As someone who loves both coding and language learning (I’m learning Japanese right now), I always wished there was a free, open-source tool for learning Japanese, just like Monkeytype in the typing community.
Here’s the best part: I added a gazillion different color themes, fonts and other crazy customization options, inspired directly by Monkeytype. Also, I made the app resemble Duolingo, as that’s what I’m using to learn Japanese at the moment and it’s what a lot of language learners are already familiar with.
Miraculously, people loved the idea, and the project even managed to somehow hit 1k stars on GitHub now. Now, I’m looking to continue working on the project to see where I can take it next.
Back in January, I even applied to Vercel’s open-source software sponsorship program as a joke. I didn’t seriously expect to win, and did it more out of curiosity, fully expecting to lose.
Lo and behold, yesterday I woke up to an email saying the app has been accepted into Vercel’s Winter cohort. Crazy!
GitHub: https://github.com/lingdojo/kana-dojo
Live demo: https://kanadojo.com/
Anyway. Why am I doing all this? Because I’m a filthy weeb.
どうもありがとうございます!
I really like this app! Good job 😁 I’ve also been learning Japanese, and I feel like this is a good interface, especially for learning the Hiragana and Katakana.
Not trying to take the spotlight away or anything, but if you’re looking for another source to learn, Renshuu.org (there’s also an app) is also super helpful! There’s paid options, but I think it’s all for extra testing material and crossword puzzles or something.
The main problem with renshuu is I feel like the UI is very confusing, it’s put off a lot of people when I’ve recommended it. Duolingo is an easy UI, but I feel like it does an awful job for teaching, it rarely explains anything