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The Dojo
Language learning strategies & tactics
The Dojo is where strategy lives: methods, habits, learning science and how long it actually takes. Everything here works for any language; each guide links to the version for Chinese, Japanese or Korean.
The short answer
Kungfucius says: The master has failed more times than the beginner has tried.
In this section
MethodsChorusing: fix your pronunciation by speaking in unisonChorusing explained: what it is, how to do it step by step, how it differs from shadowing, and when it helps your pronunciation.MethodsEchoing: listen, wait, repeatEchoing explained: what it is, how to do it step by step, how it differs from shadowing, and when it helps your pronunciation.MethodsThe Antimoon method: a critical reviewThe Antimoon method reviewed: input first, no mistakes, spaced repetition. What it gets right, where it fails for Asian languages, and what to do instead.FoundationsComprehensible input: what it is and how to use itWhat comprehensible input is, why it beats memorising word lists, and how to find input you can actually follow in Chinese, Japanese or Korean.FoundationsHow long does it take to learn a language? (Asian languages edition)How long does it take to learn Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese? FSI hours, realistic timelines per level, and what speeds learners up.MultilingualLanguage laddering explainedLanguage laddering explained: learn a new language through one you already speak, such as Japanese via Chinese, to train both at once. Here is how.MethodsShadowing: the language learning technique explainedShadowing explained: repeat native audio a split second behind the speaker to train pronunciation, tones and rhythm. How to do it and which audio to use.MethodsSpaced repetition (SRS) for language learningSpaced repetition (SRS) for language learning: how it fights the forgetting curve, how to use Anki without burning out, and what to put on your cards.The DojoLanguage learning glossary A–ZA plain-English glossary of language learning terms: comprehensible input, SRS, CEFR, sentence mining, tones, pitch accent, kanji and dozens more.Level upBeginner roadmap: your first 90 days in a new languageA beginner roadmap for your first 90 days in a new language: script, sounds, core words, first input and first conversations, laid out week by week.Level upFossilisation in language learning: what it is and how to fix itFossilisation in language learning: why some errors become permanent, how to spot them, and how to fix fossilised mistakes in tones and grammar.FoundationsFoundations of language learningThe foundations of language learning: how acquisition works, comprehensible input, routines, goals, budgets and how long a new language really takes.ImmersionFull immersion: when and how to do itFull immersion: when it works, when you are ready, and how to plan a stint in Taiwan, China or Japan so it boosts your language instead of your bar bill.SkillsHow to learn grammar without hating itHow to learn grammar without hating it: patterns over rules, input before drills, and when a grammar book actually helps with Chinese, Japanese or Korean.FoundationsHow language acquisition works (in plain English)How language acquisition works, in plain English: input, output, noticing and interlanguage, and what second language research means for your study plan.ImmersionImmersion: how and whenImmersion for language learners: when to start, how to build it at home, and when moving abroad for full immersion is worth the money and culture shock.Level upThe intermediate plateau: how to get from intermediate to advancedStuck at intermediate? Why the plateau happens and how to reach advanced: more native input, harder output, targeted feedback and a fresh routine.MethodsThe Kungfucius MethodThe Kungfucius Method: a practical system for acquiring Asian languages built on comprehensible input, sentence mining, shadowing and stubborn routine.MultilingualLanguage interference: when your languages mixLanguage interference: why your languages mix, why Japanese slips into your Chinese, and practical strategies multilingual learners use to keep them apart.MultilingualLanguage stacking explainedLanguage stacking explained: learning several languages in parallel with time blocks, daily touch and smart pairings, plus when it backfires.FoundationsHow to learn a language on a budgetLearn a language for free or nearly free: the best no-cost apps, libraries, podcasts and exchanges for Chinese and Japanese, and where paying is worth it.SkillsLearning new scripts: characters, kana, hangulLearning a new script: how to tackle Chinese characters, Japanese kana and kanji, or Korean Hangul, how long each takes, and which tools help most.Level upLevels & plateaus: from beginner to advancedFrom beginner to advanced: a 90-day beginner roadmap, how to escape the intermediate plateau, and how to fix fossilised mistakes before they set in.SkillsHow to improve listening in a foreign languageHow to improve listening in a foreign language: graded audio, active versus passive listening, transcripts and drills for fast native speech.Schools of Kung FuLanguage learning methods comparedLanguage learning methods compared: comprehensible input, Antimoon, shadowing, sentence mining, spaced repetition and more, each with a blunt verdict.MultilingualLearning multiple languagesLearning multiple languages without melting: language stacking, laddering, learning two at once, interference and what real polyglots do differently.Myth-busting deskLanguage learning myths, bustedLanguage learning myths, busted: the critical period, talent, 'just move there', learning in your sleep and more, checked against research and Kungfucius's scars.MethodsSentence mining: learn sentences, not wordsSentence mining: learn whole sentences instead of single words. The pros, the cons, how to mine from shows and books, and how to load them into Anki.SkillsLanguage skills: listening, speaking, reading, writingHow to train each language skill: listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, with tactics for tonal Asian languages.FoundationsHow to build a language study routine that survives real lifeBuild a language study routine that survives work, kids and travel: five-minute days, habit stacking, exercise and how to restart after a break.SkillsHow to learn vocabulary that actually sticksHow to learn vocabulary that sticks: frequency lists, context, spaced repetition and how many words you actually need for conversation in Asian languages.FoundationsDoes your personality change when you speak another language?Does your personality change when you speak another language? What bilinguals report, what studies suggest, and why you feel bolder in Japanese.
Kungfucius says
“The master has failed more times than the beginner has tried.”師父失敗的次數，比徒弟嘗試的次數還多。
“There are 37 methods. Each one is the only one that works.”學習方法有三十七種，每一種都是唯一有效的。
“If you feel like you're losing everything, remember that trees lose their leaves every year, yet still stand tall and wait for better days to come.”當你覺得自己正在失去一切時，記得樹木每年都會落葉，卻依然挺立，等待更好的日子到來。