Notes on Learning Japanese with Immersion Method

Introduction

• Lecture by Trenton on learning Japanese.
• Criticism of common online advice for learning Japanese.
• Personal history: Trenton is an American who learned Japanese using the immersion method.

The Immersion Method

• Definition: Pretending to be in Japan by constantly consuming Japanese content (audio, visual, etc.) for multiple hours a day.
• Advantages: Popularized by Matt vs Japan, involves principles that focus on natural language acquisition.

Key Principles

1. Long-Term Commitment

• Japanese learning takes multiple years and thousands of hours.
• Short-term learning methods (e.g., learning phrases for travel) are not the focus here.

2. Acquisition vs. Learning

• Acquisition: Natural process of understanding language through context and exposure.
• Learning: Consciously studying rules, often less effective.
• Input: Most critical aspect of language learning.

3. Comprehensible Input

• Human brains acquire language by understanding through contexts (Stephen Krashen's theory).
• Comprehensible Input: Understanding language through context even with unknown words.

Practical Steps

A. Initial Learning

• Learn hiragana and katakana, the basic Japanese alphabets, which are easy to master.
• Gain a fundamental understanding of Japanese grammar (basic particles, sentence structures).
• Recommended resource: Tae Kim’s Guide to Japanese Grammar.

B. Implementation of Immersion

• Massive exposure to Japanese content: YouTube, anime, podcasts, etc.
• Engage in passive listening to maximize exposure without active watching.

C. Tolerating Ambiguity

• Be comfortable with not understanding everything initially.
• Important to listen without subtitles to truly immerse and understand the language.

Tools and Techniques

A. Spaced Repetition System (SRS)

• Use Anki to memorize vocabulary and enhance comprehension.
• Purpose: Improve input understanding, not just memorizing words.
• Recommended start: Use pre-made decks, then progress to "mining" words from content.

B. Reading and Pronunciation

• Reading is beneficial but should be postponed until having a solid understanding of spoken language to avoid reinforcing incorrect pronunciation.
• Phonetic Rules: Study phonetics and pitch accent minimally.

Speaking and Output

• Speaking should come after developing comprehension skills through input.
• Writing Practice: Helps improve comfort with language.
• Digital Platforms: Hello Talk, VR Chat for real conversation practice.

Final Tips

• Mimic native speakers to improve speaking skills.
• Use additional techniques like shadowing and finding a language parent.

Conclusion

• Learning Japanese is a long-term endeavor but achievable with dedication.
• Simplify learning by focusing on input rather than excessive grammar study.
• Encouragement to explore more about immersion learning through additional resources.