Enhancing CI Japanese: A Comprehensive Learning Resource

Comprehensible Japanese Suggestions & Feedback
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Suggestion for Enhancing CI Japanese: A Comprehensive Learning Resource

I’ve been using CI Japanese for a while now, and I must say, it has become a staple in my Japanese learning journey. The core of the platform—the videos—are already fantastic. However, I believe there’s potential for CI Japanese to evolve into an all-in-one resource for learning Japanese. Here are a few suggestions to help achieve that:

1. Spaced Repetition System (SRS)

An integrated SRS would be a game-changer. Spaced repetition is a proven method to enhance vocabulary retention and reinforce learning. Incorporating an SRS into CI Japanese would help learners systematically review and retain new words and phrases introduced in the videos.

2. Lookup Dictionary

A built-in dictionary for quick lookup would greatly enhance the learning experience. When encountering new words or phrases, being able to instantly look them up without leaving the platform would streamline the learning process and keep learners engaged.

3. Native App

A native app for both Android and iPhone would be incredibly beneficial. As someone who frequently uses both devices, I find it challenging to access and utilize the platform efficiently on the go. An app that combines video content, reading material, and listening exercises would provide a seamless and convenient learning experience, allowing users to learn anytime, anywhere.

The Value of These Enhancements

As both a language learner and an app/web developer, I understand the effort required to implement these features. However, the rewards would be immense. Here’s why:

  • Improved Retention: An SRS would ensure learners retain what they’ve studied, leading to more effective language acquisition.
  • Convenience: A dictionary would save time and keep learners within the platform, maintaining focus and engagement.
  • Accessibility: A native app would make learning more accessible and flexible, fitting into the busy lives of learners.

Conclusion

By adding an SRS, a lookup dictionary, and a native app, CI Japanese can truly become the ultimate resource for Japanese learners. These enhancements would not only improve the learning experience but also solidify CI Japanese’s position as a comprehensive and indispensable tool for mastering the language.

Thank you for considering these suggestions. I look forward to seeing CI Japanese continue to grow and improve!

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I wonder if the folks at Migaku would be interested in adding an SRS integration for CI Japanese? (I already use Migaku for all my immersion-mined SRS needs)

They already support Netflix, animelon, YouTube, etc. with beautiful card generation and UI. You can also export to Anki I believe.

Doing something like this might be simpler (and cheaper) than implementing a totally new SRS tool for CI Japanese.

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I saw a YouTube video of Professor Krashen. SRS works, but it is less efficient than comprehensible input. So if you spend an hour a day on SRS, you will learn a lot of words in a year. But if you spend that hour a day on comprehensible input, you will learn many more words in a year.

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Hi @dinobravo, thank you for the suggestions! We actually purposefully don’t provide an SRS or a lookup dictionary. SRS is great for rote memorization, but in our opinion, it’s not so good for acquiring languages. We highly recommend simply getting more input instead of using an SRS unless you are trying to memorize highly-specific vocabulary. As for dictionaries, we also recommend not looking Japanese words in English, because you really want to avoid cross-linking languages in your mind, otherwise it can lead to overthinking and less-fluent output.

Here are some related pages from our guide:

A native app is a good idea, though :thinking:. I checked with @ben about it. We do intend on having an audio player app at some point in the future, but that’s only because audio playback doesn’t work perfectly on the mobile site. Otherwise, we feel that our mobile site works well enough.

You can install the CIJ website as an “app” on your phone (technically it’s a progressive web app, or PWA). Here’s instructions for installing the PWA: Do you have a mobile app?

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I think that your ideas kinda go against CIJ’s main philosophy.

How ever using Yomitan + ASB Player already does all the things you’re suggesting (and using kiwi browser or Firefox on mobile accomplishes the app thing) so there isn’t a need to spend the already limited development hours on doing something that’s already possible.

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