Thanks @JohninJapanOFFICIAL for the conversation!
In this conversation, Loïs interviews John from the @JohninJapanOFFICIAL channel, who is fluent in Japanese. They discuss John's journey to fluency and his approach to learning the language.
John passed the JLPT N1 after two years and two months of active study. John's approach included learning kanji using the Remembering the Kanji method, using the Genki textbook series, immersing himself in manga and anime, and practicing speaking to himself.
He also recommends reading the Bible as a learning tool. John discusses the importance of reading and listening in language learning. He shares his experience of reading manga and the Bible to improve his reading skills for the JLPT. He also talks about the role of anime in his listening practice.
John emphasizes the importance of being interested in the content when working on reading and listening skills. He also mentions the significance of having a model or captivating speaker to learn from.
John highlights the need to continue learning and improving even after passing the JLPT N1.
In this conversation, John discusses the difference between accent and intonation in Japanese. He shares his approach to learning accent and how he used an accent dictionary to check his guesses. John also talks about the importance of paying attention to pitch accent in Japanese, as it can affect how words are understood. He mentions that while there is not much emphasis on accent and pitch accent in Japanese textbooks, it is crucial for accurate pronunciation.
John also shares his experience working as an English teacher in Japan and his plans for his YouTube channel, which aims to help foreigners thrive in Japan.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Announcement
00:59 Goal of the Interview: John's Journey to Fluency
03:30 Achieving Fluency in Two Years and Passing JLPT N1
04:26 Approach to Learning Japanese: Kanji, Textbooks, and Immersion
06:51 The Benefits of Learning Kanji with Remembering the Kanji
08:51 Reading and Writing Kanji: Skills and Practice
10:19 Using Manga and Religious Texts for Language Learning
13:03 Using Textbooks like Genki for Grammar and Vocabulary
14:07 Taking an Active Approach to Learning with Textbooks
20:13 Learning Kanji with Remembering the Kanji
25:09 Learning Kanji Readings through Manga
27:26 The Third Book of Remembering the Kanji
30:13 The Effectiveness of Organic Immersion Approach
31:23 The Role of Reading in Language Learning
36:27 The Impact of Emotionally Charged Speech on Listening Skills
38:33 The Significance of Having a Captivating Speaker in Language Learning
45:34 Continuing to Learn and Improve After Passing Language Exams
49:31 The Importance of Accent and Pitch Accent in Pronunciation
57:47 Using Flashcards with Audio for Language Learning
58:25 Understanding Accent and Intonation in Japanese
01:01:15 The Importance of Paying Attention to Pitch Accent in Japanese
01:06:09 Working as an English Teacher in Japan
01:20:01 Equipping Foreigners to Thrive in Japan: John's Mission