Where to go next?

[Subculture]

I started learning Japanese last month from zero and I believe I've mastered Hiragana and Katakana now and I'm able to easily read it to myself. This is the only knowledge I have as I believed it was better to build a strong foundation rather than learning phrases in Romaji.
Now I feel like I'm in a grey zone between moving onto the next stage what ever that is so if anyone can offer guidance it would be very much appreciated.

 

[Petaris]

How is your vocabulary? Also look into some basic common kanji.

 

[Mike Cash]

If possible, take a class. If not, at least use a proper textbook and associated materials.

You've laid a good foundation by learning a portion of the writing system. Learn the rest of it in conjunction with learning the language. (And avoid the common error of thinking the writing system is the language).

 

[Subculture]

How is your vocabulary? Also look into some basic common kanji.

Non existent. I'll start basic Kanji

If possible, take a class. If not, at least use a proper textbook and associated materials.

You've laid a good foundation by learning a portion of the writing system. Learn the rest of it in conjunction with learning the language. (And avoid the common error of thinking the writing system is the language).

My class starts in October. (missed the deadline by 1 day for joining)
I don't quite understand the common error you mentioned could you explain it further please?

 

[Glenn]

People tend to think kanji = Japanese, but that's not nearly the case. It's one of the scripts used to represent it graphically, but it isn't the language. So, you can't say 私好食ケーキ or something nonsensical like that, because that doesn't represent anything but an English-bastardized attempt at Japanese based only on what each character means. If you're wondering, the Japanese version would be （私は）ケーキを食べるのが好きだ.

 

[Subculture]

I see, that reminds me of a funny article I read:
Why You Must Learn Kanji - GaijinPot InJapan

 

[Mike Cash]

Funny, but true in its essence if not in its particulars.

 

[Glenn]

Indeed. They took some liberties and consistently confused "homonym" with "homophone", but that was an entertaining read.

 

[Atsuhiro]

Hi.

I think you need to build up informal vocabulary to make a conversation natural.
I've posted many videos on Youtube about informal words.

Hope they help you out.