EoFF's Cyber Language Desk~
To be honest this thread is inspired by this thread but modified to an extent that I hope is different from the former.
As EoFF is comprised of members from across the globe, English not always being their first language, moreover the juxtaposition of otaku culture and Final Fantasy fandom. Many members here often are looking to learn Japanese among other languages. This thread will in theory help those people. Basically, like the thread that inspired this one, it will rely on the help of everyone to share their own resources. For the most part I'd like to stay to online, free resources, whether it be sites or freeware.
Also, I often see myself posting the same links over and over for Japanese as every few months get a thread about learning them. Not that this will replace those but it will be at least one place where resources can be pooled.
So feel free to post them as this one will be modified accordingly. :D
Just remember to say for what language, a brief description and what it is.
Japanese
Websites
Tae Kim's Japanese guide to Japanese - A great website that not only introduces you to kana and some kanji but also goes over most common grammar points you will encounter. It is nice since it teaches both formal and casual grammar.
WWWJDIC: Word Search - Probably one of the best Japanese <-> English dictionaries on the web. Also great tool for looking up kanji.
ALC - My second favourite online Japanese <-> English dictionary. Originally intended for Japanese speakers intent on learning English (thus the site is completely in Japanese), it is a great way to find the word you are looking for. It will even group your results by noun, intransitive/transitive verbs. Also provides examples (so does WWWJDIC).
Quote:
Originally Posted by starseeker
(This post)
Quote:
Originally Posted by starseeker
(This post)
Utilities
Rikaichan - This Firefox add-on is tremendously useful. It is based on the Edict file (from WWWJDIC) and allows you, when enabled, to hover over Japanese text and get a translation (it will also state verb tense too).
Wakan - This free program is rather nifty. It is based on the Edict dictionary file as well and offers four features. A kanji database, a translator, a word pad/document creator and a vocab tool. I think the vocab tool is really interesting since you can create your own vocab lists and add kanji and words to it so you can practice.
Blogs
Tae Kim's Blog - Japanese, Chinese, and a dash of Korean - Recently due to a more hectic schedule, rarely updated but has a lot of entries concerning Japanese and Chinese language that prove insightful to any language student.
Tofugu - A really cool blog that covers various aspects of Japanese culture. Offers a lot of resources for learning Japanese language as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renmiri
(This post)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renmiri
(This post)
Others
Quote:
Originally Posted by rubah
Remember, if you are in #eoff chat, you can use some commands to translate, find kanji
!j2e-p translates Japanese to English
!j2e-pk translates Japanese to English, displaying kana
!e2j-p translates English to Japanese
!e2j-pk translates English to Japanese, displaying kana
The script includes both japanese words and loan words from english (and the appropriate katakana)
This post
Universal
Websites
Lang 8 - The purpose of Lang 8 is to make Blog/Journal Entries/Book/Movies Reviews in the language that you wish to learn. These entries will be read by native speakers or others who are fluent in the language. They will make suggestions that will correct grammatical errors, or just sounds awkward. In return you are expected to read the posts of others and do the same. Quite the interesting thing.
Wikipedia - Wikipedia might seem a bit obvious but you'd be surprise. First, just read the sections on the language you want to learn. Sometimes it will be too technical and filled with a linguist's jargon which will hinder their usefulness to the average person but usually some interesting bits of grammar can be found. Another cool trick is to look up a word in English (or whatever is your first language) then scroll on the left hand side and click the language you wish to learn that word in. Often it will lead you to an article about the same entry in its linguistical equivalent.
