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Jennifer O'Donnell
For Jennifer O'Donnell's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Apr 21, 2023
Use video games to learn Japanese and connect with your children
What are your kids talking about when they bring up Minecraft, Fortnite or Pokemon? Take an interest in their games and learn some new Japanese terms in the process.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / How-tos
Jan 5, 2023
Listen up! Podcasts can help with that perennial resolution to learn Japanese
It's New Year's resolution time, did you make yours? If you're looking to improve your Japanese listening skills in 2023 then these podcasts have you covered.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 28, 2022
If there's something strange in your neighborhood, it could be a yōkai
Yu014dkai can take any form as they are our fears and imaginations made manifest. They make for easy scapegoats, and can be used as warnings to keep children on their best behavior.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Sep 9, 2022
The study of Japanese slang is challenging and never stops. Luckily, it’s also a lot of fun.
Wes Robertson set out to engage with other linguists on Twitter and wound up creating a database for modern Japanese slang.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jul 8, 2022
Why translators are fighting for more credit from Western publishers
Many publishers don't credit translators on book covers, but translators have been pushing for recognition in recent years as they become driving forces for selling books.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Apr 22, 2022
Linguistic strategies for winning a Japanese quiz show
Want to test your knowledge of Japanese alongside native speakers and TV personalities? Try watching a quiz show on television.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Mar 25, 2022
Are your Japanese translations sounding robotic? Opt for the human touch.
Too many companies see machine translation as their ticket to being understood in foreign countries. It can be a costly move in the long-run.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Mar 18, 2022
A ‘beautiful’ translation does not preclude a ‘faithful’ result
There are a few myths when it comes to the accuracy of any given translation; the process is more complicated than you think.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Feb 25, 2022
Translation: The fifth language skill no one tells you about
Knowing two languages must mean you can translate between them, right? Not necessarily. Here are a few tips for when you suddenly find yourself in a translator role.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Jan 7, 2022
Start 2022 with a novel way of learning Japanese
Haven't settled on a New Year's resolution yet? Try setting a goal for yourself of reading a book in Japanese this year.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Dec 3, 2021
Practicing pitch-accent is on the rise among Japanese learners
Listen closely to a Japanese speaker say 'chopsticks' and 'bridge' (both 'hashi') and see if you can tell the difference. If you can, that's thanks to pitch-accent.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Nov 12, 2021
The limitations of audio-visual translation in shows like ‘Squid Game’
Entertainment translation is a constant juggling act, and viewer criticisms are sometimes made with a lack of understanding of how translation for subtitles and dubbed overlay work.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / BILINGUAL
Oct 15, 2021
Visual elements make Japanese an easier language for those with dyslexia
Learning Japanese may seem daunting for those diagnosed with dyslexia, but it turns out that fundamentals of the language actually make it easier to learn than its Western counterparts.

Longform

High-end tourism is becoming more about the kinds of experiences that Japan's lesser-known places can provide.
Can Japan lure the jet-set class off the beaten path?