Recording summary · September 2023
[2023-09-17] How I learned Japanese in UNDER 6 months [SSpvEJzY3AM]
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Overview
Japanese language learning steps based on personal experience emphasize prioritizing reading and typing over handwriting, mastering kana and basic kanji, and rapidly moving to core grammar and conversation rather than arbitrary vocabulary memorization.
Effective communication and immersion strategies involve language exchange apps, dating platforms, relationships, media consumption including anime, dramas, and comedy shows, and setting digital devices to Japanese.
Personal language milestones include passing the JLPT N2, nearly passing N1, working at Lawson and a Japanese firm, and marrying a Japanese woman, though study eventually ceased after reaching a satisfactory level and losing interest.
Learning Thai currently presents difficulties because the class emphasizes memorizing lists of tools and fruits, combined with a lack of personal interest in Thai media.
Themes
Reading versus writing in Japanese, emphasizing typing on phones or computers over handwriting with pen or brush during early stages.
Memorization timelines for hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji characters to facilitate reading and texting.
Grammar acquisition prioritized over memorizing large amounts of arbitrary vocabulary.
Methods for conversing with native speakers using exchange apps, dating platforms, and online relationships as motivation.
Immersion through media including anime, TV dramas, comedy shows, and configuring digital devices to Japanese.
Current difficulties learning Thai due to class focus on memorizing lists of tools and fruits, coupled with a lack of personal interest in Thai media.
Developments
At age 17, Daniel developed an interest in Japanese culture and language after discovering anime.
Daniel worked at a Lawson convenience store in Japan, using a pen daily to fill out forms.
Daniel used yesjapan.com to study Japanese grammar.
Daniel engaged in daily Skype calls with an online girlfriend from Japan before the relationship ended.
Daniel passed the JLPT level 2 examination and narrowly missed passing N1.
Daniel worked for a Japanese company for a few months and married a Japanese woman with whom communication was entirely in Japanese.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether yesjapan.com has changed significantly since Daniel used it roughly 15 years prior, or if it is currently named fromzero.com.