Many people seem to be using the Nintendo DS video game My Japanese Coach to learn the Japanese language, so I thought I would give it a play.
I have been learning Japanese, self studying, for some time now. Thus in the placement test, I tested into lesson five.
The placement test gives you a series of, at the most, 50 some questions. If you get two incorrect answers in a row, the test ends and you get placed in the appropriate lesson. The part that I fumbled up on was the days of the week. I should know them by know, so I am glad that’s where I’m starting out. The days of the week are an important thing to know.
The video game My Japanese Coach is a great resource as an introduction to the Japanese Language. It is fun and easy to get into. It starts you out with English spellings of Japanese words (romaji) and as you progress becomes written with Japanese characters (hiragana, katakana, kanji).
My only qualm is about the necessity of romaji for continued learning. It serves its role in making this game accessible, but is a crutch in the long run; if your learning a foreign language, you should use the proper characters. Thus, my word of advice: learn hiragana and katakana as soon as possible and get away from romaji just as quick.
Overall a fun game. がんばって！ (Do your best!)
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locohama · 815 weeks ago
ryanthewired 43p · 815 weeks ago
It seems like a lot of money to spend, just to use one game. i hear it's also on the iphone? if your so technologically inclined.
http://www.desmume.com/
Alan · 815 weeks ago
ryanthewired 43p · 815 weeks ago
Squimpleton · 813 weeks ago
It's definitely fun and intriguing as a review, but not all that helpful for someone who has already learned a good amount of basic japanese. In self study I'm at a point of about 200 kanji and a decent grasp of common grammar.I hate how much time is spent with romaji on Japanese Coach.
I'm also using Rosetta Stone (Level 1-Unit2-Lesson 3 right now) and various text book/online resources. In comparison, my Japanese coach seems kind of weak - more like something you'd do when you can't use your real study materials.
Kanji wise though, I'd rather have Nazotte Oboeru Otana no Kanji, or even Kanzen 3. They're both Japanese DS games that focus on kanji skills. They're really helpful, but you have to take the time to also learn the words the kanji are part of so that it's easier to figure out if it's an on or kun reading.
ryanthewired 43p · 813 weeks ago
My Japanese Coach is a good place to start, but is not the right fit for someone like you, who has a considerable amount of understanding in the Japanese language.
I'm not quite ready for kanji yet (I'm focusing on a strong foundation, one that will specifically allow me to study without romaji, and little english). Thus, I will be sure to utilize the resources that you've suggested when that time comes.
Keep studying and do your best!
BLAH · 810 weeks ago
this is just a game that you shouldn't try if you're just starting with japanese. furthermore, i do think is quite convinient to learn kana before attempting to learn words and grammar because if you start with romaji you'll feel so comfortable and then it will be very hard to forget about it. If you learn kana first, you'll surely have a rough time, but after you master it you''ll be thankful.
i go back to my point DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY WITH MY JAPANESE COACH
ryanthewired 43p · 810 weeks ago
How do you make learning fun?
For me, it is taking a class. I just started my first Japanese course and not only am I learning a lot but it is also an exciting experience.
You get to interact with your peers, who are all just as bad as you are, and you get to interact with teachers who really know their stuff.
クラスのにほんごはとてもたのしいです！
(The Japanese class is really fun!)
Sharafat1111 82p · 530 weeks ago