11/19/24
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5 Min
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Lingosnap Team
Best Books to Learn Japanese for Beginners
Books provide a solid foundation in language learning, offering structured lessons and in-depth explanations. Here are five beginner-friendly Japanese language books:
1. Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
‘Genki I’ is a comprehensive textbook widely used in classrooms and by self-learners. It covers grammar, vocabulary, and includes practice exercises. The book is structured into 12 lessons, each featuring dialogues, grammar points, and exercises. It also incorporates listening practice through accompanying CDs or digital resources, making it ideal for beginners seeking a well-rounded introduction to Japanese.
2. Japanese from Zero! Volume 1
This book adopts a friendly approach with a gradual learning curve, focusing on building strong foundational skills. It introduces hiragana and katakana progressively, allowing learners to become comfortable with the scripts. The integrated workbook and answer key facilitate self-study, making it a popular choice among beginners.
3. Minna no Nihongo (Japanese for Everyone)
‘Minna no Nihongo’ is widely used in classrooms and focuses on practical conversations. The main text is entirely in Japanese, requiring companion translations for non-native speakers. This immersive approach encourages learners to think in Japanese from the outset, promoting quicker language acquisition.
4. A Guide to Japanese Grammar: A Japanese Approach to Learning Japanese Grammar
This book offers a deep dive into grammar rules with concise explanations, making it an excellent reference. It presents grammar points in a logical order, helping learners understand the structure of the language. While not a traditional textbook, it’s a valuable supplement to structured courses.
5. Remembering the Kanji (RTK) by James W. Heisig
Learning kanji is inevitable when studying Japanese! ‘Remembering the Kanji’ introduces an innovative method to learn and memorise kanji by focusing on their meanings rather than readings. This approach helps beginners build a strong foundation in kanji recognition, which can be beneficial when progressing to more advanced studies.
Accelerate your learning with apps!
Apps complement books by offering dynamic tools like audio, quizzes, and interactive lessons. Here are five apps that enhance the learning experience:
Lingosnap offers a unique language learning experience by combining the power of photography and AI. Users can snap pictures of objects or scenes around them, and Lingosnap identifies and translates these items into the target language, providing contextual vocabulary, example sentences, and pronunciation guides. Designed for learners of all ages, Lingosnap empowers users to explore languages in an interactive, engaging, and personalised way, making learning both practical and fun.
Duolingo offers gamified language learning, making it engaging for users. It’s great for building vocabulary and practising basics through short, interactive exercises.
Specifically designed for Asian languages, LingoDeer offers structured lessons, grammar notes, and audio recordings. Its curriculum is tailored to beginners, providing a solid foundation in Japanese.
Anki is a flashcard-based app ideal for memorising vocabulary and kanji. It uses a Spaced Repetition System (SRS) to optimise learning and retention. Users can customise decks to focus on specific areas, enhancing targeted learning.
HelloTalk is a language exchange app that facilitates real-time communication with native speakers. It includes text, voice, and video chat features, allowing learners to practise conversational skills and cultural nuances.
Tips for Combining Books and Apps
To create a balanced and effective learning routine, it’s essential to utilise the strengths of both books and apps. Depending on the resource you select, here is an example where you can get the most out of this approach:
Structured Learning with Books:
Use ‘Genki I’ or a similar textbook to build a strong foundation in grammar, sentence structure, and listening skills. The exercises in these books are carefully designed to reinforce key concepts, while the included audio resources help with pronunciation and listening comprehension. Dedicate specific days to working through the lessons systematically, ensuring steady progress.
Vocabulary Reinforcement with Lingosnap:
Pair your textbook learning with Lingosnap to strengthen vocabulary retention in a fun and engaging way. With Lingosnap, you can snap photos of objects or scenes and instantly learn the vocabulary associated with them. The app’s contextual translations and example sentences make it easy to see how the words are used in real life. Spend 15–20 minutes daily capturing photos of everyday items or places around you, and let Lingosnap turn your environment into a dynamic language classroom.
Conversational Practice with HelloTalk:
Reinforce your learning by engaging in real-life conversations using HelloTalk. This app connects you with native Japanese speakers, allowing you to practise what you’ve learned in a conversational context. Use new vocabulary and sentence structures you’ve learned from books and Lingosnap, and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from your language partner. The combination of visual learning from Lingosnap and conversational practice with HelloTalk creates a holistic learning experience.
Scheduling and Consistency:
Plan a weekly schedule that integrates structured learning, interactive practice, and real-life application. For example:
• Monday-Wednesday: Work through a new lesson in ‘Genki I’ and use Lingosnap to explore vocabulary from your surroundings.
• Thursday-Friday: Practise conversational skills with HelloTalk using the new words you’ve learned.
• Saturday-Sunday: Review challenging topics or explore additional cultural content with Lingosnap’s contextual features.
All the best with your learning!