Japanese language. Where do I start?

[BebopBeat]

I need somwhere to start. Alls I really know are certain english words spelled in hiragana/katakana, such as ビーバップ [Bebop] or トマト [Tomato]. I need a decent place to start for an absoloute beginner. Also, I thought "ッ" was pronounced "tsu"....so how is that said in Bebop?!

 

[Tomii515]

Although I know plenty of people who absolutely despise Genki, and it's not just because Mary-san is a total ho.

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xD

 

[LukeSettle]

I need somwhere to start. Alls I really know are certain english words spelled in hiragana/katakana, such as ビーバップ [Bebop] or トマト [Tomato]. I need a decent place to start for an absoloute beginner. Also, I thought "ッ" was pronounced "tsu"....so how is that said in Bebop?!

Do you notice how its smaller than a normal tsu?

つ - っ
ツ - ッ

The purpose of the tsu when its small is to double whatever consonant it precedes:

Biiboppu / ビバップ
rather than biibopu

Nattou [Japanese fermented soy beans] / なっとう
rather than natou

Sekken [soap] / せっけん
rather than seken

Notice that when you say this you put a pause between the two consonants. This is sometimes shown in romaji [japanese written in the roman alphabet] like this:

Biibop'pu
Nat'tou
Sek'ken


As for studying yourself, Google is your friend!
There are so many websites that will help you get started!
I used Remembering the Kana by James Heisig and it really worked for me, now i'm studying grammar with Easy Japanese by Jack Seward.
People say the Genki Textbooks are very good. I personally haven't used them but i dont think you could go wrong buying them.

Ganbatte / Ganbat'te
がんばって
Go for it! ;Try your best!

 

[Roboto-sama]

Thank you for your continued advice, everyone. I appreciate it.