Did you know that it is possible to practice writing, speaking, comprehension, and reading in Japanese using Discord? In this article, we will teach you how to use the voice application to train the main attributes that exist in the Japanese language. Besides learning a lot, you will have a lot of fun in the process.
Discord is available for use on PC (Microsoft Windows, MacOS), mobile (Android and iOS), and web browsers (most of them), and registration is done quickly and intuitively. To register and start enjoying the app click here.
Table of Contents
What is Discord
Discord is a popular service used by gamers and friends to interact through voice and chat channels. In the app, it is possible to create channels, add friends, create topics within groups, and download bots to assist or enhance the usability of the groups. Launched in 2015, Discord, which was initially designed to facilitate conversations among friends during gameplay, is becoming increasingly popular among the general public and language students due to its wide range of tools and the fact that it is free.
Within Discord, there is the possibility to create a hierarchy among the members of a particular channel, so that moderation can be outsourced to other participants. Additionally, there are commands that can be typed on the keyboard to optimize processes and interactions in the chat. The bots come in various types. In the case of the Japanese language, there are bots that simulate the game “shiritori,” that simulate a DJ, and that automate and provide the possibility to conduct quizzes that result in a scoring ranking.
How to use Discord to learn and practice Japanese?
Some bots are extremely useful for Japanese students who want to improve their language skills. Among those we can mention, we have the Kotoba Discord Bot which has countless functionalities, such as the ability to conduct quizzes, play shiritori, search for the meaning of kanjis and words in the dictionary, request the display of example sentences, furigana, and translations into languages like Spanish. Kotoba is a very effective and easy-to-use bot, especially after studying and assimilating the keyboard commands, which usually start with “k!”.
Another very practical bot that can assist in learning is called Soul Music – capable of simulating a DJ (disc jockey) that finds songs when typing the keyboard command followed by the name of the song, band, or singer.
However, beyond the bots, Discord offers the creation of voice channels where it is possible to practice speaking and listening comprehension in the language. Another possibility that I highly recommend is to create different topics and text chats with distinct objectives. For example: one chat to write and converse 100% in Japanese, another to discuss topics related to the language itself, and another to discuss cultural themes.
Finally, it is very important that the community administrator can manage the good coexistence of the group, especially by establishing rules of coexistence that prevent the dissemination of pirated material and provide learning in a fun and healthy way. The dissemination of knowledge, sharing of experiences in the language, and study tips are also fundamental to the process.
Learning while having fun is the best method there is!
Soon we will show how other applications, such as Twitch, for example, can assist the Japanese student in their arduous journey.
Other applications and websites that help with studies
- Anki
- Telegram
- Memrise
- Jisho
- NHK News
- Kanji Kohii
- Wanikani
- Youtube – YouTube Channels to Study for the JLPT – Suki Desu (skdesu.com)
So, what do you think? Did you like the tip? Then comment, like, and share with your friends!
Leave a Reply