#katakana

Duolingo’s been in the news for going all AI. Of course, if AI is your bag, that’s cool. But if you’re interested in learning language from resources made by real native speakers and humans…

Here are some suggestions…

Speaking/Listening

-Innovative Language (known for JapanesePod101, koreanclass101, spanishpod101 and their collection of 30+ language programs - teaches languages through conversations (you listen to a convo between two native speakers and then get it explained). Lessons are about 5–10 min on average in audio/video format https://www.innovativelanguage.com/online-language-courses

Pimsleur - similar approach as above but lessons are longer - 30 min and audio only - https://www.pimsleur.com

Reading

LingQ - learn by reading native content and breaking down the words inside. https://www.lingq.com/en/

ReadLang - a browser based tool that translates articles and books you read. https://readlang.com

Satori Reader - (for Japanese) - read level appropriate stories (my fav for reading)

Vocabulary

Anki - not sure if this needs extra explanation - most language learners love Anki’s flash card approach https://apps.ankiweb.net

I need to buy some wire tracks for better cable management later on but I couldn't wait to install my new Japanese Atari logo sign!

The secrets to easily recognizing these kana are hidden in the stroke order!

(images from japanesewordswriting.com)

SHI し シ

Hiragana し begins with a long vertical stroke down the left side, and ends with a swish to the upper right.

Katakana シ begins with two small lines along the left side, and ends with the same swish to the upper right that its hiragana counterpart had.

You can tell that シ is し because the lines on シ will be coming from the left side!

TSU つ ツ

Hiragana つ begins with a long horizontal stroke across the top, and curves down with a swish to the bottom left at the end.

Katakana ツ begins with two small lines along the top, and ends with the same swish to the bottom left that its hiragana counterpart had.

You can tell ツ is つ because the lines on ツ will be coming from the top!

More Pics to Further Illustrate