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How to Learn Japanese
As with any language, learning Japanese requires a certain amount of commitment in terms of time, patience and a great deal of enthusiasm. Aside from basic lessons, whether online or in a classroom, the old adage, practice makes perfect, is the key ingredient to success.
Obviously, the best and fastest way to learn Japanese would be to spend some time in Japan, where you have no choice but to speak, listen, eat and breathe Japanese!
Listed below are 8 ways to learn Japanese and if you apply yourself to these methods you will be speaking, writing and thinking Japanese in no time.
1. Take Japanese Lessons
Sign up for a proper class at your local university, an adult education centre or at a language school. If the thought of returning to a classroom setting seems daunting or unsuitable for your schedule, check out the many online Japanese language schools or invest in some tapes or videos.
Whether you are a complete beginner or just wanting to brush up on your school Japanese, committing to some form of educational tool / process will kick start your journey to becoming proficient in the language.
2. Speak Japanese
Attending a class with other students and a teacher has its advantages as you can practice with each other. Other ways to practice speaking the language can be to find an organization that offers educational, cultural and business programs about Japan, such as The National Association of Japan-America Societies in the United States. NAJAS consists of approximately 40 independent Japan-related organizations located in 32 cities around the country. Its membership includes business people, politicians, academics, both Japanese and American.
3. Read Japanese
Reading Japanese can be a lot easier for beginners who are still unfamiliar with the confusing quick-flow of words in the spoken language. Reading Japanese newspapers online, the latest copy of Japanese magazines or even children's books, and making a list of the words that you don't understand, will build your vocabulary quickly, and will give you some personal satisfaction as well.
4. Communicate in Japanese
The Internet has many areas to do this, through forums, message boards, chat rooms and so on. Practice on your own as well (less embarrassing for beginners), and find a penpal in Japan to correspond with.
5. Listen to Japanese
Listening to the Japanese language as much as you can is of utmost importance, if you want to get your accent right (and not sound like a tourist). Listen to audio language tapes and Japanese music while driving, and watch the Japanese cable TV channel often. Of course, you could also eavesdrop at a Japanese cultural night if you live in a large city.
6. Watch Japanese
If you've ever been to Japan or watched a Japanese film, you will have noticed that the Japanese language is not merely about the spoken word, but involves a varying amount of gestures, physical movement and facial expressions. Watch and learn. A very good way to learn Japanese, when watching a Japanese movie on TV, is to cover the sub-titles with masking tape.
7. Think Japanese
Try to 'think Japanese' as you go about your day, translate the thoughts in your head, count things in Japanese, write your memo list in Japanese, but try not to annoy the Japanese speakers in your household too much.
8. Be Creative
If you have children, involve them in learning the language, do things together like cook while speaking Japanese, play games and sing songs. The internet has a lot of resources for this sort of thing. Learn 5 words a day, make yourself do a 'Japanese' activity every week - from eating at a Japanese restaurant, watching Japanese films, or going to a Japanese art exhibit. Inspire yourself by combing learning the language with one of your interests - if it's fashion, for instance, dress in a kimono; if it's reading, devour Japanese literature; if it's food, enroll in a Japanese cooking class.
Have fun and enjoy learning the Japanese language!
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