Learn Japanese

If you're considering learning a new language, Japanese is a unique and fascinating option to explore. In this article, we'll examine the reasons why you should consider learning Japanese, the effective strategies to master the language, the challenges that learners of Japanese may face, how to measure your Japanese proficiency level, and tips for selecting a quality Japanese course. Whether you're interested in Japanese culture, planning to travel to Japan, or simply want to expand your language skills, this article will guide you on your journey to learning Japanese.

Learning English is a good way to improve your professional future and expand your horizons. More and more people around the world use English as a way to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. The English language has become the lingua franca of international communication, trade, business, diplomacy, and many other areas. Mastering the language will open doors for you, both expected and unexpected.

According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI), the world's largest ranking of countries and regions by English skills, more than 1 billion people speak English as a first or second language, and hundreds of millions as a third or fourth. English proficiency helps scientists, researchers, tourists, and business professionals exchange information. On an individual level, people who speak English get better jobs, earn more, and have access to more of the information available online.

If you're not yet convinced about learning Japanese, we've got some more reasons that might just change your mind.

1. Access to Japanese culture: Japan is a country rich in art, literature, and pop culture. By learning Japanese, you can gain deeper insights and appreciation for these aspects of Japan, including reading famous works by Japanese authors in their original language, watching anime or movies without subtitles, and appreciating traditional arts like calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
2. Better communication with locals: If you plan to work or travel to Japan, knowing Japanese can help you communicate better with locals in personal or professional settings, navigate your surroundings, and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
3. Improved job prospects: With its thriving economy, Japan offers many opportunities for work, especially in areas such as technology, education, and finance. Knowing Japanese can give you a competitive edge and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
4. Mental stimulation: Learning a new language like Japanese can be a mentally stimulating experience, challenging your brain and improving your cognitive abilities. It can also boost your memory and enhance your problem-solving skills.
5. Personal growth: Learning Japanese can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that broadens your perspectives and opportunities. It can expand your horizons, help you connect with people from different backgrounds, and improve your overall cultural awareness.

If you're interested in learning Japanese, there are many resources and strategies available that can help you get started. One of the most effective ways to learn Japanese is through immersion. Creating a Japanese immersion environment at home, or even travelling to Japan, can be a great way to accelerate your language learning progress. Here are a few simple steps to create a Japanese immersion environment at home:

1. Start by changing the language settings on your phone, computer, or other devices to Japanese. This will expose you to the language on a daily basis and help you learn new vocabulary.
2. Watching Japanese movies or TV shows with subtitles can improve your listening and comprehension skills. You can watch with Japanese audio and English subtitles, and then switch to Japanese subtitles as your skills improve.
3. Listening to Japanese music, podcasts, or audiobooks while commuting, exercising, or doing chores can help you get used to the sound and rhythm of the language, and improve your listening skills. Starting with songs that have clear pronunciation and a slower tempo can be helpful, and you can gradually move on to more complex materials.

To learn Japanese, it's essential to set specific and achievable goals, such as passing a language exam or holding a conversation with a native speaker. Tracking your progress can also help you identify areas that need improvement and celebrate achievements, which can be done through keeping a journal or using language learning apps to record new vocabulary and grammar rules.

Learning Japanese can be a thrilling experience, but it's not without its challenges. Here are some of the most common obstacles that learners of Japanese may face on their language journey:

1. Pronunciation: Japanese has a unique sound that can be difficult for non-native speakers to master. The language features several vowel and consonant sounds that are not present in English, and intonation is also essential in conveying meaning.
2. Writing system: Japanese has three writing systems, including hiragana, katakana, and kanji, which can take some time to master. Kanji, in particular, can be challenging, as there are thousands of characters to learn.
3. Grammar: Japanese grammar is vastly different from English and can be difficult to understand. The language has many particles that indicate grammatical relationships between words, and there are several verb tenses to learn.
4. Vocabulary: Japanese vocabulary is vast, and many words have multiple meanings, making it difficult to determine the right context. Additionally, Japanese words often have no equivalent in English, making it challenging to learn and remember them.
5. Cultural nuances: Japan has a unique culture, and language learners must be mindful of cultural nuances when communicating. Politeness levels, honorifics, and appropriate social etiquette can all be challenging for non-native speakers to understand.

