Japanese is one of the most challenging and rewarding languages to learn.
There are many benefits to learning Japanese.
For one, it is a very unique and interesting language that not many people know how to speak. This can make you stand out from the crowd and open up opportunities for networking and business dealings with people in Japan or those who have connections in Japan.
Additionally, learning Japanese can improve your memory, help you stay mentally sharp as you age, and even increase your chances of getting a job. So if you’re looking for a new challenge in your life or just want to expand your horizons, consider learning Japanese!
Here are five reasons why you should add it to your list of priorities.
Is it Hard to Learn Japanese?
While there are certainly challenges involved in learning Japanese, it is ultimately a rewarding experience. Here are a few of the basics if you are interested in how to learn Japanese:
- The language is relatively concise, so students are not weighed down by an excess of vocabulary.
- The written language uses a straightforward system of phonetic writing, which makes it easy to read and pronounce words correctly.
- Japanese is a highly contextual language, so often the meaning of words and phrases can be inferred from the context in which they are used
- There is a lot of repetition in Japanese conversation, which can help learners pick up new vocabulary and grammar patterns more quickly.One of the most difficult aspects of Japanese is its complex system of honorifics, which require students to carefully choose their words in order to communicate respectfully.
- The language has a number of different levels of politeness that can be confusing for learners. Japanese grammar can be challenging, especially for those who are used to languages with simpler grammatical structures.
Though Japanese may pose some challenges at first, it is a highly accessible language that can be learned relatively easily with some dedicated effort. The best way to learn Japanese, of course, is to work with a qualified instructor who can show you the ropes. You’ll learn everything you need to know!
Of course, watching videos doesn’t hurt, either. Here’s an example of how to learn Japanese online with videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCeyGnN-m2Y
Here’s Why You Should Learn to Speak Japanese
Japanese may not be the first topic that comes to mind when you think of studying a foreign language, but there are many great reasons to learn Japanese. Whether you’re considering language lessons for yourself or your son or daughter, here are five ways you can benefit from learning Japanese.
1) Travel
Learning Japanese language basics is essential for anyone interested in traveling to Japan. While you don’t need to be fluent, you’ll have a much easier time making your way around if you can communicate. Plus, the Japanese people will appreciate your effort to learn their language. If your goal is to travel, start studying Japanese now.
Key phrases will help you when you visit Japan, learn essential travel vocabulary here.
2) Higher Education
Are you considering graduate or business school, or do you have a son or daughter who wants to go to college? It’s no secret that applicants are judged on several criteria, including foreign language proficiency. Make your application stand out; study a less-common language like Japanese.
3) Career Advancement
Many large, international corporations have branches overseas. If your dream job involves working at a big company like Apple or Coca-Cola, learning a second language like Japanese can create more job opportunities. As someone who is fluent in both English and Japanese, you’ll have more career choices than someone who only speaks English.
4) Professional Value
If you want to work internationally, you may think it makes more sense to study Spanish or French, but it may be more advantageous to learn Japanese. Because there are fewer people who speak Japanese as a second language, there’s less competition for positions with Japanese-speaking applicants.
For example, if you want to be a government translator, you may compete for the job with 500 other people who also speak Spanish or French. If, however, you speak Japanese, you may only compete with 100 other people. Learning Japanese can help you increase your value in the job market.
5) Culture
Half the fun of studying a foreign language in school is learning about the country’s culture! Japanese culture is one of the most unique in the world. Study the language and have fun immersing yourself in the fashion, culture, martial arts, and history.
How Can I Learn Japanese On My Own?
Japanese is a notoriously difficult language for English speakers to learn. However, there are many resources available for those who are motivated to learn on their own.
While it is always best to learn a new language in its country of origin, with Japanese this is not always possible. If you are dedicated to learning the language, however, there are a number of resources available that can help you achieve your goal.
There are numerous books and websites that offer instruction in Japanese, and many of these resources are available for free. In addition, there are online communities dedicated to helping Japanese language learners, where you can ask questions and receive feedback on your progress.
There are also many online resources that can be used, including websites, apps, and podcasts. In addition, there are numerous books and other printed materials available that can be used to supplement self-study.
The key to learning Japanese on one’s own is to be patient and consistent with one’s studies. With time and effort, it is possible to make significant progress in learning this fascinating language.
Finally, don’t forget to practice speaking as often as you can. Even if you don’t have a native speaker to practice with, simply reading aloud or recording yourself will help you to improve your pronunciation and become more comfortable with the sound of the language. With time and effort, you can learn Japanese on your own.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Japanese?
One of the most common questions people ask about learning Japanese is how long does it take?
The answer to this question is not simple, as it depends on a variety of factors such as your prior knowledge of other languages, your dedication to studying, and your natural aptitude for language learning.
However, there are some general guidelines that can be useful. For example, most experts agree that it takes approximately 600 hours of study to reach a basic level of proficiency in Japanese. This means that if you dedicated two hours to studying each day, you could expect to achieve a basic level of proficiency within six months.
Of course, this is just a rough estimate, and your actual results may vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, it provides a useful starting point for anyone who is interested in learning Japanese.
What Japanese Do I Learn First?
When learning Japanese, you will likely start with hiragana and katakana. These are the two main phonetic alphabets used in the Japanese language. Hiragana is used for native Japanese words, while katakana is primarily used for foreign words.
In addition to the alphabet, you will also need to learn some basic grammar and vocabulary.
However, don’t worry – there are plenty of resources available to help you learn Japanese quickly and easily. With a little effort, you’ll be able to hold basic conversations in Japanese in no time.
Is Japanese Hard to Learn?
These are just a few of the many beneficial reasons to learn Japanese. The most important thing, however, is to fully commit to learning the language. For the best learning experience, find a qualified Japanese tutor near you.
Japanese is an interesting and unique language that can enhance your travel experiences, open new career opportunities, and allow you to form deeper connections with the people of Japan. Learning Japanese can be a fun and rewarding experience, so what are you waiting for? Start learning today!
Photo by Mark Willard
Maile Proctor