Which vocabulary/grammar to learn before immersion
Discover Japanese: Home-based Immersion Techniques: Which vocabulary/grammar to learn before immersion
Before starting language immersion, it is advisable to learn a foundational vocabulary and some basic grammar to make the immersion process smoother and more comprehensible.
Vocabulary to Learn
- Aim to learn around 1,500 to 3,000 common words in the target language. Studies show that knowing about 2,000 words can cover roughly 94% of daily speech, while 5,000 words can increase that to nearly 99%. This vocabulary base helps significantly with comprehension during immersion.
- Focus on frequent, useful words that appear often in conversations rather than trying to learn too many rare or specialized words upfront.
- Using spaced repetition systems (SRS) with pre-made or custom vocabulary decks is an effective way to build this vocabulary before immersion.
Grammar to Learn
- Basic grammar understanding is helpful but not necessary to master before immersion. It’s more effective to learn grammar organically through conversation and context during immersion.
- Some recommend having 1 or 2 basic grammar resources or books to refer to when encountering difficulties.
- Engaging in conversations or practicing with AI tutors can help develop grammar awareness in practical use.
- Grammar learning should focus on enabling you to construct and understand sentences rather than memorizing complex rules upfront.
Practical Tips
- Start with essential phrases and basic grammar structures.
- Use resources like beginner-level shows, podcasts, or content with subtitles to get some comprehensible input before full immersion.
- Prepare yourself for lots of listening and repetition to train your ear and mouth muscles.
In summary, the best preparation before immersion is to learn a core set of common vocabulary (around 1,500–3,000 words) and acquire a functional understanding of basic grammar, preferably through practical use and conversation rather than heavy upfront study.