I'm not really sure how it works. From what I saw Heisig just lists the words/pronunciation etc and that's it. There doesn't seem to be an explanation or method on how to remember how to read the kanji compounds. Am I missing something or is that it? Any clarification is appreciated.

learningkanji Wrote:I'm not really sure how it works. From what I saw Heisig just lists the words/pronunciation etc and that's it. There doesn't seem to be an explanation or method on how to remember how to read the kanji compounds. Am I missing something or is that it? Any clarification is appreciated.

There's a demo online? do you mean like sample pages like with the first book? Link?

[ファブリス]

I guess OP is referring to the sample PDF?

I think the main idea with RTK Volume 2 is that Heisig tried to organize as much as was possible, considering the great number of inconsistent readings in Japanese. Characters that share a component which is linked to a sound, are grouped together.

I guess my advice to the OP, after failing miserably at trying to brute force the readings through anki, is to try to integrate the sound the kanji makes into your stories for the compounds... Even with anki, I can't brute force memory, just doesn't work for me.

ktcgx Wrote:

learningkanji Wrote:I'm not really sure how it works. From what I saw Heisig just lists the words/pronunciation etc and that's it. There doesn't seem to be an explanation or method on how to remember how to read the kanji compounds. Am I missing something or is that it? Any clarification is appreciated.

There's a demo online? do you mean like sample pages like with the first book? Link?

http://nirc.nanzan-u.ac.jp/en/files/2012...Sample.pdf

ファブリス Wrote:I guess OP is referring to the sample PDF?

I think the main idea with RTK Volume 2 is that Heisig tried to organize as much as was possible, considering the great number of inconsistent readings in Japanese. Characters that share a component which is linked to a sound, are grouped together.

Ya but as I start reading the pronunciations and move on to the next, there's no reason I should be able to remember what I just read.

I'm still in the transition phase from finishing RTK1 to finding a method of learning how to read the actual pronunciations. I'm trying to find a method that works for me. So far I checked out RTK2 which I'm not sure will work for me unless there's something I'm missing.

I heard about the movie method and followed a link but it seems pretty damn complicated because the stories are much more complex and there are so many elements you have to remember. I will give it another more focused shot to see how it goes.

I also keep hearing about Tae Kim so I checked out his grammar site and only read a bit of the basic grammar so far. The main problem is that I'll have to figure out a method of remembering the pronunciations I learn.

As far as my personal experience goes- I finished RTK 1 and completely ignored 2. As for the readings, I got them through reading a lot of Japanese, using Anki, and eventually making connections as Heisig would have pointed out in RTK 2 but on my own. For example, after coming across quite a few kanji with 中 in them-- "Oh, kanji with 中 in them are generally pronounced "ちゅう" when found in kanji compounds. I seeee." Things like this gradually made sense through reading practice... Lots of practice.

Kanji readings seem to just take time and experience to nail down. I can read regularly on a college level now but it took two years and a ton of reading after RTK to get this far. I'm not sure specific study methods and the like are necessary if you keep trying and keep reading. (However I wouldn't rule them out if you've been at it a while and things simply don't stick.. I just never did it so I can't recommend a good method other than read read read).

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learningkanji Wrote:I heard about the movie method and followed a link but it seems pretty damn complicated because the stories are much more complex and there are so many elements you have to remember. I will give it another more focused shot to see how it goes.

Yes the movie method is probably a little OTT (over the top). At this point I guess you will have to brute memorize. The main value of RTK2 is for systematically going through all the readings.

Ha, this made me realize some possible software implementiation. I guess ideally one would be able to add vocabulary to their SRS or review system, but then the software would organize your vocabulary based on readings, and provide some tests so that you are made more aware of the connecting elements (components) while reviewing.

drdunlap Wrote:As for the readings, I got them through reading a lot of Japanese, using Anki, and eventually making connections as Heisig would have pointed out in RTK 2 but on my own. For example, after coming across quite a few kanji with 中 in them-- "Oh, kanji with 中 in them are generally pronounced "ちゅう" when found in kanji compounds. I seeee." Things like this gradually made sense through reading practice... Lots of practice.

When I come across such cases, I usually refer to RTK 2 to check whether my feeling is correct. Often, it turns out to be one of those "semi-pure groups" (as Heisig terms them), which have one or more exceptions to the most common reading.

辰　震　娠　振　唇 = しん, but
辱 = じょく

For this, I find RTK 2 useful.

jmignot Wrote:When I come across such cases, I usually refer to RTK 2 to check whether my feeling is correct.

I use the dictionary to check most anything (because I'm aware that these exceptions are all over the place) and have since day 1 BUT- as a systematic approach to the same ends- I think RTK2 could be a fine tool. I think my brain was just fed up with systematic approaches after rushing through RTK1 haha.

drdunlap Wrote:As far as my personal experience goes- I finished RTK 1 and completely ignored 2. As for the readings, I got them through reading a lot of Japanese, using Anki, and eventually making connections as Heisig would have pointed out in RTK 2 but on my own. For example, after coming across quite a few kanji with 中 in them-- "Oh, kanji with 中 in them are generally pronounced "ちゅう" when found in kanji compounds. I seeee." Things like this gradually made sense through reading practice... Lots of practice.

The above is what is works for me.

After RTK1 and some basic grammar, I tried to learn the readings using a variety methods, but I found them all extremely hard work with very little reward as nothing would stick in my head. However, just from reading lots and SRSing sentences I started to spot the common readings for myself, and it's only then that they started to stick.

I guess this is another one of those areas where you have to try out a few things and go with whatever method works best for you.

Ok I guess I'll start reading and gradually pick things up. I hear people go straight to manga/movies/shows etc but what's the way of doing it? How do I practice by reading manga if I can't read in the first place? Same goes for shows/movies. For those do I use japanese subtitles and pause every time the subtitles change and then try to read them?

How do I train my ears to hear the japanese words when watching stuff? I know people listen to podcasts and stuff during the day but I don't have an ipod/mp3 player to do it with so that won't work.