Can language learning be acquired through interactive experiences like gaming and TV series? YouTubers have successfully transformed the notoriously challenging task of learning one of the world’s toughest languages into an engaging hobby, thanks to their creative use of modern instruments.
However, let’s set expectations: You shouldn’t count on playing without English subtitles anytime soon.
In recent years, I have consistently pursued a comprehensive study of Japanese over the past three-year period. Throughout this pivotal moment, I embarked upon a relentless quest to master various learning techniques, incorporating an array of tools, platforms, and digital resources. I don’t regret that period of self-reflection, because uncovering the ideal learning process is crucial for sustained linguistic growth. It’s helpful to establish a few key starting points.
I’ve selected three creators and two software program tasks that I envision are suitable for beginners. I’ll be delighted to provide lively feedback and incorporate any private suggestions you may have.
Initially introduced on YouTube as ToKini Andy in 2019, this educational venture has evolved into a comprehensive learning platform, now spanning across videos, the Discord community, and its official website. Andy and Yuki’s courses focus intently on the fundamental aspects of learning Japanese, leveraging esteemed texts such as Genki and bespoke study materials tailored specifically for mastering kanji. Despite not specializing in video games and anime, the hosts’ passion for these mediums is undeniable, as nods to their favorite shows and games frequently appear in their classes.
While creators occasionally post videos such as “Is Dorohedoro good for studying Japanese?” and “I studied Japanese ALL DAY with Nintendo 3DS for 1 month.” Right here’s what occurred.”
While Tokini Andy may be the most conventional starting point on this record, one’s ability to learn through textbooks and kanji classes can effectively separate them from video games and anime, establishing a solid foundation in the process? While it’s true that some individuals may benefit from a deep dive into linguistic mechanics, I’ve found that it’s not the sole determining factor in comprehension for everyone.
Yuta stands out as the most articulate, succinct, and astute YouTuber in the Japanese-speaking community. His films, released regularly, focus on specific grammatical aspects not typically found in textbooks but commonly encountered in Japanese media such as video games and anime. While celebrating the utility of anime in language learning, he acknowledges that relying solely on anime as a study material may result in language learners sounding like caricatures when attempting to navigate everyday conversations in Japan.
On his personal website, Yuta offers a range of supplementary learning tools, including informative and explanatory PDFs that cater to his audience’s needs. His Instagram account offers concise and accessible guidance on linguistic nuances, such as the importance of avoiding “anata,” the Japanese equivalent of “you,” in favor of more culturally sensitive alternatives.
Sport Gengo is presented by Matt, a native English speaker residing in Western Japan. The YouTube educator hosts a variety of sequences targeting Japanese language acquisition through gaming. Watch the latest episode from our “Study Japanese With” series, where expert instructor Matt meticulously dissects a game segment into component parts – phrase by phrase, particle by particle, and grammatical detail by detail.
Starting with this sequence can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. To help new learners, I suggest exploring his playlists focused on N5-N1 grammar as a comprehensive introduction. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test starts at N5, a beginner’s level, and progresses up to N1, representing fluency. Matt’s textbooks have been widely popular among language learners, and he has also produced videos showcasing real-life applications of Japanese grammar rules, using examples from the renowned “Genki” textbook.
Picture: Nativshark
To master a foreign language, it’s essential to establish a consistent habit – dedicating at least 30 minutes each day to studying and practicing for an extended period. When navigating everyday challenges, few things are more likely to perpetuate cycles of suggestion and recommendation than the applications we access from the homepage of our mobile devices. Stuff like Instagram, WhatsApp, Spotify.
As I began studying Japanese, I deliberately carved out dedicated space by replacing some of my habitual social media platforms with language learning applications, allowing me to focus on this new endeavor. While Duolingo’s innovative features did wonders for habit-forming language learning, I found myself struggling to retain meaningful insights from its basic lessons. Throughout my tenure, I made concerted efforts to engage with multiple organizations.
One of these apps is bound to be an excellent way to utilize your time, with the potential for using multiple ones directly. Despite my current fondness for NativShark.
All the essential elements are consolidated into one convenient location: spaced repetition flashcards, detailed grammar analyses, effective kanji memorization techniques, and a user-friendly interface that makes navigation effortless.
While it’s not free like Anki, I’m willing to invest some money to avoid fiddling with settings and focus solely on learning. The image illustrates a detailed representation of a solitary flashcard, offering a visual overview of its constituent parts. Take a glance at all of this valuable information.
Picture: Migaku
I must confess that my aspiration is far from being counted among the select few YouTube personalities boasting about having conquered Japan’s notoriously challenging N1 language proficiency test in mere months – it simply isn’t true. Studying a brand-new language as an adult is, to be brutally honest, a lifelong endeavour in itself. I opted for a daily examination regimen that I looked forward to performing daily, rather than one that felt like a high-impact workout.
This marks the culmination of my proposals: Migaku. This is the ideal device for learning Japanese through streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Migaku enables concurrent display of Japanese and English language subtitles, provides instant glossaries for phrases and terms, and transforms movie scenes into interactive flashcards featuring a screenshot, audio clip, subtitles, and concise explanations of their meanings.
Achieving all of this can be done at no additional expense by leveraging tools like Anki, but it demands a considerable amount of effort and dedication. The key to effective language learning lies in developing a consistent habit, and by leveraging QA sessions to reinforce technical knowledge, you’ll unlock even more momentum. For enthusiasts seeking seamless access to their beloved anime shows on Netflix and YouTube, Migaku emerges as the top choice for effortless, rapid, and enjoyable app installation on their mobile device.
