#how to learn a new language

[days-of-storm]

Perth has a new video out about his language learning experience.

[studyinternationallanguage]

How to Effectively Study Japanese Language with StudyInternationalLanguage

Learning a foreign language like Japanese can open up countless opportunities, from experiencing Japan’s rich cultural heritage to boosting your career in fields like international business, technology, and tourism. Whether you're a beginner or already know a few basics, mastering Japanese requires effective study methods and a structured approach. Here’s a guide on how to study Japanese language effectively, designed to set you up for success on your journey to fluency.

1. Start with the Basics: Mastering the Japanese Writing Systems

To study Japanese language effectively, it’s essential to begin with the three fundamental writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Hiragana: Used for native Japanese words, Hiragana is the foundation of the Japanese language. Start by learning each character’s pronunciation and shape, as they’ll form the basis for most words.

Katakana: Primarily used for foreign words, loanwords, and names, Katakana is equally important to master. Familiarizing yourself with this script will help you read words imported from other languages.

Kanji: Kanji are complex characters borrowed from Chinese and are often the most challenging part of Japanese. Start by learning the most common Kanji characters used in daily life to make reading easier.

If you’re ready to dive into learning, Study International Language offers specialized courses that can help you build a strong foundation in each of these writing systems with guided practice.

2. Develop Consistent Study Habits

Consistency is key when learning any foreign language, and Japanese is no exception. To study Japanese language effectively, set aside dedicated time each day for language study. Even 15-30 minutes daily can help reinforce what you've learned and improve your retention. Try incorporating different activities to keep your study sessions engaging:

Flashcards for Vocabulary: Use flashcards to remember essential vocabulary words and Kanji characters. Apps like Anki and Quizlet make it easy to review vocabulary on the go.

Writing Practice: Write out sentences using new vocabulary and grammar points. Practicing handwriting can help reinforce your memory of Kanji and improve your comprehension.

Reading Aloud: Reading aloud is an effective way to improve pronunciation and listening comprehension. Start with simple sentences or beginner-level texts, gradually moving to more advanced material.

3. Utilize Online Resources and Language Apps

One of the most efficient ways to study Japanese language in today’s digital age is by leveraging language learning apps and online resources. These tools make studying more interactive and accessible.

Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, LingoDeer, and Memrise are great for practicing vocabulary and basic grammar. They’re designed to keep learning fun and interactive through short exercises and quizzes.

YouTube Channels and Podcasts: There are countless Japanese language YouTube channels and podcasts that cover everything from grammar lessons to conversational practice. Channels like JapanesePod101 and Nihongo no Mori offer comprehensive, structured lessons.

Japanese Media: Watching Japanese TV shows, movies, and anime can significantly boost your listening and comprehension skills. Try watching with Japanese subtitles, or even without subtitles, as your skills advance.

At StudyInternationalLanguage, we understand the importance of having access to quality resources. Our Japanese language courses combine interactive exercises and online materials to create a well-rounded learning experience.

4. Practice Speaking with Native Speakers

To truly achieve fluency, you need to practice speaking Japanese regularly. Engaging in conversation with native speakers will improve your listening and speaking skills, giving you a better grasp of natural expressions and cultural nuances.

Language Exchange Programs: Language exchange allows you to learn Japanese from a native speaker while helping them learn your native language. This exchange creates a practical, mutual learning experience.

Japanese Conversation Clubs: Many cities have language meetups where Japanese learners can practice speaking. If you don’t have one locally, there are numerous online conversation groups and forums.

Enroll in a Language School: For a structured learning environment, joining a language school is an excellent option. At StudyInternationalLanguage, our courses provide not only lessons but also opportunities for speaking practice with native Japanese instructors who can guide you in improving your conversation skills.

5. Focus on Japanese Grammar and Sentence Structure

Japanese grammar may seem daunting, but it’s essential to master if you want to speak fluently. The Japanese language has a unique sentence structure, usually following a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) pattern.

