learning japanese

[Ah_keong]

Bunka, in my opinion, moves at a faster pace and they're very much stronger in teaching Japanese Grammar through their patented method. They're also quite strict in their rules and regulation - in terms of replacement classes etc. My friends who have studied in Ikoma feel that they take a more relaxed approach, more fun. They don't go through much hassles pertaining to replacement classes too.

You can always try an E1 class in either schools first then decide lor. I believe each school has their own uniqueness in terms of teaching Japanese.

I personally think that BUNKA Basic and Intermediate classes are good. Some of the BUNKA learners I have met have strong grammar fundamentals

 

[Ah_keong]

Hi legnaiton, thanks for your advice, much appreciated. I think most likely I will go for Bunka, since I found on google that their pace is faster and more stuffs thrown at you. Hope to be able to learn and experience more, and they are cheaper than Ikoma.

Ikoma also has its plus points, many comment that they have lots of good sensei and their teaching method is slower pace, but great emphasis is placed on the ensuring that u are able to apprehend what they teach. Well, Ikoma is more expensive though.

I actually prefer Ikoma, but since I am new, just pick the cheaper one and see how it goes lor.

I would recommend IKOMA from pre-advanced onwards if you are saving costs

 

[legnaiton]

Hi legnaiton, thanks for your advice, much appreciated. I think most likely I will go for Bunka, since I found on google that their pace is faster and more stuffs thrown at you. Hope to be able to learn and experience more, and they are cheaper than Ikoma.

Ikoma also has its plus points, many comment that they have lots of good sensei and their teaching method is slower pace, but great emphasis is placed on the ensuring that u are able to apprehend what they teach. Well, Ikoma is more expensive though.

I actually prefer Ikoma, but since I am new, just pick the cheaper one and see how it goes lor.

No prob.

Although it's cheaper... you also know that the pace is faster in Bunka right? If you have any questions pertaining to lessons can just drop me a pm bah. They teach all the same stuff anyway since E1 hahaha.

Everywhere also got good senseis lah I believe... it's whether you can adapt to their style of teaching. If you have queries just ask. If you don't ask, the senseis won't know you're struggling too. If you're embarrassed just stay back and ask after class. Most senseis in Bunka are approachable in my opinion

Let me know who is your sensei!

Ganbatte ne ~

 

[legnaiton]

I would recommend IKOMA from pre-advanced onwards if you are saving costs

Aiya... NOW you say.. I already paid up for PA2 in Bunka.. LOL

 

[power789]

Hi legnation, after reading more about bunka and ikoma, especially at the cozy forum, seems like I am in a stage of analysis paralysis lol Now I am thinking should I actually go for Ikoma.

I heard that Bunka stresses mainly on Grammar during the elementary stages right? I would much prefer a balance on both grammar and vocab and stuffs.

If I go for Bunka, where do I have to take till before I can start being able to converse in basic japanese?

Or will Ikoma be better? And allow me to start conversing at elementary level?

Pls advise, thanks. My aim is to be able to speak and recognize japanese asap.

 

[FrostWurm]

<random remark>

If you signing up at Bunka, ask for Ms Sato, she's awesome, funny and speaks Chinese too

 

[Ah_keong]

Aiya... NOW you say.. I already paid up for PA2 in Bunka.. LOL

well, after PA2 u can apply for IKOMA though

 

[legnaiton]

Hi legnation, after reading more about bunka and ikoma, especially at the cozy forum, seems like I am in a stage of analysis paralysis lol Now I am thinking should I actually go for Ikoma.

I heard that Bunka stresses mainly on Grammar during the elementary stages right? I would much prefer a balance on both grammar and vocab and stuffs.

If I go for Bunka, where do I have to take till before I can start being able to converse in basic japanese?

Or will Ikoma be better? And allow me to start conversing at elementary level?

Pls advise, thanks. My aim is to be able to speak and recognize japanese asap.

Yes it's true that Bunka stresses a lot on Grammar.. After all they have a proven patented method that works

I don't think they neglect on the vocabulary. But I'd say real conversational Japanese (consolidating whatever you've learnt up till Intermediate 4) takes place in Pre-advanced1 onwards. So far, in the PA1 classes I've attended, they don't teach grammar anymore. On the contrary, I learn more new vocabulary both spoken and written.

I'm not sure what is the exact lesson structure in IKOMA. Perhaps those who've attended classes in IKOMA could enlighten both of us?

If your aim is to be able to converse at elementary level, even courses at CC (might not be taught by native speakers), could well suffice your needs.. and they are even cheaper!

I don't think there's any "shortcut" to being able to speak/read/write/recognize Japanese ASAP. Even up till now, I'd still say I'm still learning!I think learning Japanese is like a reeeaaallll long term investment $$$$$$

You can start picking up on your own by buying books or listening to podcasts. JapanesePod101.com is good

well, after PA2 u can apply for IKOMA though

To find you ?? HAhaa.. what exactly are classes like in IKOMA ...so much so that you'd recommend that I switch over from PA2 in Bunka ?

 

[unfinished07]

vocab is actually up to the person to pick up and learn themselves. schools and anywhere else can't teach everything. there is just to much new vocab to be taught. its more impt to have a good foundation of grammar where schools start teaching them early. therefore in JLPT4-3, there is a lot of grammar. even for grammar in JLPT 1-2, the foundation of the grammar is actually from those in level 3 and 4. therefore the importance of the foundation of ur grammar in levels 4-3.

for level jlpt 1-2, the grammar is actually just memorizing. not so much of the stuff in 4-3 where there are diff forms you have to understand. and memorizing new vocab. and of coz more practice.

