help with writing systems

[pinkkillerkisou]

I could really use some help. I am currently taking Japanese at my university. I am self taught when it comes to speaking. I can't speak fluently but I can enough to get by if I was to just visit. My problem is I have a very hard time learning the writing. I can't make myself associate the characters with words and it's only the kana writing too. I can't imagine how hard kanji will be. It's very frustrating because really am trying but every time I close my book I can't remember anything I studied. This is very hard when I have to read something on test or homework because I can only pick out a few characters I recognize. Anyway my question is those of you who can write in the kana or even kanji, because I'll be learning that soon, I was wondering if you could recommend some stuff that helped you out. I have tried all sorts of online practice things but nothing seems to work. Should I get a brain transplant? :?

[Damicci]

PRACTICE
Thats all I can say PRACTICE Practice practice....flash cards, online tests everything but don't study til you fall asleep or something take breaks in between give your brain a break it is a muscle too. :cool:

[Buntaro]

pinkkillerkisou,

The best method I found is to associate each kana with a picture. For example, katakana O looks just like the star constellation Orion. The more kana look like pictures, the better you can remember them.

[pinkkillerkisou]

Thanks Damicci and Buntaro... I figured there wasn't any secret method of learning. It was worth asking though. I haven't tried flash cards. That sound like a good idea. I'll definitly try that.

[lexico]

Here's a flashy Hiragana table for you! Print it out and overwrite it with your fingers many times until you can write with your eyes closed...
http://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~nori.ko/mutumi/menue/1nen/hiragana1.jpg

[GaijinPunch]

What the heck is へa picture of?

EDIT: Helicoptor. That look like 10 minutes of solid staring to "get it".

[DoctorP]

if you want to send me a PM with your email address, I can send you some worksheets that I used in my college courses that will help you with hiragana and katakana. They are similar to what you see above except that they show you the stokes and give you spaces to practice each one. I've sent them to several people and they have all said that the worksheets helped a lot.

[Buntaro]

あ is a TV antenna, sticking out of a roof of a house:

[lexico]

That is good association. Let me try another one.

あ is the girl in Kingkong's hand screaming, "A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

[pinkkillerkisou]

Haha that's a cute chart Lexico... very helpful. Same for the associations.