JAPANESE AUDiO INPUT

Whether your Japanese is at a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level, listening to quality audio input is essential to achieving fluency. The more input the better. You should start listening to Japanese audio in your first week of study and never stop.

The two types of audio input are active and passive. Passive refers to all Japanese audio that you are not actively using to study, such a music. I recommend finding Japanese music that appeals to you as soon as possible and listening to it as much as possible.

Active audio input refers to any study materials that engage you, such as language learning cds. As a beginner, you need input that explains the basics, the nuances, and peculiarities of your target language in a fun/exciting way. However, as a beginner, you have no idea what is a good source of active audio input is.

That is where Japanesepod101.com comes in, with over 700 lessons targeted at every level (Newbies to Advanced). As soon as you are familiar with the Kana, I recommend starting active audio input.

see Japanesepod101 for my review and more information

You will need both quality and quantity if you want to achieve fluency. The goal is to simulate immersion, so that your ears (brain) will process Japanese easier. In other words, you will slowly start to recognize words, patterns, similarities, and speech patterns.

Q: Why do I recommend Japanesepod101.com over other sources of input?
A1: see Japanesepod101 for my review and more information.
A2: I mine sentences from their transcripts. (about 700 lessons)

NOTES:
Listening to JPod while studying something else is a distraction; try Japanese music instead.
Using English subtitles is distraction from listening to Japanese.
JPod is not the only source of active audio input; by all means use any source you like.

Further Reading:
Method Overview
School Supplies
Remembering the Kanji Method
How Long will it Take to Learn Japanese?

don't you think NIHONGOCENTRAL.COM is awesomeness?
click the banner to support with a DONATION via a secure PayPal payment