(2016-04-11, 9:10 pm)Gensan Wrote: >2) If the keyword is not linked to the meaning, how do we make that connection later on?
When you learn vocab, start reading alot, it will somehow just imprint into your memories.
Once you see it alot the meaning will start to replace the keyword,
Hope this is helpful.
Ahh, I get it now. So what you guys are saying is that RTK should be learnt BEFORE vocab. Perhaps I should have made clearer where my Japanese is at.
In mid-late 2013, I studied Japanese for about six months, traditional class/tutoring style. For the first few months, I learnt some basic Japanese as well as Japanese for travel. I then went to Japan and found that I could get around, shop, order food etc. quite easily. I could understand basic responses at train stations/for directions, at restaurants and in stores, but I certainly could not understand detailed responses or have social conversations.
When I got back home, I studied for another few months, but I was not committed as my trip was over and I could see no use for Japanese in the foreseeable future.
Now, this has changed. I will be moving to Japan in August to teach English while setting up business networks (as well as enjoy my favourite place in the world). I have re-commenced classes and have just gotten to the point that I am learning completely new material - adjectives, and certain grammar. My next goal is simply to reach conversation level.
However, I have only just started learning kanji. I probably have a few hundred words memorized (a long way to go, I know) just from classes. So you can see here how I got confused about the RTK method and learning vocab afterwards =)
But it makes perfect sense to me now. Learn RTK, learn vocab WITH kanji (not just with kana as I have been) = meanings (and readings) attach themselves. Got it. I am hoping the keywords help with memorizing the meanings.
Thank you for all your responses! They have been very helpful. Method and foreseeable outcome is very important to me, and this is definitely a breakthrough in understanding how the RTK method helps to read Japanese.