Before going on holiday to Japan in August 2024, I wanted to start learning it so I could try to talk to the locals. I started learning with Duolingo that January. Even after the holiday I kept doing it, since it was fun to do and I was hungry for more! As I kept doing Duolingo I realized that their system is not the most effective for learning languages, yes it’s fun to do but not very efficient. That’s when I started to do some research on effective learning methods.
After watching countless videos I realized that for learning something that sticks Spaced Repetition is the best method. So I started using Anki to review flashcards. I downloaded a premade “deck” called Core6K which has 6000 of the most common words in Japanese. Every day I review 10 new cards plus re-review the old ones, this system has worked great! The streak I have at the moment of writing this is 606 days! I have finished the Core6K deck, and I am now making my own flashcards for words that I find interesting or useful. This way I can keep learning new words and expanding my vocabulary.
It is however also essential to use the language, to get an understanding and feel how the words are used in reality. That’s why it’s very important to read and listen to content. I started watching anime, with Japanese subtitles, and reading manga. Tools like Yomichan have been a lifesaver, allowing me to easily look up words I don’t know while reading. I also started using asbplayer to watch anime, which allows me to automatically create new flashcards for words I don’t know, and add them to my Anki deck. This way I can keep learning even while enjoying my hobbies, and it has been a great way to stay motivated.