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Do you think it makes sense to prioritize vocab learning first, to feel comfortable speaking and listening, and then, after couple of years, catch up with reading and writing?

Currently I concentrate on vocabulary and learn kanji for each word. Studying all kanji readings makes no sense to me.

James Heisig has 3 books called 'Remembering the Kanji' the two of them are of interest to me: the 1st one concentrates on recognition (and writing maybe) and 2nd on reading.

I think James Heisig suggests vocab should be studied separately. Possibly it even makes sense to do hardcore vocab studying together with the 1st book, since these are so different activities. And when one feels confident he/she can bridge the gaps with the 'reading' book (the 2nd one).

This way also looks natural since children learn to speak first and write years later.

If yes, then maybe you could point to some materials that use this kind of program and can do 'kanjiless' vocab boosting.

Thanks.

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Some people think it's better to focus on the spoken language first. Jorden thought so. My personal feeling is that it doesn't make sense to put off learning to read. But it's really up to you what you want to learn and in what order, so there isn't a real answer to this question. I voted to close. – snailboat♦ Feb 11 at 18:20
Thanks for the Jorden link. I really just wanted to check if there is a learning system like that. I personally don't think it's even possible to use Heisig method - at least it doesn't seem to work for me. But I'm trying different ways. And yeah I understand that's not a question with one true answer, this is just an opinion collector. Cheers! – dimadesu Feb 11 at 18:52
Many courses that promote a spoken-language based approach argue that you should learn a language like a child would: by listening and speaking. What they don't take into account is, that children take around 20 years to properly learn the language. Surely you want to be faster than that. I don't regard it useful to focus on vocab (only remembered with kana) and ignore kanji. You should use all resources you are able to make sense of. Obviously, trying to remember kanji is only useful, if you are reading something, else you'll just forget what you just learnt. – user1205935 Feb 12 at 0:42
I was just about to ask this, you articulated it much better though. – Koasamitsu Feb 12 at 1:01
Thanks guys. I appreciate your opinions. I guess I'll drop this idea then. – dimadesu Feb 12 at 7:37

closed as off topic by istrasci, snailboat♦, nkjt, jkerian♦, cypher Feb 12 at 4:25

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2 Answers

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In order to keep focused on the language itself, we have a general rule against questions regarding study methods. Since every learner's situation is slightly different, it is impossible to create a generally applicable, high quality answer that will serve as a 'standard reference' on the web. (the goal of all stack exchange sites)

We try to focus on questions about the language itself, as opposed to study methods, resources, culture, or simple translations.

For study materials, I do suggest you look at our resources list, which has been assembled and categorized over the last year or so.

If you are interested, stop by the official JLU chatroom, where we'd be glad to talk about study methods, resources, and various other aspects of the process of learning Japanese. Unlike the main site, the chatroom is better suited for the back-and-forth needed to give personalized advice on this sort of question.

(this answer is marked community wiki to avoid gaining rep for what is not actually an answer to your question)

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Makes perfect sense. Thank you for the tips. – dimadesu Feb 11 at 18:55
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I think its better to learn kanji first because the most important thing you should do when you come to learn certain language is "learning its writing system" and it is not proper to learn word you can't write also learning vocabulary will be easier after learning kanji . let me tell you something when you want to learn kanji don't learn it stroke-stroke but learn its components thus the learning will be easier and faster foe example this kanji "魔" its mean devil at first sight you would think its complicated but this kanji consist of tow parts "鬼" and "麻" also "麻" consist of　林 until you reach 木, is not this way easier you will learn many in price of one

I suggest "tagaini jisho" for kanji learning

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I see you point. But I really fill like if I know vocabulary words - this is useful, I can understand something when I hear it. I can say something and be understood by Japanese people. But if I know how to write some kanji and know all it's readings - that doesn't looks as useful and handy =) – dimadesu Feb 11 at 22:02
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@dimadesu Lately I've been taking basically the same approach to learning Kanji as the one you're describing, and it's working well for me. Kanji stick in my brain much better when I already know the words. And I take a gradual approach, where I learn to recognize and read the Kanji first, then I worry about how to translate it, then I occasionally try to study from the perspective of "what is this Kanji's various readings," but only when I feel so inclined. This answer suggests that such an approach is "not proper"...but I think this answer is just presenting opinions as if they were fact. – ghorahn Feb 13 at 19:14

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