English as a second language, Japanese as a third language -learning it in english, or mother language?


This is a question particularly aimed for those, who speak English as a second
language, and also mastered Japanese:

When studying words & phrases, did you found it more efficient to study it
with the english translation, or translation of your original language?

(If length of use is a parameter, I've been using english, and been living in
english-speaking countries for >8 years; but used my mother language, and been
living there for 20)




Well, I wouldn't say that I have mastered it, but I have come a long way
learning Japanese almost exclusively through English material.

My first language is Swedish, but English is mandatory in school from the 4th
grade. Most Swedes have a more-or-less fair command of English, enough to
consider it our second language.

Anyway, _my_ experience of learning Japanese through English and not Swedish
has been quite a pleasant experience. The resources available online in
English for learning Japanese are just nothing short of excellent. There is
simply no comparison when you search for the same in Swedish. Occasionally,
some language construct names, such as _volitional_ will stump me. But then
again I am not sure I know the name for it in Swedish anyway.




Well, I wouldn't say that I have mastered it, but I have come a long way
learning Japanese almost exclusively through English material.

My first language is Swedish, but English is mandatory in school from the 4th
grade. Most Swedes have a more-or-less fair command of English, enough to
consider it our second language.

Anyway, _my_ experience of learning Japanese through English and not Swedish
has been quite a pleasant experience. The resources available online in
English for learning Japanese are just nothing short of excellent. There is
simply no comparison when you search for the same in Swedish. Occasionally,
some language construct names, such as _volitional_ will stump me. But then
again I am not sure I know the name for it in Swedish anyway.

