Which podcasts first: Beginner or Newbie?

[jerrypettit3438]

It is unclear what the order is as far as working through the podcasts.

And when should one start incorporating listening to "audio blog", "Japanese culture class", "Japanese songs", "News", "Particles", and "Survival Phrases". Are they for more advanced learners?

Am I missing somewhere that explains all of this? Surely I'm not alone in asking, "What now?"

Thanks in advance.

[natsukoy9313]

Hi there!
We're sorry that you're confused...

As we offer a variety of series and types for learning and enjoying Japanese, it's normal to "be lost". However, this study with us really gives you choices so that you can chose yourself "what to do next" at your own pace.
I'd recommend you to try anything which seems to be interesting for you. Audio blog is a bit advanced, but cultural lessons, for example, it more focused on culture (which is the whole point of this lesson), so it doens't really matter which level you are in.
Apart from those regular lessons, those additional information lessons are all up to you.

Hope you can find the best suit way for your interest!

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com

[jerrypettit3438]

Well...thank you for the specifics on informing me that the audio blog is advanced. I appreciate knowing that.

However, which comes first: Newbie or Beginner? I did Absolute Beginner and went on to Beginner. I'm in the second season. I have not done Newbie, simply because "N" comes after "B" in the English alphabet and iTunes listed them in that order.

I will do "Survival Phrases" (and the cultural/song, etc., podcasts) after Beginner and before Intermediate I guess.

But where does Newbie come in? I hate that so far, I've just been letting the alphabet be my guide...

[mmmason8967]

To answer your main question, the level names used for the lessons run in the order Absolute Beginner, Newbie, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. However, you aren't expected to work through every series at each level before moving on to the next level. New lessons at each level are being released all the time, so as you progress there are always going to be lessons at lower levels that you haven't done.

There is a sequence of lessons called Nihongo Dojo that follows a structured curriculum. The series are:-

Newbie S2 --> Newbie S3 --> Beginner S4 --> Beginner S5 --> Beginner S6 --> Lower Intermediate S6

Alternatively I think there is another sequence you can follow based on earlier series:-

Beginner S1 --> Beginner S2 --> Beginner S3 --> Lower Intermediate S1 --> S2 --> S3 --> S4 --> S5

Learning a language is a new experience for me. I'm used to things that you learn in a very structured way--science and math-based things. When you're learning a language, though, it doesn't seem to work the same way. At least not for me, anyway. For example, as a beginner I can't understand the audio blog--it's too advanced. But I can still get something out of it: at first it sounded like a stream of syllables being spoken way, way too fast, but after a while it seemed more like a stream of words being spoken at a sensible speed. I guess what I'm trying to say is: don't get too hung up on whether or not something is supposed to be at your level.

マイケル

[jerrypettit3438]

Thanks.

Yeah, I listened to some Newbie Lessons and realized they were "behind" the Beginner lessons I'd already completed.

I suspect I'll continue finishing Season 2 Beginner and the other Beginner seasons and then do some of the miscellaneous stuff before I take a stab at Intermediate.

[natsukoy9313]

Jerrypettit3438-san,
Like マイケルsan already replied to you, you don't have to go "back" to Newbies.
After Absolute beginner, if you're fine with Beginner level, it means you're doing just fine!!
Gambatte kudasai!

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com