Expert Insights: Top Tips for Learning Japanese
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Japanese pop culture has gained immense popularity worldwide, sparking interest in Japan and its language. Whether for business, reading manga/ watching anime in its original form, or simply exploring the culture, more and more people are choosing to learn Japanese.
Learning Japanese can be a rewarding but challenging experience. I had to learn Japanese from the start and spend a few years on it, so I know how hard it can be. Several years later, I still have a lot to learn. If you’re starting your journey in learning Japanese, or you’ve been at it for a few months but feel like you need to improve, in this article I’m going to share with you 7 proven strategies to learn Japanese according to Kanami-sensei, lead Japanese teacher at Japademy, a Japanese language school popular for its 10-week Japanese Online Courses.
As more people turn to Japanese online courses and immersive Japanese language courses, the need for effective learning strategies becomes paramount. Here are some expert tips to help you master the language.
1. Focus on Hiragana and Katakana first
Before diving into kanji, it’s essential to start with the basics: Hiragana and Katakana. These two phonetic scripts form the foundation of the Japanese writing system. Mastering these characters early on will significantly enhance your reading and writing skills. Many Japanese language courses emphasize this step, making it easier for students to transition to more complex aspects of the language.
2. Practice speaking, not just reading and writing
Speaking is a crucial component of language learning that often gets overlooked. While reading and writing are essential, they shouldn’t be your only focus. Engaging in conversation is vital for developing fluency. The more you practice speaking, the more comfortable and confident you will become.
If you’re learning independently, signing up for an online Japanese course or taking some private lessons to practice would be helpful.
3. Make mistakes and learn from them
One of the main challenges many learners face is the fear of making mistakes. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! One of the main problems I see with many friends and acquaintances in Japan is that they are so worried about using perfectly correct Japanese that they hesitate to speak for fear of making a mistake. But making mistakes is not bad. You can learn from them and improve your level of Japanese.
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on communicating and improving over time. Learning from errors can accelerate your progress and boost your confidence.
4. Be consistent with daily practice
Practice makes perfect, a saying that holds true, especially in language learning. Everyone has a different learning pace; some may be quicker than others, but consistency is critical. Whether it’s 30 minutes or a few hours, depending on your schedule, dedicate time each day to practice.
By being consistent and practicing every day, you’ll eventually master the language.
5. Engage with native speakers
Personally, one thing that helped me improve my Japanese quickly was working in a setting with native speakers and using the language every day to communicate.
Interacting with native speakers is one of the most effective ways to improve your Japanese. This doesn’t have to be limited to a formal work environment. Look for opportunities to practice speaking through language exchange partners, online conversation groups, or local meetups.
Engaging in honest conversations allows you to apply what you’ve learned in your Japanese language course, which helps solidify your understanding and boosts your skills. You’ll also gain insight into colloquial expressions and cultural nuances that textbooks overlook.
6. Understand the cultural context
Language is deeply intertwined with culture. This happens in every language and culture. In Japan, there’s a concept called “honne” and “tatemae,” which distinguishes between one’s true feelings and what is expressed outwardly. Communication often requires reading between the lines, and messages can take time to convey. This contrasts with cultures where communication is more direct, highlighting the unique nuances of Japanese interpersonal interactions.
To truly master Japanese, it’s essential to understand the cultural context behind the language. This will enrich your learning experience and enhance your communication skills. Knowing the appropriate social cues and cultural references can significantly impact your interactions with native speakers.
7. Join a Japanese Language Course
Japanese is complicated, and it can be hard to study by yourself. Especially if you enjoy watching anime, you might pick up some incorrect words or expressions.
Whether you want to learn Japanese to master the language or to prepare for a trip, joining a Japanese language course is highly recommended. Nowadays, with new technology, you can take an online Japanese course from home without wasting time commuting.
Japanese 10-week online courses at Japademy
Japademy is a pioneering Japanese language school that offers fully digital access to video courses and live lessons with experienced instructors. All teachers are native Japanese speakers with teaching qualifications and at least three years of experience. The school proudly combines language learning with insights into Japan’s rich culture.
Founded in Melbourne, Australia and now based in Calgary, Canada, Japademy has built a global online community with students mainly from Australia, Canada, the USA.
Through their 10-week online courses, you can become a confident speaker and fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, with options available from beginner to Intermediate 1 and conversational focus courses.
Conclusion
Learning Japanese can initially feel overwhelming, but the right approach can also be gratifying. You can improve your skills by starting with Hiragana and Katakana, practicing speaking, embracing mistakes, studying daily, talking with native speakers, and learning about the culture. Whether taking a Japanese online course or a regular Japanese language course or study independently, remember that consistency and staying positive will help you succeed.
Let’s learn Japanese this 2024! 🙂
Hope this article has been useful for those who want to learn Japanese! For more information about learning Japanese, you can check out these articles too:
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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