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Japanese Guide

Our online language tools

The LCC offers a range of software options to study languages and enhance learning languages. Here are some of the resources:

  • Mango Languages (multiple languages; create your own account and use online)
  • Rosetta Stone (multiple languages; create your own account and use online)
  • Skritter (Chinese and Japanese; create your own account and use online)

More information on the language learning softwares can be found here.

Grammar Links

To better understand grammar, it can be useful to look at real examples of how a particular structure or word is used. A "concordancer" is a tool that lets you search for a particular word, phrase or pattern, pulling out example sentences from a database of texts (which might be news articles, novels, speeches, etc.).

An example of what a concordance search looks likeA search engine, like Google, can also be a quick, easy way to investigate questions like "What's the right way to say this?" Limit your results by domain to a country where the language is spoken (e.g., websites that end in ".es" for Spain). The more correct or natural wording will usually generate more search results.

Virtual Language Learning Communities

It's important to practice expressing yourself in your new language--saying what you want to say, outside of the shelter of the classroom. Do you like meeting new people? You might enjoy a language/conversation exchange, where you connect with someone (from around the world!) who speaks the language you're learning, and who is trying to learn the language you speak. The websites below can help you find a conversation partner.

If you decide to pursue a language exchange, please be cautious about sharing personal information, to keep your identity and your person safe. While some language exchanges turn into lifelong friendships, others fizzle out after the first meeting, so don't be disappointed if your exchange doesn't last. Be upfront with potential conversation partners about your expectations: How often/how long do you want to meet? How much time will you spend speaking in each language? Do you want your partner to correct your language? Do you want to choose topics or talk about whatever comes up?

Fun Apps!

Here is a selection of fun apps that you can access online related to Japanese.

You can import kanji and vocabulary "decks" from popular textbooks or JLPT lists into Anki and then convert them to flashcards. It is a fun way of remembering and learning Japanese.

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation is Japan's only public media organization. On this site, learners can access fun, interactive lessons sorted in themes and contexts such as at the dormitory, or at university. All levels are available. 

Duolingo has grown quite a bit the past few years! New features include learning how to draw hiragana & katakana, guidebooks with tips at the start of each unit, and practicing reading and listening skills with short stories! 

Media: Newspapers, Radio

Here is a selection of newspapers that you can access online related to Japanese.

News in Slow Japanese provides small reading pieces about the latest news in clear and simple Japanese. There is also audio and translations provided. 

Launched in April 2012 by NHK, News Web Easy provides learners with five easy-to-read news scrips in Japanese daily. 

Podcasts

Here is a selection of podcasts that you can access online related to Japanese: 

Nihongo Switch is a podcast that provides both audio and transcripts for intermediate learners to master their listening and reading skills. 

  • Last Updated: Nov 27, 2022 8:46 PM
  • URL: https://guides.mtholyoke.edu/c.php?g=1243357
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Subjects: Asian Studies, Languages & Cultures
Tags: japanese
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