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Language Learning Resources: Japanese

Language Learning Resources at Willamette University

こんにちは!

Looking for language learning help? You have come to the right place!

Regardless of your language level, we have something for you! 

Join My Japanese Space on WISE for resources and help documents . You can sign up for tutoring through WISE. For a step-by-step on joining WISE sites and signing up for tutoring, check out the document on the home page of this guide.

The DLS offers various software programs such as TellMeMore and Rosetta Stone for your independent language learning.

Planning on studying abroad? The DLS has put together a list of helpful resources and ideas of things you can be doing now to prepare you for your perspective country (below).

Bring some friends and come over to the Digital Learning Studio (Ford 101) to check out our new Japanese board games!

Japanese Resources

Blogs about Japan

  • Tofugu A wild and wacky Japanese blog ran by former WU grads. Features a fresh approach to learning Japanese.

  • Neojaponisme An academic look into Japanese pop and alternative cultures.

General Culture

Fashion

  • Style Arena Tokyo Street Style fashion blog, with photos categorized by city section.

Misc

  • Brovision Free streaming video clips about life in Japan.

Games

  • Quizlet.com - Quizlet is a flashcard website where users may either create their own flashcards or choose from millions of other sets already created. There are several ways to study your flashcards, including multiple choice tests or study games. You can even add images or listen to audio files for individual words. It is easy to create and share material and Quizlet is good for studying almost any subject!
  • Kanji
  • POPjisyo.com and Rikai.com - Surf Japanese web pages with a study tool that will translate the text you put the mouse over into Hiragana (if it is Kanji) and then give English explanations.
  • Rikaichan: Browser Add-on for Firefox users. Similar to popjisyo.com and rikai.com, this add-on gives you a quick and easy way to find out the reading or definition of Japanese text. There is also a names dictionary available. Download at:www.polarcloud.com/rikaichan

In the DLS - The computers in the lab have been equipped with a keyboard layout with different input options for Katakana and Hiragana that is helpful for word processing when you are writing a paper, class presentation, or researching on the Japanese web.

Nakama 1 and 2

Nakama 1 Learning Tools

  • Tutoring - Get essay help, ask grammar questions and practice your language skills with native Japanese speakers! Click “Sign-up” on the left side of WISE to schedule an appointment with your language assistant.
  • Online Japanese Language Study Materials
  • NIHONGO eな - Portal for Learning Japanese - A collection of online resources for Japanese Learners. LOTS of stuff here! Covers all levels of study and a wide range of areas. http://nihongo-e-na.com/jpn/
  • Mixxer - Through Skype, you can be matched up with a native speaker, who is also interested in learning English. Don’t stress, you’re both sharing and learning!
Willamette University

Willamette University Libraries

Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street.
Salem Oregon 97301
Pacific Northwest College of Art Library
511 NW Broadway.
Portland Oregon 97209