Comments | f8n_begorra: Program?

f8n_begorra

Program?

May 02, 2007 09:15

Can anyone recommend a good language learning program? My foreign language retention is pathetic, but I'd like to improve my Japanese.

Comments 7

6ft5 May 2 2007, 17:20:19 UTC

not sure about japanese but hiring someone for conversation is always good. Someone that can point you in the right direction to what to read too.

f8n_begorra May 2 2007, 19:04:47 UTC

I have a number of Japanese friends who will help but I need something I can use in my lengthy commute.

(The comment has been removed)

f8n_begorra May 2 2007, 19:05:41 UTC

Thanks, I'll check them out.

danbearnyc May 2 2007, 19:04:19 UTC

Total immersion. Take a few months off. Move to Kyoto.

Or check to see if there are any Rassias programs in your area.

f8n_begorra May 2 2007, 19:06:58 UTC

Thanks.

(Would LOVE to live in Kyoto--would you come visit?)

danbearnyc May 2 2007, 19:08:40 UTC

Oh to walk arm in arm with you 'neath the cherry blossoms on the Philosopher's Walk.

Yeah, sure, I'd visit!

that_dang_otter May 2 2007, 19:26:26 UTC

Ditto on Pimsleur. They are expensive, and not comprehensive, but there is nothing better for getting a basic working knowledge of a language in a big hurry. Combine it with a tutor and book study for maximum effect.

I'm a bit of a Pimsleur junkie. I have Japanese I and II from them and it helped a lot with some difficult grammar. Their Mandarin tapes gave me an absolutely flawless Beijing accent. And a hurried rush through Italian I gave me enough to get by on in Italy for a week, and made it possible to negotiate the purchase of a rare bottle of grappa that I probably couldn't have wrangled any other way!