Particles: Japanese grammar relies heavily on particles, which indicate the relationships between words in a sentence. Mastering particles like “は” (wa), “を” (wo), and “に” (ni) will help you build more accurate sentences.

Verb Conjugation: Japanese verbs are relatively straightforward to conjugate but vary by tense and level of politeness. Focus on the “ます” (masu) form for polite conversation and the plain form for casual use.

Practice Makes Perfect: Practice forming sentences and writing short paragraphs. The more you practice, the more natural these grammatical structures will become.

6. Set Realistic Goals and Track Your Progress

When studying a foreign language, it’s essential to set achievable goals. Rather than aiming for complete fluency in a few months, break your goals down into smaller, manageable milestones. For example, focus on mastering Hiragana and Katakana first, then set goals for learning a set number of Kanji each month.

Tracking your progress is also essential. Keep a journal, write down what you’ve learned each week, or use an app that logs your achievements. Celebrating small victories will keep you motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

Learning to study Japanese language effectively requires commitment, consistency, and the right resources. With determination, patience, and the support of experienced instructors, you can progress toward fluency faster than you might think. At Study International Language, our expert-led courses provide you with a structured path to success, guiding you through each stage of learning with engaging materials and personalized support.

[cubbyhole-for-flea-bee]

Once the theatre monkey discovers angsty broadway musicals its all over y'all

or: I got a new personal project I'm workin' on! I'm at the first pass on the animatic rn! I forgot that 'generate matte' is a thing you can do in SB Pro for a whole hour!! I'm suffering!!!

[themintman]

Jesse: wow it sure is a shame Jack isn't here to translate, but I'm sure that won't be a problem! Right, Nurm?

Nurm, sending his response via telepathy:

[crabsnpersimmons]

Do the trio know sign language or are able to speak other languages for others who speak differently?

Eclipse: and now in the restaurant, many of our late Boss's old customers only speak Cantonese, so we still make use of our programming. The only learning curve we had was familiarizing ourselves with all the regional dialects and slang.

(apologies if i got the signs wrong, i'm still an ASL newbie, but i hope to learn more in the future!)

Fun Fact: did you know that in Cantonese slang, white rice can be referred to as 靚仔, which literally translates to "handsome boy". and the slang for congee is 靚女, "pretty girl"

do with that knowledge as you will 🍚

[rebouks]

Previous // Next

Byrd: Dad? Oscar: Morning, bud.. miserable day, huh? I’m not looking forward to packing up in the rain. Oscar: Did you sleep okay? Byrd: Erm… Oscar: GO GET YOUR HEARING AIDS! [Byrd fidgeted guilty, implying that he’d lost yet another pair] Byrd: [sobs] Why do I have to be deaf without them, papa-.. s’not fair. [Oscar held Byrd tightly, stroking his back until his sobs subsided somewhat] Oscar: LET’S SEE WHAT WE CAN DO… [Oscar plonked Byrd outside as he rummaged through his bags, eventually producing a backup pair of hearing aids] Oscar: Better? [Byrd nodded gratefully, burying his snotty nose in his father’s hair as he threw his arms around him] Oscar: Maybe you ought to think twice about learning SSL. Byrd: What’s the point? No one else knows it. Oscar: Robin does, and we all know bits n’ pieces, don’t we? [Byrd grumbled disinterestedly] Oscar: I think it’s long overdue, pal-.. what if we all learn it together? Properly this time. Byrd: I guess… Oscar: All I heard was yes. Byrd: Are you deaf too? Oscar: [snorts] C’mon, we’ll probably find the other pairs as we clear up. Wren: Daaaaad, it’s raining! Oscar: The faster we get goin’, the faster we’ll be in the car-.. I bet Wren can pack up faster than you. Byrd: [gasps] NO WAY! [rain pattering]

[posi-pan]

for anyone who has ever seen someone claim pansexual was coined on social media by teenagers in the early 2000s, the 2010s, and even in the past few years, and believed it or wondered if it’s true, or known it’s not true and been annoyed by the misinformation, this article is for you!

