This message was deleted by the user at 06:04, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

I don't know Japanese.

I wanted to throw that out first so not to get you too excited about a reply. But I'm actually liking this idea. I'm in about the same boat. I know a very little speaking wise, but not much yet in terms of any of the writing systems. If you'd be willing, I would like to join in this venture, if you just want a 1x1 experience, I understand and no hard feelings taken.

A parting gift: If you're using Chrome, get Japanese Frenzy from the Play store. If you couple that with a hiragana dictionary, it should boost the written learning pretty well and it's fun.

I use rikaikun (rikaichan in firefox). The translations are awful though. Will take a look at Japanese Frenzy.

I would prefer a 1x1 because I want to learn at my own pace and if its a group game its gonna be harder to do that.

Edit: But - Someone could run a game that is a series of solo "Threads" so each learner could learn at their own pace. (But this is asking a lot of someone, I know).
This message was last edited by the user at 13:49, Tue 20 Aug 2013.

I have a degree in Japanese, worked as translator, interpreter, etc., etc. for 20+ years.

As far as the most bang for your buck, roleplay here is probably not what I'd recommend.  I would only recommend it as a supplement to intensive learning elsewhere.

There are two things difficult for English speakers learning Japanese (other than the kanji, which is not as crucial at the beginning stage):  1) vocabulary (yes, that one's obvious); and 2) the grammatical structure.

Vocabulary is learned through repetition.  Knowing the difference between shuriken and katana, bushido and samurai is not going to help your language.  Beginners need practical, everyday language.

English grammar is in "SVO" (subject-verb-object), whereas Japanese is "SOV."  The mind has to become so accustomed to this different grammatical structure that it can decipher it naturally.  This is through repetition too, particularly everyday exchanges and sentences.

What you need is immersion in the language and Readers that teach you, plus maybe flash cards.  Roleplay would be a supplement, maybe, but I don't see it making anyone fluent.

If you wanted a roleplay session all in Japanese, it would have to be by someone willing to be patient and use only basic terminology.  Otherwise, I presume a Japanese themed RP game would be mostly in English but with some Japanese exchanges by characters.  After you immerse yourself in the language for 2-3 years, the roleplay idea has significantly more value, I think.

That's just my 2 cents worth...
This message was last edited by the user at 15:25, Tue 20 Aug 2013.

Wow. That long, huh?

Well I don't see why I can't do the roleplay in parallel to learning the conventional way. I need methods that make things interesting enough for them to stick in my mind. I have a fairly good memory but it seems awfully selective in how it works.

Anything that can speed up the learning process for me would be a great help.

I agree.
I have a degree in Japanese as well and although I can make normal conversation and read newspapers and so on I still have trouble expressing really simple things in English.

If you want to learn a second or third language I suggest you start with something Latin based.

The largest barrier is not the grammar or Chinese characters (although both are nigh impossible if you're not dedicated enough), but the change in the way you perceive the world and how you think.

Simple sentences like "I'm opening the door" is being changed into "The door is being opened (by me)" or "I'm eating cake" becomes "cake is being eaten" etc. You have to go there and embrace it before it stops being confusing.
I lived there for over a year and I still only have to lose concentration for a few seconds when watching my drama's before I have a hard time figuring out what they're on about.

Getting 30 hours training and topping it up with a couple of Gibli films every week doesn't cut it. It might be easier in the U.S. where there are Japanese communities, but you will spend a LOT of your time very inefficiently.

I don't mean to discourage you, but Japanese is among the hardest languages to learn
(if you are not Korean, Turkish, Finnish or Hungarian. Their grammatical structure is similar and they tend to omit subject too)

Youre not discouraging me, Pyrate. I have almost a need to learn it now, and whilst I may be a bit of a procrastinator, when I set my mind on something that's it really. ;-)

I've been using Pimsleur speak and understand to help with the learning the basics. So far I think it's been pretty good as it teaches the structure nicely. I've been doing it lightly, so it will take me a while to get it all down (though I never really expect to have it all).

Good luck in the chase for knowledge.

I know that what's desired is a native speaker, but if anyone were interested in putting together a group of players who are all learning Japanese, that's definitely something I as well would be interested in.  I was a player for a game here intended to help teach Japanese several months ago, but the GM of that game had to pull out due to work obligations.

ロールプレーで日本語を勉強したら役に立つと思うけど正直、普通のメッセージを読むため、どれほど時間がかかるか考えておいたほうが良いかもしれません。簡単に書いても恐らくかなり苦労すると思います。というと、普段のゲームの流れより、英語のゲームに日本語をドンドン使ってみたらいかがでしょうか？例えば、謎のゲームで、解けるために日本語を使うとか、外国人が日本に来て何かの冒険をする設定で少しずつ日本語を学ぶとか。。。でも、とりあえず、自分なりに頑張ったら良いと思います。RPでやる気が沸いてきたら、まぁ、良いじゃないでしょうか？

Any effort is positive effort! :)

Only just noticed that last post due to bump calming (which is why its better to rmail replies rather than respond to the thread).

Since Ive only just memorised the five Hiragana vowels this may take me some time to translate.

So bear with me...

I'm ressurecting this in the hope someone might pick up on the idea and be open to discussion on it.

I'm thinking perhaps a group game, long term, starting with Hiragana and moving on to the other kanji, but with perhaps some actual phrases thrown in even if they are in (everybody groans) romaji so people don't get too bored with memorising syllabries all the time.

I can provide help with game design and moderation.

Sore wa subarashī aideadesuga, watashi wa kanji ya katakana o tameshite miru no ni jūbun ni yoku wakarimasen.