Despite these challenges, learning Japanese is an incredibly rewarding experience. With practice and dedication, learners can overcome these obstacles and become proficient in the language. Resources such as textbooks, language learning apps, and language exchange programs can be helpful in supplementing classroom instruction and improving language skills. By immersing themselves in the Japanese language and culture, learners can gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japan and its people.

Learning Japanese can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging at times. To keep yourself motivated, here are six tips to help you stay on track:

1. Set specific goals: Establish specific, achievable goals for your Japanese learning journey. This could include passing a language exam, mastering a certain number of vocabulary words, or having a conversation with a native speaker.
2. Find a study partner: Learning with someone else can be more fun and help keep you accountable. Consider finding a language exchange partner or joining a study group.
3. Use a variety of resources: Mix up your study materials and resources to keep things interesting. Try using different textbooks, language learning apps, and podcasts to supplement your learning.
4. Embrace your mistakes: Don't be afraid to make mistakes - they're a natural part of the learning process. Use them as an opportunity to learn and improve.
5. Practice every day: Consistency is key when learning a new language. Try to practice a little bit every day, even if it's just for a few minutes.
6. Embrace the culture: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through movies, TV shows, music, and other forms of media. This can help you stay motivated and provide context for the language you're learning.

In conclusion, staying motivated while learning Japanese can be challenging, but with the right mindset and resources, it's definitely possible. By setting goals, finding a study partner, using a variety of resources, embracing mistakes, practicing every day, and embracing the culture, you can stay on track and make steady progress on your language learning journey.

Measuring your Japanese language proficiency is an important part of tracking your progress and identifying areas for improvement. There are several tests and frameworks available to help you determine your Japanese level. One of the most commonly recognized tests is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which assesses your ability to read and understand Japanese at various levels. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is another framework that can help you gauge your language proficiency, with six levels ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

Beyond traditional standardized exams, you can explore your Japanese language abilities with our free proficiency test. This assessment tests your reading and listening comprehension in Japanese, offering you a detailed score between 0 and 100 for each skill, along with an overall proficiency score. These scores align with the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), ranging from A1 to C2. This means you can easily benchmark your Japanese language skills against learners globally, gaining insight into where you stand on the international scale.

An English course is a good idea for beginners and can be a great investment if you know what you’re looking for. Before researching English course options, sit down and make a list of your goals as you learn English. If you’re looking for a broad introduction to the language, that’s a very different course than one that prepares you for negotiating contracts in English or one that gets you ready to take the TOEFL. It’s worth spending 15 minutes putting your goals down on paper.

Once you know what you’re looking for, research which English courses most closely match your learning goals. Here are the main options:

Platform

• Online English courses – unlimited access to the platform + live teacher lessons on demand, or a private teacher to study what you want to study
• English language schools – once or twice a week in a location near you (just like regular school)
• English courses abroad – 3-4 hours of lessons a day + a host family (full immersion experience)
• Self-study – the most common way to learn English. There are extensive English reference materials online as well as English learning apps.

Class size

• Private lessons – work on exactly what you want (more expensive)
• Group lessons – follow a set curriculum and meet at set times (less expensive)

Intensity

• Long-term English courses – meet once or twice a week all year (usually 2-4 hours/week)
• Intensive English courses – meet every day for 2-6 weeks (usually 15-30 hours/week)

Topic

• General English courses – a broad spectrum course covering all aspects of the English language
• Specific English courses – IELTS preparation, TOEFL preparation, medical English, aviation English, English for Academic purposes (EAP), etc.

The more specific your goals, the more likely you are to find an English course that can meet them. And remember, as you learn English, your goals may change, so revisit them regularly and adjust your learning strategy accordingly.

At EF, we think learning Japanese should be a fun and immersive adventure. Our expert teachers are enthusiastic about teaching and creating an engaging learning environment that adapts to your specific needs and learning style. With a range of courses to choose from, including private lessons, group classes, and immersive language programs, we can help you achieve your language goals and deepen your appreciation for the Japanese-speaking world. To get started with your Japanese language learning journey, contact us today.