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Learn Japanese
A Quick Guide to the Japanese Language
The official language in Japan is called Kokugo (national language), however, there are a variety of dialects according to region. In spite of its unique quality, Japanese is not particularly a difficult language to learn because of its pronunciation, which unlike other Asian languages is not tonal. Its complexity lies in its writing system or kanji.
Japan boasts an adult literacy level of 99%, and the Japanese language is the 9th most widely spoken language in the world. There are two forms of spoken Japanese: Teenee-tai (masu-form): used in formal conversations, and Futsuu-tai (plain-form): used in casual conversations and general writing.
The diverse style of the Japanese language varies according to social facets such as social standing, gender, age, and region as well as the speaker's present surroundings. The Japanese language has 4 different ways of addressing people: kun, chan, san and sama.
Kun: superior
Chan: children and familiar relationships
San: universal mode
Sama: respectful.
More Japanese Language Facts
Vocabulary varies according to the gender of the speaker; i.e. men and women can use a different vocabulary.
Gender is not specified grammatically.
There is no difference between singular and plural nouns.
There are no relative pronouns.
Verbs are usually placed at the end of a sentence.
Conjugation rules for verbs and adjectives are simple and almost free of exceptions.
Three Good Reasons To Learn Japanese
1. Japanese is the 9th most widely spoken language in the world.
2. Many countries in both the West and East consider Japanese to be an important language in the world of business and trade.
3. Japanese culture is a fascinating export to the rest of the world today - from animes to Hello Kitty, sushi and ikebana.
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