Start making use of your Japanese online

[David Hallgren]

Hi everyone, I know that this has been up before but I just wanted to share my thoughts as well. A few days ago I bought a head set and downloaded a program called Skype (www.skype.com). The program has a nice feature called Skype Me. By selecting that status for yourself you show that you allow people to contact you. The nice thing is that you can search for people in Skype Me mode by filtering on language and/or location. By searching for people in Skype Me mode and filtering by Japan and Japanese I've found a couple of new friends that I've spoken with a couple of times already. Everyone seems very nice and whenever there is a word I don't get, and still don't understand after having it explained to me (still learning ), they send it by an Instant Message to me so I can look it up in JWPce.

But, most of them speek very little English so if you don't speak any Japanese it might become difficult. However, I don't think any of them would mind if those of you who just started to learn wanted to try out "Hajimemasite. xx to moushimasu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" for the first time. A great way to start speaking Japanese with native speakers. Most of them will probably appreciate a short chat in English as well. Good luck and please share your experiences.

 

[lexico]

Hooray!

Hi, I feel very lucky to get here first!
A good omen for my future in Japanese studies, maybe?
Although I am not at the level to use Skype Me yet, I think I might be able to maybe in a week or so?
Actually, I've become so fired up by you, that I started helping other beginners by leaving what I know for sure.
Such as, "learn you kana table, first!" and such.
"Go to this excellent Swedish site by your JREF member!"
Thanks again for this precious piece of information! Bye!

 

[Grandpa Frank]

The Best Thing About Skype......

it's free with no strings attached! I worried about ads and spam but got no extra at all when I signed up. Just need a mike and headphones seem to work better then speakers, less feedback. I sure hope it remains free!

Frank

 

[Azerii]

I love Skype, but I never thought about using it for this purpose. Thanks! <3

 

[ax]

I've been using skype for this purpose for more than 2 years since skype was out as the most disruptive technology ever atter google. Skype ax!

ax

 

[masayoshi]

Thanks David for mentioning that use of Skype. I've tried it. However, it was harder than expected for me to hold a message conversation with the only Japanese person in 'Skype Me' mode willing to respond at that time.

Voice convo is currently out of question except if I'm really lucky to stumble across someone who will be patient enough to endure my poor Japanese. Most don't speak English or just plainly put 'Japanese only please' or something similar in their profile.