So I was doing my Anki reps for a core2k/6k deck, and realized that I'm picking up the readings more easily than the actual word definitions. Like, I'll see 利用 and know that it's pronounced りよう, but I won't remember that it means utilization or whatever. Now, for my past language learning endeavors (mostly with romance languages) learning words out of context has been fine. No two languages have 1:1 translation, but Japanese vocab is undoubtedly more different from English than, say, Spanish is, and that's making it difficult to remember the words (largely due to the lower number of sounds I think), combined with the extra hurdle of the Kanji.

The point is, my new idea is to grade my Anki reps based solely on recognition of the readings, not the actual definition. Of course I'd still be trying to learn the definition, it's just that when I review 利用　and know it's　りよう, I'd mark it as known, even if I don't remember that it means utilization. This way I'd be using the efficiency of Anki to learn the readings, but leaving the actual vocab acquisition to later when I'll see the words in context and be able to better get a grasp of the meaning.

Does anyone have any thoughts about why this may or may not be a good idea?

LittleKey Wrote:Does anyone have any thoughts about why this may or may not be a good idea?

I suspect some will pipe in with support for this method as some people generally use core/vocab decks to "prime words."

My opinion is that it really depends on your goal. SRS will adapt to you, if you are grading for "reading recognition" only then thats what SRS will be measuring and spacing your cards for. HOWEVER, if you grade yourself on reading rec. PLUS meaning rec. and you are consistent in this grading style, then SRS will space your cards to match this.

Really what it comes down to is your goals with Core. Is your goal to be able to read word compounds and simply say "screw the meanings till later"? Or is it, read the word and know the meaning now? If its the former then sure go ahead, it'll work fine, but don't be surprised when you pick up a paper and go "Dam, I can read all the words but I have no real idea what it says..." A lot of words DO need (a lot of) context to be able to situate them properly in your head, but I personally think you need a fundamental/rough understanding of the word first to be able to orient it properly. Hence, I think its important to learn to read the compound correctly PLUS know the meaning of the word either through reading the word or simply seeing the word and knowing instantly what it means.

I kinda grade like that except If I know one or the other I'll pass it. But I give it a 2 if I can only remember half. Usually by the time the card is mature I'll know both. YMMV.

I don't know if I'd recommend it though, it was a mental struggle telling myself its fine to know just one part and yet still being pissed that you only know one part. But since Ive been doing it for a long while I accept it.

Actually, what you're suggesting, though maligned by current educational fashions, is something that has a long and proud history in Japan. It's called 素読(そどく, "raw reading"）. It was practiced widely in the 寺子屋 (てらこや、temple sideroom) schools of the 江戸時代(えどじだい, Edo Period). Children in their early reading years would first learn to simply read texts (primarily written in 漢文 (かんぶん=basically, "Classical" Written Chinese*)) aloud, and leave comprehension for later.


Many commentators argue that the widespread literacy (including pop lit and proto-manga) that the 寺子屋 system produced, laid the groundwork for Japan to adapt and industrialize so rapidly and completely during the 明治(めいじ）era. Indeed, the great men and women who led Japan during the 明治維新(めいじいしん, Meiji Restoration) were all products of the 素読-based system. Takashi SAITOU discusses this idea of Japan as 読書立国 (どくしょりっこく, "a nation founded upon reading and literacy") in his book 読書力 (どくしょりょく, Reading Power）


Personally, I would go for comprehension. But your idea has solid precedent, and it at least warrants experimentation. Have fun with it and keep us in all in the loop!

Thanks for the helpful advice, everyone. And the history lesson about 素読 is really interesting. I think I'm going to go ahead with my plan to focus largely on readings for the core6k, but I'll simultaneously start making my way through authentic writing and get vocab from it.