If I'm learning Japanese, Should I learn vocabulary first or learn vocabulary alongside kanji?
My Japanese class had us learning vocabulary and grammar right off the bat, but we didn't start delving into kanji until after we were done learning the kanas. I agree with this formula, because by learning two of the three alphabets, you will have some empowerment with the language instead of floundering around with it regardless.
One of my teachers had a very different way of teaching the kanas- and he chose by teaching katakana first. Since it's an alphabet devoted for foreign words, he said that we would be able to recognize the terms and words that *we* knew, since it would help a bit.
My other teacher was more traditional. We learned hiragana first, then katakana. Once we tested on those two and were able to successfully work with them, then she started to teach us kanji. All of this was alongside our regular grammar and vocabulary lessons.
Beyond a certain point, though, I almost view vocabulary and kanji learning as one and the same, as well. You are learning to recognize the kanji while learning the meaning behind it.
One of my teachers had a very different way of teaching the kanas- and he chose by teaching katakana first. Since it's an alphabet devoted for foreign words, he said that we would be able to recognize the terms and words that *we* knew, since it would help a bit.
My other teacher was more traditional. We learned hiragana first, then katakana. Once we tested on those two and were able to successfully work with them, then she started to teach us kanji. All of this was alongside our regular grammar and vocabulary lessons.
Beyond a certain point, though, I almost view vocabulary and kanji learning as one and the same, as well. You are learning to recognize the kanji while learning the meaning behind it.