Having fun is the best way to learn! Not only does it make learning more enjoyable, but it also helps learning stick better if you have fun doing it.
So, if you ever feel stuck while learning Japanese, perhaps it’s time to think of some exciting activities you can do that also helps you brush up on your Japanese skills. This can also be a fun supplement to Japanese online course or your textbooks, especially during your downtime during this #StayHome period. Learning can happen anytime, anywhere!
Below are a few methods you can incorporate into your learning schedule when you need to change things up a bit:
1. Movies & Anime
Even if you’re not learning Japanese, you probably know that Japanese movies have some of the best storylines. Japanese creatives are known for their innovative approaches to storytelling, and you’ll find plenty of choices of movies and anime series in Japanese in all sorts of genres.
While picking up some useful words and phrases, you’ll also be able to marvel at the wonderful art and cinematography as well. For sure, they’ll have you at the edge of your seat, or feeling wistful nostalgia for things you’ve never experienced. Ready to binge-watch some Studio Ghibli films this weekend, anyone?
2. Interact with a community
After all, you learn a language to be able to communicate with others. If you really want to perfect your conversational skills in Japanese, you have to practice speaking regularly. For those who attend a group Japanese course, it is easy to find classmates whom you can practice with.
Otherwise, you can also tap into your circle of friends or family, or go online! Community groups on social media sites are a great way to meet new people, be it fellow learners or native Japanese users who are learning English. With the necessary precautions in place, meeting and chatting with people online to learn can be a very fulfilling experience.
3. Listen to music
Move over, K-pop – if you are learning Japanese, J-pop should be on your playlist as well! You’ll be surprised at how even putting Japanese songs in the background while you work can lead to the language seeping into your brain. Even if all you remember are random hooks and phrases, it is still an effective way to get your brain used to the sound of the language, especially if you are a new learner.
For more serious learners, you can even choose your favourite songs and analyse the lyrics. When you translate them and digest each line, the meanings are likely to stick with you better.
4. Manga
You might have spent a lot of your childhood or teenage years burying your head in the world of manga. Now, it’s time to read it in their original language! Dig out your favourite series again, or start on a new one.
The intricate storylines and suspense will definitely have you addicted in no time. And if you want to follow along the story, you will be motivated to learn and read the words even faster. For beginner learners, it might be helpful to be prepared with a dictionary beside you as you read!
And there you have it! Learning doesn’t have to be tiring or boring – if you know the right way to do it. Of course, this doesn’t negate the effectiveness that disciplined practice has, especially when you’ve signed up for a Japanese online course during this Circuit Breaker period. Accompanying your practice drills with some fun activities like these can give you a balanced and effective way to learn!