Learning Japanese: students’ top ten concerns

Learning a new language is a challenge, and Japanese is no exception. It’s a complex language with unique features that require much practice and dedication. In this article, we explore the top 10 concerns that students have when learning Japanese and provide some tips to help you overcome these hurdles.

One of the earlier challenges when learning Japanese is finding the right resources and learning materials. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to use. To help you get started, ask your teacher or tutor for recommendations, read reviews, and test out different materials to find what works best for you.

At TCJ, our teachers are experts at guiding you through your language journey. They can recommend the right resources and material to help you learn and can even introduce you to a community of other learners. Many of our students even end up becoming lifelong friends after attending a course with us.

Japanese pronunciation and intonation are notoriously difficult for non-native speakers. One way to improve your pronunciation is to practice with a native speaker or use language learning apps that provide feedback on your pronunciation. Listening to Japanese music, podcasts, and watching Japanese TV shows can also help you become more familiar with the language’s rhythm and intonation.

This is an area of focus for us at TCJ and we aim to create an environment where students can speak without worrying about their Japanese pronunciation. In some of our classes, we incorporate conversational practice. Students can listen to the instructor’s pronunciation or through reading out loud while the teacher corrects them. Specific methods include: imitating and repeating after the instructor, imitating and repeating along with an audio source, and speaking Japanese to the instructor or to other classmates and correcting any mistakes that are not understood.

Learning to read and write Japanese requires a lot of practice and patience as there are multiple writing systems. Start with mastering the basic writing system, including hiragana, katakana, and kanji. It’s important to make steady efforts over a long period of time as the number of kanji characters increases as the level of Japanese skill does too.

Another piece of advice is it is easier to remember the different characters by comparing it to something you already know, or by memorizing the stroke and order of writing with sounds. Our students have also said that when learning to write, using onomatopoeic words are easier to master early on, especially when imitating the teacher in class. What is key is how much effort you put into memorizing them outside of class.

However, overall it’s important to practice reading and writing as much as possible, and consider taking one of our specialized courses or working with one of our private tutors to improve your skills in this area. At TCJ, we aim to reward students with a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment as they begin to be able to read Japanese for the first time.

Japanese is a language with nuances that can be difficult to master. Especially when it comes to the unique culture of hierarchical relationships. Additionally, at TCJ, the majority of students are either from English-speaking countries or speak English as a second language. This means that the nuance is sometimes lost in translation. To improve understanding, it is important to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. We offer many initiatives outside of class and can recommend reading and material to watch online.

Learning a language can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel demotivated at times. To stay motivated, set achievable goals, celebrate your progress, and remind yourself why you started learning Japanese in the first place.

It’s also important to speak in Japanese whenever you have the opportunity, such as: with a taxi driver, at the supermarket with the register staff, or even your neighbors. Finding the right method for learning is also key. For example, we have students who prefer watching Japanese TV shows, whereas there are others who like learning through an app.

At TCJ, we monitor student motivation and their overall learning achievements through an assessment every three months. In the results, you can see your teacher’s comments and notes on how you can improve. Our students have told us that this is a great way to ensure that motivation is maintained.

However you find a way to keep yourself motivated, it’s important to not stop learning Japanese. Of course, taking breaks from study is necessary, but learning the language consistently over a long period of time will ensure improvement.

Learning a language is more than just learning words and grammar. It’s also about understanding the culture and customs of the people who speak it. Our students have told us that this is both challenging but also the most rewarding part of learning Japanese, as Japan has so much to offer when it comes to culture.

It’s important to keep an open mind and to enjoy the process. If you are fortunate enough to be living in Japan, visiting tourist attractions and historical sites is a great way to do so. Also, to learn more about Japanese culture, be sure to read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and visit Japanese cultural events in your local area.

Learning Japanese requires time and dedication, but it’s also important to balance your studies with other commitments and also set aside how much it will cost you financially. At TCJ, our classes are for a minimum of 6 months and we continually monitor students to ensure they are balancing their time well. To manage your time effectively, create a study schedule, prioritize your tasks, and take breaks when you need them.

There are many support systems available at TCJ to help you learn Japanese, including online resources, apps, and out-of-class activities. In the beginning and intermediate levels, we use digital materials as textbooks. In some classes, PPT slides are available after each class so that students can review the class material, even if they were absent from class.

There are also many events, such as Hatsumode (New Year’s visit to a shrine), a stroll along the Icho Namiki (a Japanese ginkgo tree-lined avenue), a chatting club where you can talk with Japanese people, and calligraphy in the Kanji class. Be sure to take advantage of these resources to supplement your studies and improve your language skills.

Learning Japanese can open up many career opportunities in a variety of fields, including: business, marketing, translation, tourism and more. This is true if you are living in Japan but also for other countries around the world. Be sure to research potential career paths and consider taking courses or programs with us that will help you reach your career goals.

Online learning is great for some students who have busy schedules as it cuts the commute time to school. However, a lot of students prefer taking classes in person as they like being in class and the atmosphere with other students. They also often say it’s easier to ask questions to the teacher in person. At TCJ, we offer both online, in-person and hybrid classes, perfect for all time schedules.

Learning Japanese is a challenging but rewarding experience. But by addressing these top 10 concerns, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the language and achieving your language learning goals.

If you’d like to take your language learning further (online or in-person) with us, we’d love to help you. At TCJ, we offer a wide range of courses. These include ones for foreign residents, intensive courses, job hunting ones, JLPT prep, mastering kanji, and more. Please get in touch if you require more information. Whatever your requirements, we can find the right Japanese language course for you.