Japanese Learner Types: What is yours?

What Japanese learner type are you? When it comes to learning Japanese, we all like to apply a mix of different techniques. Still, everyone has a favorite strategy they use to study Japanese.

Some of us like to take notes; some use flashcards and apps; some prefer to listen to podcasts; and some like doing language exchanges and conversing directly.

So while a learning style is not fixed, it can be defined. Are you an auditory learner? Do you like visual aids?

By recognizing what kind of Japanese learner you are, you will be able to use learning techniques that make your entire learning journey more enjoyable and effective.

Let’s look at the different types of learning styles!

What Are the Main Four Types of Learning?

We’ve probably heard of the four most common types of learners: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing.

Now, remember that most Japanese learners are a combination of these four styles, but we tend to have a dominant learning style. If we dig a bit further, there are some lesser-known Japanese learning styles,

Visual Learner

Visual learners absorb information best when they can visualize something. A lot of times, we think of photos and videos, but it’s not the case. If you remember something better through charts and diagrams, you might be a visual learner.

A good way to learn Japanese when you are a visual learner is by using apps. Duolingo (we’ve made a review on the app) is a great example of an app that uses colorful illustrations, diagrams and flashcards.

Auditory Learner

Auditory learners tend to prefer listening to information rather than reading it or seeing it visually. They might remember new Japanese vocabulary by repeating the words out loud or having someone with them talk about them.

For recommendations for Japanese listening practice, check out our top 5 Spotify podcasts for learning Japanese. Podcasts for Japanese Listening Practice and Learning Japanese

Kinesthetic Learner

Kinesthetic learn best by doing, participating in activities or solving problems in a hands-on manner. They tend to remember what they do best. You can try participating in Japanese language exchanges or attending cultural workshops and events!

Kinesthetic learners might dread studying for hours in one spot, which probably makes a traditional classroom a less ideal study environment. Being a kinesthetic learner doesn’t mean you have bad attention span.

However, you might find some Japanese learning strategies for people with ADHD overlapping with strategies for kinesthetic learners.

Read/write Learner

Not to be mistaken for visual learners, this type of learner prefers to consume information by reading texts. Think of your friend who enjoys note-taking and has a dedicated case of colorful pens and highlighters.

In this case, traditional textbooks — like JLPT N5 textbooks — might work best.

Other Types of Japanese Learners

Researchers have divided types of learning styles based on one of the senses and a social aspect. For example, do you like to study alone or in a group? If you choose the first option, you might be a solitary learner.

Conclusion

Now you have a better idea of some of the learning and study tactics that can help you personalize your Japanese learning. But that’s not the end of the choices available—you have more control of your learning environment than you might think!

Coto Academy provides private Japanese classes in Tokyo or online, so depending on what kind of Japanese learner you are, our experienced teachers will customize a lesson plan for you.

Not sure the best course is for you? Book a quick 15-20 minute lesson consultation with our coordinators — and we can discuss the best study programs together!


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