Do you want to know how to learn Japanese?
Congratulations on taking that first step! Japanese is a very beautiful and rewarding language to study. It’s not as complicated as you might think. And speaking Japanese will open the gateway to the historic and fascinating culture of Japan!
So once you’ve decided to learn Japanese, it’s time to to think about the best way to learn Japanese for you.
Best ways to learn Japanese
There are several different ways to learn Japanese: online courses, group lessons, private lessons, smartphone apps, and more.
To decide which one’s right for you, think about your personal learning style, your self-discipline, and the time you have available.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ways to learn Japanese. Which method will you choose?
Group Japanese classes
Most of us associate learning with a school-like environment. So when it comes to learning a foreign language, many people think about finding a local class.
You might be able to find a Japanese language course at a local college, university, adult education centre, or perhaps a community centre. The availability of courses will depend on the area where you live. I can’t help you with that, so best try Google!
A typical Japanese class will involve interactive sessions with other classmates and an instructor. Ideally, the class will teach reading, writing, speaking and listening in Japanese.
Of course, you will be limited to attending classes on the days and times scheduled by the course planners. This could be difficult if you have a busy schedule.
Advantages
This kind of formal class can be great if you lack the motivation to study by yourself. You won’t want to miss a scheduled class once you’ve paid for it! And if the teacher sets homework, that’s extra motivation to study at home.
It can also be a good way to meet people with similar interests (Japan!). Some classes are quite social and go out for drinks or Japanese food on occasion.
A structured class might also lead to a formal certificate or qualification. This could be useful for job applications, for example. If qualifications are important to you, make sure you check this with the instructor before signing up.
Disadvantages
Group these classes can be slow. Realistically, you won’t make much progress in just an hour or two each week. And these classes often stop during holiday periods.
In a large group, the class won’t always be perfectly matched to your level. It can be frustrating to be one of the faster (or slower) students in a group.
If your goal is to become fluent in Japanese, be prepared to supplement your weekly Japanese class with a lot of self-study.
One-on-one Japanese lessons
If you like the idea of traditional studying with an instructor, but you think that group classes may move too slowly for you, perhaps private Japanese lessons will be the best way to learn Japanese for you.
In one-on-one classes with a private tutor, you can study at your own pace.
You can also ask the teacher to focus on any particular language learning goals. For example, are you aiming to pass the JLPT or another exam? Do you need to learn Japanese for work or travel?
You can likely find a private Japanese tutor wherever you are, although again, availability will depend on your location!