What would be a good way to start learning?

[kingofbraves]

Aside from classes and learn-at-home deals if you can find someone to talk to in Japanese that would help too.

[Dontais]

Originally Posted by kingofbraves

Aside from classes and learn-at-home deals if you can find someone to talk to in Japanese that would help too.

hmm could steal one of the Japanese transfer students at my uni but I think there is laws against that

[meromex666]

we can always just borrow him...

[dgsub]

I want to learn Japanese, what would you say is the best way to start learning it, (apart from a tutor)?

[Kyjin]

It's really tough to learn on your own. If you can, take a course in your high school or in college. Some community colleges also offer courses. The important thing is to continually practice. My first year Japanese class met every weekday for an hour or hour and a half, constantly speaking Japanese. If you can find a friend who speaks or is learning as well, set aside some time to discuss things in the language. Native speakers are great to talk to as well. Part of the program I'm in pairs us up with a native speaker who lives in the area. We speak Japanese and English for an hour a week, and what's great is we're helping the speaker as well since she's also learning English.

Be sure to learn kana as quickly as possible. If you force yourself to read in kana from the beginning, it will be easier when you want to read/write complex texts, or when you want to start learning kanji. They're are a lot of books out there that can be helpful with this. I've used the Genki series, which has some flaws but is generally a good starting point.

No matter what, don't give up! ^_^ It can be tough, but with enough practice, soon enough you can say some phrases and begin to read Japanese characters. Best of luck!

[AcidNightmare]

WOW, I am checking out a few of the sites you guys were talking about. I have been thinking of learning Japanese too, but I haven't really tried, but these sites seem pretty good.

[Ps360]

http://www.rosettastone.com/personal/languages/japanese
I heard it works, But i didn't try.

[Innerseek]

New learner here myself. I Just got my hands on some text books called Genki. Here is a link from an online store and site that I am very fond of http://www.thejapanshop.com/home.php?cat=270. The site itself http://www.thejapanesepage.com is wonderful and has been very helpful to me all on its own.

がんばって!!!

[Garyuu]

This semester I started taking Japanese at my college. As for written language goes, I have learned all of hiragana, and I know about 85% of katakana.

My college has a summer Japanese program, where you can go Japan for about 4 weeks. I have no money though.

[Kevinthewiseone]

I also use Rosetta Stone both to improve my Portuguese but also to learn Japanese