after listing out all of the claims i’ve seen, i succinctly debunk them by laying out a brief overview of pansexual’s history dating back to the 1960s, both as a term generally indicating universal appeal/inclusion and a term indicating sexual freedom/attraction to all genders. i include a look at pansexual’s use specifically within queer spaces, with a focus on bisexual spaces, as well.

i also touch briefly on omnisexual and polysexual existing in similar contexts to pansexual dating back to the 1960s. and finally, i discuss a little bit about how when, where, and by whom a label is created doesn’t determine the validity or usefulness of it, because these claims come with the implication that new labels, labels created by kids, and labels originating on social media aren’t legit forms of queer expression and identification.

happy pan week! 🥰💗💛💙

[iceclew]

So was anybody gonna fucking tell me, that I missed one of the greatest side quests in KCD2 early game, or did I really had to get back and find it by sheer accident after finishing the main game?

(prepare for spoiler and obvious pro-Hansry screaming down below)

OK, so I sorta caught wind of a quest where a dog is talking to Heinrich and he sobs about wanting someone to love him, I knew that part, BUT. ...

But I did not know he would go swimming .... AGAIN.... WITHOUT. KNOWING. HOW. TO. SWIM!!!

I DID NOT KNOW HE'S SCREAMING AND CHEERING "TO ALL THE BUSTY BLONDES !!!" WHILE DRINKING!?!?!

Listen I know it's a big of a stretch right there, and I have not heard the 'busty' part ok?

*inhales*

TYPE DETECTED. I REPEAT, TYPE DETECTED!! ALSO NONE OF THE GIRLS IN THE 2ND NOR 1ST GAME WHERE BLONDE, I'M JUST SAYIN' Y'ALL! WEE WOO WEE WOO!!

not that my late game Henry is single any longer, but you know I'm taking all the breadcrumbs I get.. *sighs* oh, past-Ice would have screamed if she did that quest in early game (and on time) like intended..

and last but not least.... WARHORSE.....ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS. HENRY STARTS SPEAKING HUNGARIAN BECAUSE HE'S DRUNK. WTF WHAT KIND OF SUPERPOWER IS THIS?!

ALSO I LOVE IT, THANK YOU. PEED MY PANTS FROM LAUGHTER.

[robertaaron]

anyone else want to explode whenever henry talks about being the bodyguard to his lord especially when hans and henry are in their #divorce era like oooohhhhh he’s got it Bad bad

[andy1687manga]

I think that wasn’t a giant…

[studyinternationallanguage]

Top Foreign Languages: A Comprehensive Guide to Language Learning

In today's interconnected world, mastering a foreign language is a gateway to countless opportunities. Whether for career advancement, travel, or personal growth, the ability to communicate across cultures is invaluable. In this guide, we’ll explore why it’s essential to study international language and highlight the top languages you should consider.

Why Learn a Foreign Language?

Learning a foreign language opens doors to global career prospects. Multinational companies are always on the lookout for employees who can communicate in more than one language. Additionally, the ability to speak different languages enhances your travel experiences, making it easier to navigate new cultures and connect with locals. Whether you aim to learn international languages like French, Spanish, or Mandarin, or you want to study Japanese language for a unique cultural experience, the benefits are endless.

Top Foreign Languages to Learn

Japanese – As one of the world’s most innovative economies, Japan offers a wealth of opportunities for those who choose to study Japanese language. From technology to business, learning Japanese is a valuable skill.

Spanish – Spoken by over 460 million people worldwide, Spanish is a popular choice for those looking to learn international languages for both business and travel.

Mandarin Chinese – As China continues to grow as a global powerhouse, Mandarin is becoming increasingly important for international business.

French – With its status as a global language, French is spoken in numerous countries and is ideal for those who want to study international language for diplomacy or business.

By choosing to study international language, you’re not just learning new words—you’re opening the door to a world of possibilities. Start your language journey today and embrace the power of global communication!

