Keeping up with my Japanese

[Tomii515]

みなさん、こんにちは。このサイトを使ったのが久しぶ りになりましたね。そうでもまだ日本語の勉強中です。

Not sure if this is the right forum, so feel free to move it, but I was just wondering, do any of you have any ideas on how I can keep up with my Japanese? I self-studied for a while, then when I was in high school, I took a year of the highest level they offered, but since then, I haven't been studying it as much. I'm studying other languages as well, and sometimes I feel like it's hard to keep up with my Japanese especially since there aren't too many Japanese people in my area. Any ideas on how to keep motivated, practice my Japanese, and not just forget it all?

よろしくお願いします。

 

[Glenn]

Podcasts, TV shows, books, any native media should do the trick. I'm reading 西遊記 right now (although it may not be the best choice due to the style of language used) and listening to newcasts every day. I'll also read some articles here and there and every so often listen to podcasts. If you could find some people online to chat with that would be helpful, but I've never been very successful at that.

 

[jconnor1]

I'm also looking to continue studying, after taking all of the Japanese classes available to me... What are some good websites to check out Japanese media? I'm going to check the library soon for a good grammar book and a manga or something, but what about newscasts with subtitles?

 

[shikha]

I am new to this forum.......

As i have joined the forum to learn about japanese culture, people , language and history. Can any one tell me the meaning of this sentence.......``iina. Hokkaido wa suzushii mitai''

 

[Glenn]

I'm also looking to continue studying, after taking all of the Japanese classes available to me... What are some good websites to check out Japanese media? I'm going to check the library soon for a good grammar book and a manga or something, but what about newscasts with subtitles?

Not quite newscasts with subtitles, but ANNニュース is pretty close. If you just want listening practice, NHKラジオニュース is good.

---------- Post added at 11:20 ---------- Previous post was at 11:17 ----------

As i have joined the forum to learn about japanese culture, people , language and history. Can any one tell me the meaning of this sentence.......``iina. Hokkaido wa suzushii mitai''

This really deserves its own topic, or at least to be in Need a word or phrase translated?, but the meaning is along the lines of "That's nice. Hokkaido seems to be cool."

 

[jconnor1]

Great. Thanks!

 

[shikha]

Hey Glenn......Can you tell me , how to wish someone `Happy Birthday' in Japanese?

 

[Glenn]

お誕生日おめでとうございます if it's a superior or someone you're not very familiar with. For friends/family you can say （お）誕生日おめでとう (I think women tend to use the お, but guys don't. Or maybe guys do too; I'm not sure).

 

[shikha]

hi Glenn.........

お誕生日おめでとうございます if it's a superior or someone you're not very familiar with. For friends/family you can say （お）誕生日おめでとう (I think women tend to use the お, but guys don't. Or maybe guys do too; I'm not sure).

Thanks dear..........How's life? Have you ever been to Japan?

 

[Glenn]

Well, we're preparing for a hurricane, which kind of sucks, but I get off of work at least a day and a half, so I guess that's fine. I just hope we don't lose power for too long or get flooded.

And yes, I have been to Japan.