 

[Ah_keong]

To find you ?? HAhaa.. what exactly are classes like in IKOMA ...so much so that you'd recommend that I switch over from PA2 in Bunka ?

no lah.

IKOMA offers a more balanced approach to Grammar, Vocab, Listening, Conversation, etc

I agreed with unfinished07, the grammar fundamentals must be rock solid strong before you climb for advance Japanese

It's a long term invenstment

 

[bonkers85]

my grammar sux leh, i at JCS elementary. sian...

 

[affa14]

no lah.

IKOMA offers a more balanced approach to Grammar, Vocab, Listening, Conversation, etc

I agreed with unfinished07, the grammar fundamentals must be rock solid strong before you climb for advance Japanese

It's a long term invenstment

Ah_keongさん、are you still in IKOMA?

 

[icyboiboi]

for BUNKA, which sensei is good apart from ms sato??

 

[lfrdtoh]

for BUNKA, which sensei is good apart from ms sato??

for me, it would be sekizawa sensei. Been with his class since E1 (Now at Int 2)

His teaching method is VERY intensive, such that you really need to study and prepare beforehand, and you have to write your notes fast (after 30 lessons with him, you will naturally write faster lol). He will shoot you alot of questions too, and not use the book much. I find that learning under him is really effective for me, and it makes me more interested in the Japanese language. The questions he ask forces you to think and answer on the spot (just like conversing in real-life).



I have attended makeup lessons with a few other teachers, but I find that their lessons are a bit slow, and that I do not learn much as with sekizawa's. This may be because I may have gotten used to Sekizawa Sensei's teaching pace.

However, not everyone is used to his class, as he goes at a pretty fast rate (hence the fast writing required). In Int 1, my class had around 12 students. Now in Int 2, we have 5 perm students in the nominal roll. Int 3 may be cancelled if not enough people (if what I heard from the teacher was right )

 

[azumangadaioh]

It's been a while everyone, took a break from here a couple of mths...


-Those who want to go to Sekizawa sensei's classes r better starting off with him from Ele 1, if not u will have a "culture" & "speed" shock. Too many stories heard from others that ppl hv been known to throw their pen onto the desk in frustration..

-PA2 will have new grammar covered every lesson / 1 sec response time to reply questions and more... [ those not taught by Mizusaki sensei before will get a "culture" & "speed" also, but of a different kind, u will be able to enjoy the ride if u know less, ha ha ]

-vocab and grammar, which is better ? My take is [ wat my sensei who has gone back to Japan used to tell us ], "vocab, u can look it up a dictionary, e-dictionary, internet, memorise & learn by yourself",


but grammar, is something only a sensei can correct u properly if u make mistakes on the different meanings in a sentence even by changing one single particle, or a single hiragana, the different situations the same sentence can or cannot be used, whether in a family environment, work place, school, between friends, between strangers [ & if they r children, adults, elderly or persons of authority ], or the different sentences that carry the same meaning in all those different situations mentioned. It's definitely harder to look up all these cultural speaking / behavior dos & donts online, or dictionary, & much easier to ask a sensei directly for advice. Not to mention the various confusing "exception" rules in the grammar.

I guess u hv to decide wat u want out of learning Japanese & wat works in order to decide wat is important & wat's not in e early stages of learning...

 

[invisible.hippo]

im taking n5 this year any books to recommend

 

[Ah_keong]

my grammar sux leh, i at JCS elementary. sian...

I understand, JCS u need to find the good senseis =D

 

[Ah_keong]

Ah_keongさん、are you still in IKOMA?

はい、affa14さん。
まだIKOMAで

 

[Ah_keong]

It's been a while everyone, took a break from here a couple of mths...


-Those who want to go to Sekizawa sensei's classes r better starting off with him from Ele 1, if not u will have a "culture" & "speed" shock. Too many stories heard from others that ppl hv been known to throw their pen onto the desk in frustration..

-PA2 will have new grammar covered every lesson / 1 sec response time to reply questions and more... [ those not taught by Mizusaki sensei before will get a "culture" & "speed" also, but of a different kind, u will be able to enjoy the ride if u know less, ha ha ]

-vocab and grammar, which is better ? My take is [ wat my sensei who has gone back to Japan used to tell us ], "vocab, u can look it up a dictionary, e-dictionary, internet, memorise & learn by yourself",


but grammar, is something only a sensei can correct u properly if u make mistakes on the different meanings in a sentence even by changing one single particle, or a single hiragana, the different situations the same sentence can or cannot be used, whether in a family environment, work place, school, between friends, between strangers [ & if they r children, adults, elderly or persons of authority ], or the different sentences that carry the same meaning in all those different situations mentioned. It's definitely harder to look up all these cultural speaking / behavior dos & donts online, or dictionary, & much easier to ask a sensei directly for advice. Not to mention the various confusing "exception" rules in the grammar.

I guess u hv to decide wat u want out of learning Japanese & wat works in order to decide wat is important & wat's not in e early stages of learning...

Agreed on the grammar part.

 

[unfinished07]

はい、affa14さん。
まだIKOMAで

which class are u taking in ikoma?