[sillygoofyqueer]

OKAY OKAY, SO SO SO. A HUGE HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO @lyngracetalksnwritesnstuff, WHO IS SUCH A SWEETIE AND MUST BE GIVEN MANY CLAPS ON THIS HAPPY DAY. As like a 'birthday present' type thing, I asked them for an AU prompt, and they gave ME a "time travel AU". So, me being me, I thought about this a lot last night, and you know, I've got a concept idea, because I always do.

So, I've got two basic ideas. Going into the PAST, and going into the FUTURE. I'm going to elaborate on the latter here, because that was most interesting to me, but if Lyn wants me to yap about the former as well, it's their birthday present! They can do what they want, I am merely a humble human who bends to their whims upon this gracious day (and probably tomorrow as well so I can actually write about the former idea if they wish it).

To clarify, Lan Huan had never expected to stumble across a body lying face down in the dirt. He can quite honestly state that he would never want to come across such a thing in his daily runs. However, coming to a slow halt beside what appeared to be a cosplayer of sorts, he has the sinking feeling that this may be like all of the horror stories he has heard about of innocent joggers and dog-walkers finding corpses upon their travels. Before he jumps to a conclusion so drastic, however, he reminds himself that he is in fact a doctor, one that has dealt with patients of various states (including dead) before, so he steels himself and walks over to where this white robed individual seems to be splayed out on the floor just a few feet away from the main walking path of the forest. Why would a cosplayer come this far out? Must be rather dedicated to getting the best shot if they're alone.

He first kneels down to check the pulse of his impromptu patient, breathing out a sigh of utter relief to find that this individual is not dead. At least, not yet. (That was a less relieving thought). He then sets about turning the person over onto their back, scanning to make sure there are no injuries that demand immediate attention - the good thing about the (impossibly clean) white fabric is that if there were any blood, then it would be noticeable almost right away. Now that he is certain that the patient is not dead or otherwise grievously injured, he considers how to wake the individual up, noting that there is something covered in a white cloth nearby that likely belongs to this person. There is a pouch of sorts hanging from their belt as well as an empty sheath, but all of that is thrown out of his mind when he gets a look at the stranger's face.

Lan Huan is aware that many Lans are said to have many similar features, which is why it's startling to see this random person sporting many of the same features he himself has, as well as the white forehead ribbon exclusive to the Lan. Clouds and all. He pauses, trying to rationalise this in his head - the Lan have a rich history, he's certain that there are many fictional characters based on their family, so it could just be that this individual has familiar features and decided to cosplay one of these characters! This makes sense to him, so he reaches out to gently shake the shoulder with a gentle "excuse me?" The words are barely out of his mouth before this stranger's eyes shoot open and he only just avoids getting headbutted by the person (presumably a man, and a young one at that) as he sits upright. He appears to be confused if the furrow in his brows marring his otherwise stoic expression is anything to go by, and he turns to him with a rather scrutinising gaze.

When the man doesn't say anything, he takes initiative to start the conversation with a "my name is Lan Huan. Are you alright? Do you remember how you got here?" The stranger only seems to be more confused, the furrow in his brow deepening as he looks around once more before turning back to him. The stranger opens his mouth to speak, and Lan Huan is ashamed to admit that he has no clue what he's saying. He seems to be talking some variant of Chinese, but not one that he himself has heard before, which means that this has just become a lot more of a challenge for him. He frowns, finding the same expression mirrored (to a lesser extent) on the other individual's face, and then pulls out his phone (missing the confusion and then shock flitting through the person's eyes) and goes to his map app.

He holds his phone out to the stranger, gesturing for him to point out where he was from. It's rather complicated, with him pointing to himself and then to Gusu, which is where they are, and then pointing to the stranger and gesturing to the screen. The stranger looks between him and the phone as though he has grown at least two more heads, before reaching into the pouch hanging at his side and pulling out a folded piece of paper, which he opens up to reveal a map! Although this map seems distinctly...different to what he is used to seeing when looking at a map of China, and leaning in reveals that everything on the map is written in a variant of Chinese that he has only ever seen on the original Lan precepts displayed in the Cloud Recesses - the university funded by the Lan. Either this individual is incredibly committed to his cosplay or there is something far stranger going on.

