Learning is, of course, individual and unique, but methodology plays an important role in how effective someone can truly be at learning. Struggles when learning Japanese come from all directions, but it uniquely, is one of the last remaining languages that uses pictographs, or complex images, to give meaning. In Japanese, these pictographs are known as Kanji. Learning individual sounds isn’t technically necessary for reading in Japanese, as picture recognition is valuable enough that one could ascertain general meaning from Kanji alone. However, by utilizing the other alphabets within Japanese, Hiragana and Katakana, a reader could come to a more accurate and deep understanding. (Yoshiko, pg. 147). Reading, while an important skill, simply fails to provide individuals with the true utility of the language.
Additionally, simple memorization of Kanji meaning isn’t the best location to start either, as the point of language is to communicate and convey information between individuals. Without being able to utilize the sound readings of the Kanji, it is impossible to speak Japanese. Japanese as a second language learners may notice that their primary language utilizes some form of an alphabet. While pictographic alphabets are difficult, both Hiragana and Katakana alphabets are more traditional and are suggested to all beginners in order to be able to understand Kanji more easily. () Utilizing readings and translations into one’s native and more recognizable characters can help learners become advanced in their comprehension. In fact, for traditional alphabetic language users, it's been shown that applying native readings to Kanji combinations leads to increased capabilities of remembering Kanji and higher levels of competency. (Chieko, Firdaus, Toyoda, pg. 240)
What becomes an issue is multiple readings, as some Kanji have as many as 13 oral readings and many have anywhere from 2-7 oral readings, each with distinct differences. (Kanshudo, 2021) Utilizing a combination of factors can be effective, however, with a complex language so different from others, a well balanced approach utilizing tools within the Japanese learning community is a necessity. A foundation is incredibly important, without a proper foundation it will be impossible to speak Japanese, due to its immense difficulty. Utilizing folk groups such as yYoutubers and their Twitter counterparts, like JapaneseAmmowithMisa, Dogen, and others, can be effective. However, this is not where to start as each teacher will utilize all 3 alphabets, Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji in complex arrangements. After an individual utilizes a more basic kanji learning community, such as Jissho, Duolingo, Wanikani or Anki, their foundation will be much more prepared for the complexities to come. Furthermore, each of these groups have dedicated bases, community boards, and learning pathways. Despite being unique, the focus is always on vocabulary, primarily, Kanji, which will only take a learner so far. To continue self study and to learn basics, individuals should utilize communities such as the aforementioned Youtubers but should also keep in mind the various japanese learning websites, such as NHK News, or more teaching centric websites such as JapanesePod101.
Foundational learning can be difficult, in research it's been shown that there are many avenues for learning, but those with alphabetic based primary languages have the tools within the japanese learning community to thrive and build a strong foundation. Thankfully, the Japanese Learning community is massive, with numerous types of media, forms of teaching, and tools to help individuals learn and continue their journey.
Below, you’ll find all the websites listed from this piece.
https://www.japanesepod101.com/