learning japanese

[traveil]

Hi i'm intending to take up japanese elementary courses. With zero knowledge of japanese, i'm interested take it. I actually wanted to take this few years ago but i didn't have the time and money to do so. My sister actually told me that you don't really have to take up elementary lessons but just through self studying you can get through N5 and also I get to save money by skipping some levels at the language centres if i actually passed N5. I have checked many different language centres which many recommended to take the JLPT N5 when you're in intermediate courses.. I'm not willing to take the risks of taking N5 through self studying which i know myself i won't be able to understand as much. So after much consideration, I wanted to ask if i should apply at bunka language centre as it suits my timing the most. The class is under Ms Nakashima. Is it a good choice? I'm taking japanese slowly as i'm a slow learner too. I want to make my money well spent. Still a student here..

 

[dimitri_can]

Hi i'm intending to take up japanese elementary courses. With zero knowledge of japanese, i'm interested take it. I actually wanted to take this few years ago but i didn't have the time and money to do so. My sister actually told me that you don't really have to take up elementary lessons but just through self studying you can get through N5 and also I get to save money by skipping some levels at the language centres if i actually passed N5. I have checked many different language centres which many recommended to take the JLPT N5 when you're in intermediate courses.. I'm not willing to take the risks of taking N5 through self studying which i know myself i won't be able to understand as much. So after much consideration, I wanted to ask if i should apply at bunka language centre as it suits my timing the most. The class is under Ms Nakashima. Is it a good choice? I'm taking japanese slowly as i'm a slow learner too. I want to make my money well spent. Still a student here..

From what my students who transferred from Bunka to my classes said, the pace is a bit fast. For example, verb conjugation which is taught usually in the middle of the 1 year term in other schools, is taught in the 1st lesson in Bunka. Students who dont have some foundation in the language might find it difficult to adapt. Furthermore, since u mentioned that you are a slow learner, it might be good to take up a textbook and study a bit by yourself first before attempting to take lessons in a school. My 2 cents.

No matter which school you attend, you need to judge for yourself, if you are able to fork out at least 2 hours of contact hours for lessons, and 2 hours of non-contact hours per week for revision a not? I think that`s the most important.

You don`t need to take JLPT in order to speak and write well... if u need more info, feel free to approach me or ah keong, who is also teaching as a private tutor. =)

 

[traveil]

From what my students who transferred from Bunka to my classes said, the pace is a bit fast. For example, verb conjugation which is taught usually in the middle of the 1 year term in other schools, is taught in the 1st lesson in Bunka. Students who dont have some foundation in the language might find it difficult to adapt. Furthermore, since u mentioned that you are a slow learner, it might be good to take up a textbook and study a bit by yourself first before attempting to take lessons in a school. My 2 cents.

No matter which school you attend, you need to judge for yourself, if you are able to fork out at least 2 hours of contact hours for lessons, and 2 hours of non-contact hours per week for revision a not? I think that`s the most important.

You don`t need to take JLPT in order to speak and write well... if u need more info, feel free to approach me or ah keong, who is also teaching as a private tutor. =)

Ok, point noted. I know self studying to catch up is important. I have been doing a little bit, a little bit at a time right now. I have minimum japanese knowledge (basic romanised LOL) which i've learnt from my extra course in my poly days but i felt it wasn't anything much (it really is). What attracts me to bunka is the learning time especially. It has lessons in the mornings which i don't really see in other language lessons. And i'm guessing there won't be much people enrolling at such a timing. The amount of people in a class seems little too, like 12 at most? I think i will be enrolling into the course to try out for a whole session then i can judge for myself. It all boils down to whether i have put in effort into learning or not right?.. As for JLPT, i wanted to take to test my standard of japanese after learning the language. It's like a stepping stone to me. Anyways thanks for the advice

 

[Toast A La Plunger]

Ok, point noted. I know self studying to catch up is important. I have been doing a little bit, a little bit at a time right now. I have minimum japanese knowledge (basic romanised LOL) which i've learnt from my extra course in my poly days but i felt it wasn't anything much (it really is). What attracts me to bunka is the learning time especially. It has lessons in the mornings which i don't really see in other language lessons. And i'm guessing there won't be much people enrolling at such a timing. The amount of people in a class seems little too, like 12 at most? I think i will be enrolling into the course to try out for a whole session then i can judge for myself. It all boils down to whether i have put in effort into learning or not right?.. As for JLPT, i wanted to take to test my standard of japanese after learning the language. It's like a stepping stone to me. Anyways thanks for the advice

If you don't mind me asking, do you have any specific goal in mind? Like for business/manga/live in Japan etc

 

[laeticia]

What attracts me to bunka is the learning time especially. It has lessons in the mornings which i don't really see in other language lessons. And i'm guessing there won't be much people enrolling at such a timing. The amount of people in a class seems little too, like 12 at most? I think i will be enrolling into the course to try out for a whole session then i can judge for myself. It all boils down to whether i have put in effort into learning or not right?.

If you're enrolling in Bunka don't forget to use Skillsfuture credit to apply (if above 25 yo). I wanted Inlingual cos they have mon-fri class but looks like low demand so they rarely have this timing

Sent from LG V10 using GAGT

 

[dimitri_can]

Ok, point noted. I know self studying to catch up is important. I have been doing a little bit, a little bit at a time right now. I have minimum japanese knowledge (basic romanised LOL) which i've learnt from my extra course in my poly days but i felt it wasn't anything much (it really is). What attracts me to bunka is the learning time especially. It has lessons in the mornings which i don't really see in other language lessons. And i'm guessing there won't be much people enrolling at such a timing. The amount of people in a class seems little too, like 12 at most? I think i will be enrolling into the course to try out for a whole session then i can judge for myself. It all boils down to whether i have put in effort into learning or not right?.. As for JLPT, i wanted to take to test my standard of japanese after learning the language. It's like a stepping stone to me. Anyways thanks for the advice

Let me guess, Temasek Poly?
Learning time is faster because they don`t place much emphasis on learning vocabulary...

