How to Improve Your Japanese Ski

2. If you don't have any homework, review your handouts, notes, vocabulary, etc. for at least 10 minutes every day. You can review alphabets or vocabulary by making flashcards. For vocabulary learning techniques, click here to watch the video! (the video is focused in French, but it still teaches you techniques that can apply to learn any world languages)

3. Use Japanese outside of your classroom as much as you can! Use it when you see me around school, go to the Japanese grocery store, or go to the Japanese restaurant. Don't study Japanese, just to pass the quiz or the test. Explore various Japanese cultures, such as, music, anime and manga, and go to many Japanese-related websites! Expose yourself to Japanese language and culture on a daily basis, and have fun learning!

4. Find a study buddy, or come to study sessions. Don't wait if you have any questions until the morning of a quiz or test!!!

When you learn to write sentences in Japanese, please make sure not to use on-line translator!!!

What is the difference between a dictionary and an on-line translator?

A dictionary, whether an actual book or on-line, gives you only one word. All possible meanings will be available in it, and the viewer must select the correct one and make any necessary changes to use it correctly in the context. A dictionary is a great tool to increase your vocabulary in Japanese.

An on-line translator, on the other hand, allows you to put in two or more words and you get back a finished product. Sometimes it will translate idiomatically incorrect, because it will only translate without considering the context, or choose the wrong vocabulary (e.x., I had a student who turned in his sentence with "Bane ga sukidesu" ("I like spring [under the mattress]" when he meant spring as one of the seasons!) On-line translator will also translate into sentences that you have not learned and are not introduced until higher levels, which make teachers to spot student work where a translator has been used easily. You will end up losing many points, as it is not considered as your own work.

So, don't use on-line translator to try to impress sensei. Utilize your current knowledge and skills to make sentences, because I want to see how you are improving, or in what area you are having trouble. Your honest work is what I would always like to see!