Quote:
Originally Posted by Eomer
The method that I advocate comes under a lot of scrutiny from some students of the language, mainly those who have attained a very high level with the Kanji using a different method. The main reason that it comes under such scrutiny is because... it doesn't teach you the readings straightaway (shock-horror!!), yes, you won't be learning how to read the kanji from the get go. So if we don't have a reading what do we link the kanji to? An English keyword.
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Yeah, I would have to say I'm not a fan of this method, but if it works for you, more power to you. I'm not one to be militant about learning methods.
I do recommend staying away from kanji until you're more fluent in Japanese if your goal is overall fluency. I've just seen too many people give up when they try it the other way around, and I've seen too many people become very successful Japanese speakers very quickly when they go the roomaji route.
Learn hiragana and katakana, if you want. Not a big deal, but just remember:
ningen = person
にんげん = person
But in the end, you throw both versions out and learn the kanji:
人間 = person
So the reality is that kana or roomaji are both basically crutches (OK, you will get more use out of kana in the future, but you know what I'm sayin') until you learn the kanji anyway...
I rode this horse (i.e. learned Japanese and kanji this way) to pretty good language success. Passed the JLPT Level 1, did well in my Japanese degree, used/am using the language professionally, etc.
BUT (big but), I also understand that people can have different styles of learning, so just be aware...
Have a goal. If what you're doing doesn't seem fun or take you in a direct line to your goal, then change tactics (e.g. if flash cards don't work for you, try writing, if writing doesn't work, try a computer game, if that doesn't work try something else). Find what you like, and work it consistently...as long as it takes you toward your goal.