How should I start learning japanese?
 

Im going to japan in a couple of months and I would like to learn the basics of japanese. I wonder what to start with and whats important to know in the beginning. If anyone would like to teach me a little Id be glad, but firstly I want some advice on how to organize my studies.

It's good to learn the alphabet. You should start with learning your Hiragana and Katakana charts, imo. Start with Hiragana, after you got that down, then learn your Katakana or vice-versa. After that, then it'll probably be wise to start learning the basic grammar rules. You can pretty much pick up books on that.

Of course, the best way to learn any language (if not able to go to the country and learn there right away) is to take formal classes.

Okay, i started learning kanji since thats the only readable book I have here at work. Thanks a lot, I will start with the Hiagana! :ywave:

One more suggestion!

After you learn the hiragana and katakana, you should start learn japanese grammar, in this process you will learn how the japanese language works and also some vocabulary!

i recommend this sites !

Introduction - Tae Kim's Japanese grammar guide
Tim's Takamatsu Home (check out the japanese language section)

i Hope it helps!

i would advise to learn the hiragana or katakana first and just practice a little like try and write down the first 5 from memory then extend to 10 then 15 until you know them.

Help
 

I would advise you to now romaji but not to use it as a crutch or you'll just make it hard on yourself. Watch anime in Japanese with English subtitles to hear the language. Study basic phrases so you can make it around Japan easily. Learn to read maps,etc.

If your just going to be a tourist then i recomend buying a book like japanese for dummies or something from the "teach yourself" series. no alphabets to learn, gets you right into speaking level and one of the first things you'll learn is how to ask someone to read something for you - perfect. you'll be able to get yourself around confidently in no time!

Disagreed, sorry. My friend is in a year 2 class and he doesnt know any of the alphabets apart from 「モ」　and his speaking and listening is poor to say the least and hes top of the class. Ive studied for the same length of time on my own through books and AJATT just doing what i have time for, (no so many hours a day or any of that rubbish) and without blowing my own trumpet.. I'm much better than he is.

If your taking classes, how long have you studied and what can you "do" for lack of better words? Please dont take this the wrong way, im not trying to offend you (or anyone else taking classes) or trying to start a silly argument, I'm only basing this argument on my friends abilities being top of his class. I just don't think classes are the best idea.

Also disagreed. If your using subtitles, your not listening, your reading. The voice that talks in your head when you read (you know what i mean) will take over the japanese and you wont hear anything.

mostly, subtitles match will not because being said different is.
I think you see my point.