I’ve been using the iPhone as a language learning device for about 4 or 5 months now, and I’ve tried many different apps with this purpose. But as I’m studying Japanese at a university and not all by myself, I’m not really in need of too many different apps. As of now, I only use 2 apps, iFlipr and Japanese Flip, both which are based on flashcards.
Since most of my studies are based on the material I get from the university, the ability of making my own flashcard sets is a must. Therefore, I use iFlipr, a really good app just for this. It lets you create and share your own sets freely, with images, simple formatting and all the basic stuff that you can possibly need. You can use 2 different flashcard styles when studying, normal flashcards, and multiple choice (as seen below). You can also use this on the desktop if you don’t have an iPhone.
To keep myself from being too monotone, I use Japanese Flip, a vocabulary app that lets you flip words from all the different JLPT levels.
As I’m planning to buy an electronic dictionary, I haven’t bothered to try too many dictionary apps.
I’m interested in knowing what kind of apps you use to make your studies go as easy as possible, so please leave a comment!
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I use Kotoba! as my japanese dictionnary and it works very well. You should have a look as it is free.
Nice, I’ll take a look at it :)
I think twitter apps are the best. and follow lots of native speakers of target language.
I learn English by reading and sending tons of tweets! Tweets are real living learning materials and sometimes they lead you to interesting blog or website.
That’s very smart actually, I haven’t bothered to add too many Japanese twitterers since I’m not good enough with the language yet. I think that I’ll be good to go in January, since I’ll be done with the first course in Japanese at the university I’m studying. I could probably pull it off now too, but I think it would be good to know all the basic grammar, common kanjis and to have a decent vocabulary first.
If you’re looking for some Japanese language twitterers or people teaching/learning Japanese by practicing on Twitter I’ve made a list of them here: http://www.nihongonotes.com/2008/12/05/top-japanese-language-twitterers-to-help-you-learn-japanese/ :)
I use Japanese Flip as well. I like the smart review and the slow introduction of new words.
For my JPN 101 class we’re required to create flashcards, I guess I could substitute iFlipr, but it also helps to write them out myself I guess.
I’ve also got wwwJDict and 漢字力Mini installed, tho I haven’t used them much.
Then there’s twitter, and podcasts &c. I hope to get going more on twitter over the next month or so.
Creating flashcards on paper is good I guess, but I get to practice my writing a lot during the week. So I don’t lose too much on using the iPhone for it, it’s very convenient too.
I just ordered an electronic dictionary as well, so I won’t have to be bothered by iPhone dictionaries that aren’t any good ^^
I hope you’re following me already on Twitter!
I downloaded Japanese Flip and I’m impressed. I will definitely use this in my learning. I also noticed there is Kanji Flip and a few other versions.