Introduction
In the fast-paced world of today, traditional language learning methods can often feel cumbersome. This is where podcasts come into play, allowing you to learn at your own pace, whether you’re commuting, working out, or cooking dinner. They are an excellent resource for intermediate and advanced learners, providing exposure to natural language usage and cultural contexts. Here, we recommend some of the best podcasts for learning Japanese at a more advanced level.
The Appeal of Podcasts for Language Learning
Podcasts have many advantages when it comes to language learning. They expose you to a variety of accents and dialects, natural language usage, and real conversations. You can hear the language as it’s actually spoken, rather than the often artificial dialogue in textbooks. Moreover, podcasts allow you to dive deep into the culture of the language, which is essential for mastering any language.
Podcast 1: Japanesepod101
Japanesepod101 is one of the most popular Japanese language learning podcasts and with good reason. It offers an extensive library of lessons catering to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Their podcast episodes range from grammar explanations, vocabulary building, and cultural lessons to real-life dialogues.
For intermediate and advanced learners, the “Lower Intermediate,” “Intermediate,” and “Advanced” series present lessons using more complex structures and vocabulary. They also provide opportunities to learn about various aspects of Japanese culture and history, offering a well-rounded learning experience.
An in-depth review by JLPT Tutor highlights the efficacy and extensive offerings of Japanesepod101.
Podcast 2: Tofugu
The Tofugu podcast is another excellent resource for learning Japanese. While it does not follow a standard language lesson format, it offers valuable insights into Japanese culture, history, society, and of course, the Japanese language. The content is both engaging and informative, making it a must-listen for any serious Japanese language learner.
Podcast 3: Let’s Learn Japanese From Small Talk
This podcast is ideal for intermediate and advanced learners looking to improve their listening skills and learn about Japanese culture. The hosts are two Japanese women who talk about their daily lives, cultural experiences, and current issues in Japan. The podcast is entirely in Japanese but spoken at a slower pace, allowing learners to follow along.
Podcast 4: Learn Japanese with Noriko
In this podcast, Noriko shares her knowledge and experience as a professional Japanese language teacher. She covers a wide range of topics and aims to help listeners achieve a natural conversation style. The lessons are entirely in Japanese, making it suitable for intermediate and advanced learners.
Podcast 5: Bilingual News (バイリンガルニュース)
Bilingual News is a unique podcast that delivers global news in both English and Japanese. Hosts Mami and Michael alternate between the two languages, providing an excellent way for intermediate and advanced learners to learn more complex vocabulary and sentence structures.
Podcast 6: Nihongo Con Teppei
Hosted by Teppei, a Japanese language teacher, this podcast offers lessons entirely in Japanese. Teppei speaks at a slower pace, ensuring that even intermediate learners can follow along. He covers a variety of topics, providing listeners with a broad range of vocabulary and grammar.
Podcast 7: NHK World
NHK World, the international broadcasting service of Japan, offers various podcasts on news, culture, and language learning. Their language learning podcast, “Easy Japanese,” is beneficial for learners looking to supplement their studies with extra listening practice.
Conclusion
Incorporating podcasts into your Japanese language learning routine can significantly enhance your listening skills and cultural understanding. The podcasts listed above provide a variety of content for intermediate and advanced learners, ensuring you can find something that suits your interests and learning style. Keep in mind, repetition is key, so don’t hesitate to replay episodes as many times as needed. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself understanding more and more each day. Happy listening!