He hands Lan Huan the map, instead focusing on unwrapping the clothed object nearby to reveal a guqin and checking it over before wrapping it back up and then just casually hoisting it up onto his back?? Lan Huan isn't even looking at the map anymore, just watching while he reaches down and notices his sheath is empty - panic flits through his eyes for less than a second, hand reaching out into the direction of the forest. This is all very confusing until a sword comes flying out of the forest into the stranger's awaiting hand. Like. What. What the fuck? He's feeling rather shellshocked, and likely looks it when the man turns to look back at him expectantly, but this man is still his patient and the Lan are very known for being calm in the wildest situation. He is a doctor, damn it! Think about this logically!! Even if there is no logic to this situation, he has to help.

He shoves aside all of his confusion, grabbing a stick and using his foot to clear a space on the forest floor before kneeling down and utilising the stick to carefully draw out the few characters his shufu had drilled into his head when trying to get him to remember at least a little of the language used to write the original precepts. "Gusu Lan". The stranger, who has been watching him work with cautious curiosity, suddenly lights up (the furrow in his brow smooths out) and nods his head once as he looks back at Lan Huan. So. This man understands the language that has not been used in centuries. That's...confusing. But, this man is evidently a member of the Lan clan based on looks and context clues (the time era he's from is...less obvious), and Lan Huan has always been taught to help out family. He squares his shoulders and looks back at the man watching him with a raised brow. Didn't Shufu say something about one of his students had taken up the strange hobby of trying to learn the old language used to write the precepts?

[habitual-creatures]

Learn American Sign Language w/ HABIT !

THIS WEEK'S SIGN IS...

RABBIT

ENJOY THE LITTLE LESSON, RABBITS.

[ REGARDS, HABIT ]

[voxscientistau66]

Existe alguma coisa aqui que eu possa tocar que não vá me morder... ou me matar?

[moeblob]

What he says: I get an army of children. What he means: I am adopting the entire demon army as my children to love and protect.

[phinnking]

i know a lot of people like to make fun of young queer people who use a bunch of microlabels and engage in niche or "cringe" aesthetics but im gonna be so honest, i love them so much. i 100% was that kid and while now i don't really use or think about any of the labels i used back then, that doesn't make that time any less valuable and valid (and it doesn't make someone less valid if they do keep using that terminology into their adult life!). queer kids who are figuring themselves out and are learning about new fun words for genders and pronouns and sexualities deserve to run wild and be loud and happy and not carry and be impacted by the shame that many of us have been taught to hold.

my cousin is a year younger than how old i was when i first realized i was queer and they've vaguely known they were queer for a couple years now. personally, i think that's pretty awesome. recently they've gotten into the very stereotypical scene kid aesthetic and i make a point to compliment them on it every time i see them. almost every time i see them they have a new adjustment as to how they view their gender/sexuality and i always tell them that that's really cool and i give them a hug. recently they told me they have a boyfriend and listed like 3 separate labels as to how he defines his gender and i asked them if i was remembering the definitions of all those words correctly (which i was because, like i said, i was that kid lol).

it's just all these small things that seem so trivial or "weird/cringe" that so many people look down on queer kids for engaging in and i'll never understand it. i think it is so unbelievably cool that these people are figuring themselves out and finding new terms and identities and things that they can be and they're just so excited by it. being excited by queerness is cool! wanting to engage in niche subcultures is cool! allowing yourself to be who you are in that moment without the worrying guilt of having to get it "right" is wonderful and awesome and cool and how it should be!! please do not teach the queer kids to be ashamed of themselves in a time where they should be able to run wild and figure out their identities in a way that truly makes them happy!!!!