help for newbies

[thdhulst]

Hi, i'm new here (hajimemashite to all of you) and i'm trying to figure out what the best way to start out learning japanese (from zero knowledge) is.

unfortunately i haven't got much time to look around the website, but i'm commuting so i downloaded and listened to a couple lessons (which are really well constructed) and i printed some notes which i try to study. Doing so, i wasn't sure what level to start on. I noticed that the beginner and newbie lessons somewhat overlap...

Anyway, i guess that my question is: is there any application for noobs like me which directs you through the different lessons and the different levels, or are we just supposed to look around and try out what we like. (in brief: im looking for some kind of tutorial to guide me through the various possibilities of this website to make sure i'm using it to its full potential and in the most effective way).

thx.

th.

[Jason]

We used to have a beginner's syllabus like outline around here somewhere. Ah, here it is!

http://www.japanesepod101.com/toc-beginner/

[Psy]

Hi, i'm new here (hajimemashite to all of you) and i'm trying to figure out what the best way to start out learning japanese (from zero knowledge) is.

Hajimemashite and a warm welcome to you on behalf of the community! I would advise starting straight from Lesson #01 of the beginner series, season 1. It goes slowly for about the first 30 lessons, but after that things really start to pick up, and you'll soon be amazed at your own progress. Any difficulties you encounter, of course, can be directed here.

unfortunately i haven't got much time to look around the website, but i'm commuting so i downloaded and listened to a couple lessons (which are really well constructed) and i printed some notes which i try to study. Doing so, i wasn't sure what level to start on. I noticed that the beginner and newbie lessons somewhat overlap...

Both Newbie and Beginner S1 start from the ground up, however their focuses are different (This is my impression but, frankly, since I'm bored by them, I've only spent a small amount of time in the newbie lessons): Beginner moves a lot faster and continues climbing the ladder towards low-intermediate with the goal of a long. comprehensive, and dedicated study of the language; Newbie moves more slowly and focuses more on situational expressions for learners who "need to get by." I think that for you, as a new student, you should study Beginner for a time, and switch to Newbie during those times when you feel overwhelmed and need a break.

Anyway, i guess that my question is: is there any application for noobs like me which directs you through the different lessons and the different levels, or are we just supposed to look around and try out what we like. (in brief: im looking for some kind of tutorial to guide me through the various possibilities of this website to make sure i'm using it to its full potential and in the most effective way).

thx.

th.

There really is no wrong way. (Remember to learn kana!) Just listen, have fun, and always ask questions.

ganbatte! (good luck!)

[markystar]

jason's link to the syllabus is a good place to start.

and my recommendation is starting with the Nihongo Dojo lesson #1 and work you're way up. in 25 lessons you'll hardly be a newbie anymore, and after 50 (50th lesson will be June of this year), you'll be ready for the next Beginner Series which will take off from there.

Also, I recommend checking out a lot of the Survival Phrases and Culture Classes to absorb some cultural words!

[thdhulst]

thx for the guidance. sure i'll find my way around now.

th.