Japan is a culturally rich nation with great food and wonderful sightseeing options. As a result, many English speakers want to study, travel, or work in Japan. Needless to say, the need to learn Japanese too has witnessed an increasing trend amongst people. However, Japanese is infamously known to be one of the toughest languages to learn that often discourages people from even trying. It not only consists of new grammar and phonetics, but also thousands of intricate characters that only makes it more complicated.
So, does that mean you can never learn Japanese? What if we told you that there is a way to overcome that mental block and actually learn the language? If you put in the time and effort, along with following these tips, then it is only a matter of time when you would be able to make some real progress. Read on to know more.
Sign up for a course
If you have no background in Japanese language, then enrolling yourself in a structured class is the best starting point. You can either find private teachers or take a group class in a physical classroom. There are also many people who Want To Learn Japanese Language Online due to time constraints. You will be happy to know that both mediums work equally well and educate you about the basics.
Integrate podcasts into your schedule
It doesn’t matter if you are learning Japanese online or in a classroom. Listening to podcasts is a great way to revise the lessons and learn much faster than the others. There are plenty of podcasts out there that can be matched to your current skill level from beginner to advanced. If you want the best results, then make podcasts a part of your routine. You can listen to it during your daily commute or even while you are doing chores.
Watch Japanese movies or programs with English subtitles
It is one of the most effective ways to not only learn more about the Japanese culture but also ace the language along the way. When you watch movies, anime, or Japanese TV shows with English subtitles, you are able to see how to use a certain phrase in a certain context. Supplement this activity to your virtual/physical classroom study and you can really make some serious progress. You can also write down any words you didn’t understand that you can discuss with your instructor the next day.
Practice Katakana and Hiragana
Katakana and Hiragana are two 30-letter Japanese alphabets that provide two ways of writing the same sound. While the former is used for foreign-derived words, latter is often used as a general alphabet. It is important to learn these alphabets along with Kanji to get a workable knowledge of the language.
Read children’s books or Japanese Comics
Children’s books and Japanese comics, also known as Manga, usually include the much easier Furigana, little Katakana or Hiragana characters alongside Kanji. When you read stories with Furigana, it can be very helpful to learn common Kanji.
Invest in a workbook
The only way you can ever get a headway in learning Japanese is by practicing it every day. This is why you need to invest in a workbook where you can write Kanji characters and understand their meaning. All you need to do is spend at least 20 minutes each day to practice and you will notice a huge improvement in your skill level.
Make your own flashcards
Struggling to memorize kanji? Make your own flashcards that you can use when to help you learn and memorize.
Sing Japanese songs
They say, learning becomes easier when you do it with music. So, if you want to practice Japanese pronunciation in a fun way, then listen to Japanese songs in a karaoke mode. Watch the subtitles as you sing. Don’t be embarrassed as you sing aloud. This is a great exercise to come out of your comfort zone, making you feel confident about practicing with native speakers someday.
Get a Tutor or solicit help from a native
Apart from the classroom learning, you can also get a tutor to help you practice all that you have learnt so far. You can also take help from native speakers who can help you learn to speak in practical scenarios.
These are some of the best ways to learn Japanese. By incorporating these tips, you will be able to become proficient and make friends with people who speak the language fluently. Take part in cultural activities and engage yourself in group classes every once in a while so that you can practice. Making friends with people on the same level as you is a fun way to get ahead in your lessons.
I love that you talk about real things! The level of positivity that emanates from you makes me ecstatic every time.
Especially I like the line “Practice Katakana and Hiragana” Thank You for your article.