01: Kevin Meek (Jamaica) - Getting Started!
■Job Type: CIR |
■Prefecture: Miyagi |
■Years on Programme: 2003 - present |
Like many JET participants, who came to Japan with zero Japanese, I started with the CLAIR beginning level course. It is a useful (and free) resource for introducing structure and vocabulary as well as an excellent ear trainer. I listened to the CDs over and over like music (even while I was sleeping) to the point where a whole sentence would pop into my head as if out of nowhere, which is very helpful if you are an audio learner.
The following year I applied for the advanced course and completed the intermediate one on my own using the books of a colleague while I waited for the advanced course to start. The advanced material was excellent for reading and grammar as well as vocabulary building. Both levels do contribute useful kanji recognition skills as well since kanji are group according to their compounds and meanings. You do have to practive kanji independently, though, and to take some time reviewing the texts once the course is done.
A Japanese course (international centre, volunteer, whatever is available in your area) also helps - the more exposure the better - especially as it provides some ideas about "how to learn Japanese". One mistake I made, though, was to stick with romaji texts for too long. That retards reading progress. Learn the kana as fast as you can and use them (avoid romaji), while you dig into the kanji straight away at a pace that suits you. I also didn't discover early enough the wealth of information on the internet, both in terms of suggestions for Japanese study as well as actual study materials. Do your research! Good luck!
Kevin Meek is a CIR in Miyagi Prefecture, now in his fifth year on the JET Programme.
Useful links from Kevin:
