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hiragana and katakana characters

Learning Japanese with Mnemonics

The Japanese language is known as Nihongo (日本語). There are three sets of characters in written Japanese—Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. The Japanese language does not have  a future tense. This allows you to completely rethink the grammar rule of tenses.

Kanji are basically Japanese characters and is one of the three writing systems in Japanese.  Hiragana and katakana, when combined, are called kana. Kana are the cursive and print alphabet of Japanese, a phonetic syllabary system, while kanji are Japanese symbol representing entire words.

Learning any new language takes desire, determination, and a lot of memorization. Memorizing may not be much fun and to help in the learning process of Japanese, using the mnemonic technique can aid in memory retention. Mnemonics apply imagery and retrieval cues as tools to help remember by association with something more meaningful.

Some types of mnemonics

Expression or word mnemonics – the first letter of each word is combined to form a phrase or sentence.

Image mnemonics – a technique using images to convey information.

Connection mnemonics – new knowledge is associated with something already known.

Spelling mnemonics – this style is intended to help us remember the spelling of word.

Visualization mnemonics – this method allows the user to create unique ways to associate an imagined space.

Music mnemonics – makes use of songs and jingles as a mnemonic.

Acronym mnemonics

Name mnemonics (acronym) – the first letter of each word is combined into a new word

Model mnemonics – this strategy is used to help recall information using diagrams, flowcharts, graphs, etc. to memorize an idea.

Ode mnemonics – information is applied into a poem.

With such vast collection of characters to remember in learning the Japanese writing system, using mnemonics can help students learn the language faster. Mnemonics are a great way to help you on your journey in speaking Japanese in no time!

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Read all about Japanese immersion learning and studying abroad. Check out our eZasshi archives for more articles!