Customer Reviews

Earworms Rapid Japanese (Musical Brain Trainer) (v. 1)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the only product that I have used that will have you ordering food and getting directions in Japanese in under a week. The insistent repetition method really works. I found myself spontaneously remembering phrases that I had tried to learn in the past. Earworms is is bar none the best option for the unserious student of Japanese, and should be considered by anyone who is trying to learn this language.

`Earworms Rapid Japanese' is a new way of learning a language based on linking words and phrases to music. The album has a variety of tracks that take you through various situations and gives you the words you may need. These words are almost sung along with catchy tunes in the background, I say almost as they are spoken but in time with the music to assist your memory. On this disc a man speaks the English and a native Japanese lady speaks the Japanese. Both speak very clearly and are in no way cheesy or patronising. What is also good is that at times the man may ask questions to clarify a point or pronunciation and they lady will respond. The topics covered in Volume 1 (meant to cover brief visits, whereas Volume 2 covers more in-depth knowledge) are `I would like...', `To Order', Have You Got...?', To The Airport', Numbers, days and time', `Is There?', `Directions', `Where, how many and what time?', `Problems' and `Do You Understand English?'. Basically what you'd need on your first holiday to Japan. The music is OK to listen to and not excessively cheesy or boring. It gets a bit repetitive at times, but this is kind of the point as it's meant to be almost like a jingle that hooks the phrases in your brain. There are various music styles with folky guitar, Celtic styles, drum (almost dance) style and more. There is also a complimentary website that adds ideas to help with learning and retention. There is information in the booklet on how the idea of earworms works, as well as the phrases used so you can read along if you wish. I found this system of language learning easy to use and I retained a great deal of the words used. You do need to repeat the listening, but with the music this isn't too arduous and you can easily have this on in the background and still pick bits up. Coupled with a good phrasebook this should stand you in good stead for any visits to Japan you may have planned. Worth a try if other language courses haven't worked or inspired you.

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The phrases taught here seem like they would be great if you are planning at trip to Japan. However, I was so distracted by the weird background music and crazy echo interludes "sumimasen-sumimasen-sumimasen-sumimasen!" that I didn't retain much. Also, the words aren't really set to the jazzy music so much as spoken over it. It's definitely not something I would listen to for fun.

I have many books, tapes, computer programs and charts to help me learn Japanese. Nothing has been as fun and useful as this CD. Great concept, great execution.