First, and it is something that you are probably already doing...
Start learning basic expressions and or interjections. Like, self presentation,
or asking where is the restroom. If you like to watch anime, get some basic words
from the anime you watch, like ohayo or arigatou! At this point don’t worry so much
about the grammar.
Next, it is time to start learning the writing system...
Japanese has two syllabaries and Chinese characters known as Kanji. The two syllabaries
are Hiragana and Katakana. In this website you will find the Hiragana and Katakana tables,
but I recommend you to check out videos in YouTube that can help you with the correct
stroke order and pronunciation.
Best way to memorize it? Well, remember all those expressions you already memorized?
You can start writing them in Hiragana and katakana. You can also write sentences in your
own language using the Japanese syllabaries for extra practice.
Then, start building up a little bit more vocabulary...
For this a recommend songs (easy songs) that you can memorize and and sing along!
Japanesepod101 has a very good variety of these. Also watching videos in Japanese,
news, podcasts. Anything that you can get used to the audio it will be helpful.
If! At this point you are still interested in learning Japanese, it is time to study some
grammar and get some books!
A few things with this, it is very important that you review grammar concepts.
For example, that you know what adjectives, and verbs are. Otherwise, you will get lost pretty easily.
In terms of books, please see the image of the books recommended by my followers!
I recommend you to search online a couple of these books and see if they have a layout
that you will be able to follow. Everyone is different and you have to find what works best for you.
Also, more than worrying about getting the perfect book (there’s no such a thing) try to
compensate with different exercises. For example, you can write a diary, you can find easy
material to read. I also recommend you to subscribe to facebook, instagram, twitter or youtube
pages that will give you exercises.
Next is kanji!!!
If you are unable to purchase a book, I made a post how to learn new kanji,
so check it out (click HERE). Then I recommend you to start with the list of the basic
100 kanji (click HERE for list). But of course, if you are able to buy a book,
I suggest to check out my book, that will help you learn kanji through mnemonics.
