Bramicus

Hello. I am Bramicus. I am a 54-year-old American just starting to (try to) learn Japanese, on my own -- I have never had a formal lesson. I have never been to Japan, but I plan to go for about 10 days in October. I hope to be able to speak at least a little Japanese by then.

I started by listening to the Pimsleur Japanese I CDs. I'm almost through with it and will be starting the second volume soon. I feel like I am learning a lot using the Pimsleur, but I still cannot have a face-to-face conversation easily, perhaps because I don't know any Japanese speaking people, so I have only tried it once (with a teaching fellow at a nearby university). I think it would help if I were able to find a transcript of the Pimsleur lessons to practice with, or would that be counterproductive?

I also just received a copy of Reading Japanese to learn Kana and Kanji. I like the approach of this book because it lets me practice reading in context as I learn.

I have also ordered a copy of Japanese for Busy People, but I haven't received it yet.

I find that learning Japanese, compared to other languages, is in some ways very difficult, yet in some ways very easy, but always fun.

Hello and welcome to the forum. You know, I myself am learning Japanese on my own. And it was hard. Well, enjoy your stay here.

well geuss im in the same boat !!! welcome to Jref, hope you enjoy your stay here!!!

Japanese for Bussy people is the book im using, i think its good!!!! but i cant compair with others,,,

Konnichiwa Bramicus-san!

Welcome and Hajimemashite. Please enjoy the forum!

NANGI

Hello and welcome to the forum. Have fun I'm trying to learn Japanese by myself as well, but have just signed up for a course at the local college. I find I might be better in a structured learning programme.

Welcome to Jref! There are lots of us about here trying to learn, including me *waves*

Welcome to the fora, Bramicus! It sounds like you're on the right track with your language study. I know what you mean about not getting practice with the spoken language; I don't have anyone to speak to either. I guess immersion is the only way to go. Anyway, good luck with your studies, and enjoy Japan!