Links for Learning Japanese

Genki Japan  - A very good basic site, with pronunciation of numbers 1-20 and some "cool phrases." Japanese Phrases - A short web page with some common phrases. Kanji Learn - Detailed flash cards online. Unforgettable Languages - This site implements word association.  A very interesting, and very effective, method. Daily Japan - A quite useful site; includes information about pronunciation. Nihongo o oshiete! - An excellent online Japanese lesson source. Kanji-A-Day - A desktop collection of some Kanji words.

Electronic Translators

Vocal 203 Translator and Databank - Iwakuni's Marine Corps Exchange carries this for around $130. It allows you to input words in any of ten languages (including English, Japanese, French, and Spanish, among others) and it will display the word or phrase in both languages and speak it for you with the press of a button. For Japanese, it displays not only the Hiragana/Kanji, but also the phonetic pronunciation in what is called Romanji (romanized versions of the Japanese characters) to help you learn how to pronounce them. This is a very handy tool to have during a long stay in any foreign country, and it's quite fun to pass the time on a long train ride with a friendly local. There are many other translators on the market, but this is the only one they sell in the Exchange so if you want something different, look into it before you come here. Of course, you can always purchase online, or have someone mail one to you later, but having one while making the journey here would be very helpful, now that the Freedom Bird no longer flies us straight into Iwakuni.

Software for you PDA
	LingvoSoft - If you happen to already own a PDA or Pocket PC, you can download language dictionaries and translators for them. I currently use this software on my Dell Axim X30 Pocket PC. I purchased the ECTACO Bundle, which includes LingvoSoft's dictionaries and a phrase book.

Computer Software

Rosetta Stone - This is an excellent way to learn any new language, but it is quite pricey. Pimsleur - I love Pimsleur's approach to learning any new language. It revolves around learning through conversation, and he goes through very slowly, pronouncing each part of every word so you can learn how to properly say them and use them in everyday conversation. I highly recommend this, even though it's pricey, if you are serious about learning Japanese. (Image Source: Kanji-A-Day)