learning JP

[devils_pickel]

Moshimoshi!

I've decided to import the JP version of FFXI but a lot of people are telling me to learn it. Do you have good softwares, web sites or books that could help me learning japanese fast?

Arigato

Matane....

[Casval]

many people have imported the Japanese version of FFXI but few have learned more than a few phrases so that they can have some basic communication with Japanese players

it is recommended that you learn a little bit of Japanese just so you don't go around trying to speak in English to Japanese people, this is because it is generally considered rude to not even attempt to communicate with a person in their native language when you're playing a game that you're not supposed to have yet

as you can see, these issues are more concerned with the ethics of importing and not being a nuisance by spamming messages in English or doing something else of the sort

it is not neccesary to be able to speak Japanese to play and enjoy the import (several people on these messageboards don't know any Japanese at all and still play) but you won't be able to join Parties of Japanese players without learning at least some of the language (most Japanese people know some English, but its generally not enough to really break the language barrier)

the bottom line is that you should do what you need to do in order for you to enjoy the game, whether that means being somewhat of a loner or taking up a second language, as long as you're not rude about it you shouldn't have any problems




now that I've said that, there are some options for you if you want to learn Japanese, here are some examples:

1. learn conversational Japanese based on memorizing useful phrases (easiest but least useful)

2. learn the alphabets and slowly build your vocabulary until you're comfortable reading and writing simple things (good option for those that are dedicated enough)

3. learn the language in a holistic manner by learning to read, write, speak, comprehend, and also take courses or other outside help in learning Japanese (a little extreme if the only reason you want to learn Japanese is to play FFXI)




okay, now for some links:

http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=6540 - this thread has some links to sites that teach Japanese and also some dictionaries and such

http://www.ffxionline.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=3651 - this thread has some useful phrases and things, but its not quite extensive or accurate enough in itself to be a complete guide

beyond that, I can give you some recommendations on textbooks and stuff if you really want to learn Japanese from the basics and learn things beyond memorizing phrases, but a simple tourist's translation guide might be of more use if you want to learn some phrases quickly