Core decks vs extensive reading

(2016-06-08, 3:15 am)CureDolly Wrote:

(2015-12-13, 3:03 am)SomeCallMeChris Wrote: Well, I think it's quite worthwhile to do Core 3k regardless of the rest of your study plan. That first 3k words is going to show up -constantly- know matter what kind of material you read.

This is true, but by the same token, you will learn that first 3k words by extensive reading pretty quickly too, so it is really a question of which method you prefer.

I didn't use core decks and got all my vocabulary (beyond the absolute beginner few hundred words) from extensive reading/J-subbed anime.

I did and do use Anki to help cement vocabulary (though I don't Anki everything). I know people who can do it without. It really depends what you find works best for you.

I would prefer not to use SRS and pick up vocabulary purely organically, but I have found that using Anki as a secondary vocab-crutch in conjunction with extensive input is still most efficient for me at present.

You might be interested in this piece on "massive input vs anki" where I talk about the balance between input and SRS and how I have managed to somewhat shift the balance.

I have never tried to learn specific vocabulary in advance of reading/anime etc. Part of the reason for this is that if I put it in Anki as I encounter it, I begin by associating it with live experience and context rather than learning it cold as a list-word. And the early Anki reps then reinforce that first encounter rather than being abstractions.

By the way you can use Rikaisama's real-time import function to turn Rikai look-ups into Anki cards with one keypress. You can also use it for J-J definitions if you decide to do that at any point.

"All I did was make English a part of my life and use it as much as I could." Absolutely this IS the key. Whether it is a good idea to use SRS or other artificial means depends on your learning style. Use them if they help. Ditch them if you find they are taking up more time than they are worth. Make sure they are always your servant, never your master! They should never be more than adjuncts to massive input.

But the key is making Japanese a part of your life.