I'm already an adult when I started studying (self-study) Japanese. Hiragana and Katakana are easy to learn but kanji is a pure headache. As long as you focus, 2 weeks is more than enough for the writing (kanji, however, is a different case). There are a lot of reference materials that can be used (Genki and Minna no Nihonggo are usually used for beginners). Then as you study, do lots and lots of practice in order to absorb the grammar (and vocabulary as well).
For me, exposure to language and dedication are really important. What can be done are:
1. Read and try to understand stuff related to the language. For the Japanese language, of course, manga can be helpful for vocabulary. NHK Web easy can be helpful as well, especially on the grammar. TV shows and drama CD (especially the manga with drama CD) can also help. It is to absorb grammar patterns, after all.
2. Diary using the language you study.
3. Flashcards may also help.
4. If possible, get someone that you can have a conversation with. As someone you did some self-study, this is something I had some difficulty. No matter you know the patterns by heart, if you cannot use it in speaking, you're doomed. (that's just my case though XD)
It's difficult and irritating at the start, but it can be fulfilling as you go along. XD
Thank you so much for your tips! I have learned kana, but the kanji and the actual speaking are my ultimate vices right now. Manga is certainly a huge help. But I actually want to work in Japan for a short time in the future, as a victim advocate, so I really need to learn how to speak it. It's so hard to find people who speak fluent Japanese in The United States! I mean, at least people I know. I can't exactly walk up to some random Japanese tourists or immigrants and ask them if they will talk to me!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSOR9_iNzVfn51EOjTy_mBY8fCCcYvVOp i think last video contains the most information, but you could watch all his videos, he has good videos. :D
I took a year of it at University, and tried self learning - Kanji is terribly hard to learn.
do you guys take jlpt? i am considering to take it next year but i still need more practice and time（/TДT)/
I understand your frustration, none of my circles know how to converse japanese (just the basic greetings) so it's hard for me to practice the casual speech. Sometimes I would speak to myself in japanese just for the sake of practicing (⌒▽⌒)
Did anyone here teach themselves to read and write Japanese? How long did it take you? How did you go about it? Did you eventually take classes or hire a tutor? How old were you when you started?
Or, what about other foreign languages? Other than English, if English is a second or third language for you. I'm particularly interested in the learning process for languages that require someone to learn an entirely new writing system.