Hello everyone! I've noticed that people are using several apps at a time to learn Japanese. Personally, I get overwhelmed with too many resources, so I'm currently only using Renshuu and occasionally TODAI (for reading practice). I plan to add Genki I to my arsenal next month. Is it okay to just use these three? I know it depends on each person, but I just want to get an idea.
If it helps, my purpose for learning Japanese is to be able to understand TV shows, talk shows, streamers, etc.
Besides being overwhelmed, I don't want to spend so much money. I'll be buying Renshuu Pro for $110 plus a Genki Textbooks bundle for $150...
Renshuu + textbook + reading practice should be more than enough. Eventually, you'll want to start mixing in some outside listening practice later too.
Most apps only cover one small area while Renshuu covers vocab + grammar + kanji + sentences + much more.
The good news is, if you put in the hours then you will learn Japanese. The bad news is, while some apps may make that experience more pleasant than others, no app will do the work for you. So, if you like Renshuu and stick to it, you'll be just fine.
what will be good as reading practice for beginners?
You probably want some graded readers specifically for beginners.
Tadoku offers some free ones. They're designed for you to try to read without looking anything up, to get the gist of what is happening. https://tadoku.org/japanese/en...
The Japan Shop has tons of books designed for beginners which have detailed explanations of all the vocab, and grammar. Those will cost you, but if you get a digital bundle the price is quite reasonable. They also produce a monthly Makoto magazine which also includes stories and jokes with detailed break downs. https://www.thejapanshop.com/e...
It will sound very hippy, but whatever helps you is the right approach (for now at least)
i have a wide resource library to learn Japanese myself - two Japanese ~english dictionaries, some e-textbooks, Duolingo and a few games related to learning Japanese! I also feel like renshuu and textbooks are the optimal choice for learning, since the textbooks introduce Ans explain new material and studying it again on renshuu solidifies what you've learned! You can always add more resources when you get bored or switch things up like I do to keep things interesting and to keep the overall motivation levels up, since something new or different is something interesting!
in conclusion - as long as the thing teaches you Japanese and helps you to stay interested and motivated, it doesn't really matter what you use! Also, congrats! Books are always a good idea and the genki textbooks seem worth it - the info is well explained and fairly simple to understand!
Thank you for the ideas everyone! I was confused from hearing about the hundreds of options available for language practice, but I'm glad to hear that it's okay to use whatever is necessary!
Hmm - this is just me, but I would personally only buy the 1st volume (and workbook, if you want). Realistically, you may not need the second volume for a number of reasons, or it could be much cheaper to buy used once you get around to it. The first volume is ...well, it covers a LOT, so it's probably not something you're going to cover in just a few months.
While most people like Genki (I did!), you might buy the whole set, then feel like a different text will be better for you in a few months, but will have the unused texts anyway.
