs are also short and full-on audio, so they do not require the time commitment or choice between options that books and TV require.
From traditional Japanese music, like Enka, to modern J-pop, J-rock, Japanese hip hop, you have an endless stream of music, a lot of which is similar to what you already like. If you’re more of a music explorer, that is just as valid, as you can discover countless artists and Japanese music subgenres while improving your language skills at the same time!
6. Japanese Dictionary
Although a dictionary is a book, its specific purpose and format sets it apart as a unique source of knowledge. While learning a new language, a dictionary will be your best friend. Having access to the Japanese dictionary, whether it is a physical book, or on your phone, is extremely powerful.
It can answer your questions in seconds and save you the effort of searching for the meaning of different words, making it extremely valuable. The reason it is in a category separate from books is that it is specifically used for studying, or to directly support you during your study sessions. Books, on the other hand, are generally meant for acquiring intellectual wisdom through recreation.
A book and a dictionary can also be used hand-in-hand. In fact, having a dictionary by your side will exponentially improve your understanding of a book, saving you a lot of the time you would spend scratching your head over certain words.
If you are a beginner, there is nothing wrong with using a Japanese dictionary with English definitions! If you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese language, however, a fully Japanese dictionary will make that possible. Although a bit harder at first, you will learn your vocabulary through a native perspective, which will help you achieve fluency.
7. Language Learning Apps
If you want to learn Japanese and practice in a setting resembling a game, try out language learning apps!
Duolingo is a common language learning app people use to practice their reading, writing, reading and listening skills .While it may not teach you how to speak on a native level, it can be a great way to practice in your free time. The exercises are short, interactive and the platform is free, making it a popular method to supplement the study of the Japanese language online.
You can also use Anki, a program that helps you refresh your Japanese vocabulary with customizable flashcards. This is a great tool for those searching for a quick, and easy way to learn by engaging in consistent repetition.
8. Online Japanese Communities
Joining Japanese online communities, whether or not they are specifically language-related, can be a very helpful way of using your screen time to study the Japanese language online. You can join Japanese-speaking forums or social media communities, related to your favorite Japanese media. This will help you engage with the Japanese language by discussing the country’s pop culture!
You can also join language learning communities, such as Reddit’s r/LearnJapanese. These communities will give you access to support, feedback and resources that you would not be able to find otherwise. Being in these communities also makes the learning experience more fun, and further motivates you to make progress!
Conclusion
Learning the Japanese language in your daily life is easier than it looks! Each of the previously mentioned examples is going to increase your productivity, and you do not even have to go out of your way to make time for them!
These are activities you already do, or can be done on-the-go. Start with the one that best fits your needs and preferences, and don’t forget to keep attending your classes!
If you’re looking to study the Japanese language online, check out Akamonkai Japanese Language School!