 

[Ah_keong]

Hi i'm intending to take up japanese elementary courses. With zero knowledge of japanese, i'm interested take it. I actually wanted to take this few years ago but i didn't have the time and money to do so. My sister actually told me that you don't really have to take up elementary lessons but just through self studying you can get through N5 and also I get to save money by skipping some levels at the language centres if i actually passed N5.

May I ask what is your aim / purpose / objective in taking up Japanese Language. If your primary aim is to get N5 certification ONLY, then you can follow your sister approach.

I have checked many different language centres which many recommended to take the JLPT N5 when you're in intermediate courses.. I'm not willing to take the risks of taking N5 through self studying which i know myself i won't be able to understand as much.

If your approach is to learn, appreciate and understand Japanese Language, enrolling in a formal class setting would be beneficial as you can make new friends along the way and a teacher / tutor / lecturer to provide guidance.

So after much consideration, I wanted to ask if i should apply at bunka language centre as it suits my timing the most. The class is under Ms Nakashima. Is it a good choice? I'm taking japanese slowly as i'm a slow learner too. I want to make my money well spent. Still a student here..

Bunka is a good school, I previously went through their patented style teaching where they focus more on grammar aspects during the basic and intermediate stage of learning compared to classical approach of teaching which covers other aspects in a balanced manner.

Did you undertake self studying in a few years ago? if not, enrolling in Bunka would require much time and effort on your part outside the classroom to pick up the language as you mentioned you are a slow learner not to mention additional time and effort as you prepare for JLPT N5 / N4.

Feel free to consult dimitri_can sensei and other gurus in this forum for more specific advice.

Good Luck!

 

[dimitri_can]

Guys, registration for Jul JLPT....

Registration is open from 14 March to 8 April 2016.

Exam Fees went up (inclusive of $2 registration form)
Level N1: $72 / N2: $70 / N3: $68 / N4: $62 / N5: $60

More details available at JCS website

 

[Silverelf]

Just putting this event out here in case anyone happens to be interested.

It's a recital by the Japanese Cultural Society Choir and will include choral pieces as well as a capella pieces.

https://www.facebook.com/events/963234097088320/

Anyway on the topic of elementary Japanese courses... really just make use of the $500 that is given to 25 ye old and above. In Bunka it covers about half of Elementary, JCS almost all of Elementary.. learning has never been so affordable before (ok I exagerrate)

 

[dimitri_can]

Hi all,

I am starting another new beginner course coming April 2016.

Starting Date: 4th April 2016 (Mon)
Time: 8.30-10pm
Slots: 6
Fees: $415 for 25 sessions (2 terms) inclusive of textbook.
Location: Wilkie Edge

Early bird discount is available for students who register and make payment by 15th March.

If you are interested, kindly contact me via pm.

 

[Untainteddesires]

Hi all, asking for a compilation of list of books used for beginners to study Japanese. どもうありがとうございます！

 

[dimitri_can]

Hi all, asking for a compilation of list of books used for beginners to study Japanese. どもうありがとうございます！

self-study or...?

 

[Untainteddesires]

self-study or...?

Self-study

 

[dimitri_can]

try Japanese for Busy People or Genki.

 

[Untainteddesires]

try Japanese for Busy People or Genki.

I've also heard about minna no nihongo. Is that good as well compared to busy people and genki ?

 

[dimitri_can]

Minna no Nihongo more for guided study with a teacher.

 

[Unravel95]

try Japanese for Busy People or Genki.

Hi there,

I was wondering if going through the entire Genki textbook would sufficiently prepare me for the JLPT N5?

If not, what other materials would aid me in self-studying?

 

[Toast A La Plunger]

Hi all, asking for a compilation of list of books used for beginners to study Japanese. どもうありがとうございます！

If you're looking for free online ones:

Tae Kim's Grammar Guide - I learnt all the Japanese grammar rules I needed before I started reading simple stuff from this. Very concise, no bs and extremely easy to understand since it targets self-studiers. There's an app for it too (also free) or a hardcopy you can order if you want.

Japanese the Manga Way is also an excellent resource which teaches through actual examples from manga. This is another grammar guide, by the way.

Dictionary of Japanese Grammar is the best J>E dictionary resource for grammar around. There are three releases by level of difficulty but you can find them around online. Note that this is not meant to be used as a textbook, but rather a dictionary as it's named for you to check grammar while reading.

RTK (Remembering The Kanji) is another famous book for learning the kanji but if you already know Chinese you won't need this

One fatal flaw in a lot of textbooks like Genki is that the example sentences aren't 'natural'. That's way Japanese The Manga Way has better example sentences since it's cropped from material that is actually written for native Japanese.

 

[dimitri_can]

Hi there,

I was wondering if going through the entire Genki textbook would sufficiently prepare me for the JLPT N5?

If not, what other materials would aid me in self-studying?

Genki 1 shd prepare u for N5.

 

[Unravel95]

Genki 1 shd prepare u for N5.

ありがとうございます！