Some Language Learning Resources
If you’re learning Japanese, there are a ton of resources available to help you along the way. Here are some of the best resources I’ve found:
- Moonwalking with Einstein (book): This book teaches you memory techniques to help you remember Japanese vocabulary and grammar. Check it out on Wikipedia.
- Basic Kanji Book (book): This book teaches you the basics of kanji, which are the Chinese characters used in Japanese writing. You can find it on Amazon.
- Minna no Nihongo (book): This book is a popular Japanese textbook that covers grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. You can find it on Amazon.
- NHK Easy news (website): This website provides news articles in easy-to-understand Japanese. It’s a great way to practice reading comprehension. Check it out at nhk.or.jp.
- Rikaikun (Chrome extension): This extension provides instant translations of Japanese words and kanji as you browse the web. You can download it from the Chrome Web Store.
- Furigana (website): This website generates furigana, which are small hiragana characters that appear above kanji to show their pronunciation. You can find it at nihongodera.com.
- Chineasy (website and book): Chineasy is a system for learning Chinese characters that uses visual aids to help you remember them. Check out the TED Talk at ted.com and the official website at chineasy.com.
- A Guide to Japanese Grammar (website): This website provides a comprehensive guide to Japanese grammar, with clear explanations and examples. Check it out at guidetojapanese.org.
- Jisho (website): This website is an online Japanese-English dictionary that allows you to look up words and kanji. Check it out at jisho.org.
- Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (music): Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a Japanese pop singer whose music is fun and catchy. Check out her Wikipedia page and one of her most popular songs, “Furisodation,” on YouTube.
- Japanese Lyrics (website): This website provides Japanese song lyrics in both Japanese and English. Check it out at japaneseonestoplyrics.blogspot.com.