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お願いします、こんばんは、すみません、よろしくお願いします…。
目を引く、飽きる、集中する、成功する…。
Do you want to learn Japanese but think it’s too difficult? We’re not going to lie to you that it’s not going to be easy, but if you’re motivated, Break Into Lingo offers one-to-one Japanese lessons by videoconference with a native Japanese-speaking teacher at a time that suits you. Courses are always tailored to your specific level and needs, whether it’s professional Japanese, Japanese for business, general Japanese or a combination of these.
Would you like to try out a course? Sign up here!
Learning Japanese can present a number of particularities due to its unique linguistic structure, complex writing system and cultural aspects. Here are some of the key features of learning Japanese:
1. Complex writing system:
Japanese uses three different writing systems: kanji (Chinese characters), hiragana and katakana. Kanji are the most complex characters and represent words or morphemes, while hiragana and katakana are syllabaries used to write grammatical forms and words of foreign origin, respectively.
2. Politeness and language levels :
Japanese has several levels of language and politeness that determine how you address different people depending on their social status and yours. This complexity can be difficult for foreign learners to master.
3. Word order :
Japanese word order differs from that of Indo-European languages. Japanese generally follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) order, which can be confusing for speakers of other languages who often use a subject-verb-object (SVO) order.
4. Pronunciation :
Pronunciation in Japanese is relatively simple compared to some other languages, as there are a limited number of sounds. However, Japanese sounds can be different from those of Western languages, which can make learning intonation and accentuation important.
5. Grammatical particles :
Particles are crucial grammatical elements in Japanese, as they indicate the relationships between words in a sentence. Learning to use particles correctly is essential for forming grammatically correct sentences.
6. Cultural context :
Understanding Japanese culture can be useful for interacting effectively with native speakers. Cultural elements such as customs, idioms and nuances of language can influence communication.
7. Homonyms and homophones :
Japanese has many words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings. This can make contextual understanding very important to avoid misunderstandings.
8. Learning kanji :
Learning kanji can be a daunting task, as there are thousands of characters. It is important to develop strategies for memorising them, such as learning the radicals and practising writing regularly.
9. Use of fonts :
Given the three writing systems, the typography and legibility of Japanese texts can vary. Getting used to reading different types of Japanese characters can be a challenge.
Learning Japanese with a native Japanese teacher can offer a number of valuable benefits that can speed up your learning and improve your overall understanding of the language and culture. Here are some of the reasons why a native teacher can be useful:
1. Linguistic authenticity:
A native Japanese teacher will help you develop authentic pronunciation, intonation and expression. You will be exposed to the way native speakers use the language on a daily basis, which will improve your communication skills.
2. Cultural immersion :
As well as learning the language, a native teacher can introduce you to cultural aspects, idioms and linguistic subtleties that are difficult to teach in textbooks.
3. Cultural context :
Native Japanese teachers can provide you with valuable insight into Japanese culture, customs and social norms that are intrinsically linked to the language. This can enhance your intercultural understanding and sensitivity.
4. Accurate correction:
Native teachers are more likely to spot and correct subtle mistakes you might make when learning the language. This will enable you to improve your linguistic accuracy more quickly.
5. Responsiveness to questions:
Native Japanese teachers can answer your questions about specific nuances of the language and culture, which can be difficult to get from non-native teachers.
6. Authentic conversational practice:
Regular interaction with a native teacher will allow you to develop your conversational skills in a natural and fluent way. You will have the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics and practise real-life situations.
7. Motivation and commitment :
Working with a native teacher can increase your motivation to learn the language, as you will be able to measure your progress against real-life communication standards.
8. Pedagogical adaptation:
A native teacher is more likely to adapt to your specific skill level and tailor lessons to your needs and interests.
9. Exposure to different accents and dialects:
Japan has many different regional accents and dialects. Working with a native teacher can familiarise you with these variations, enriching your understanding of the country’s linguistic diversity.
However, it is important to note that the fact that a teacher is a native speaker does not automatically guarantee their competence as a teacher. It is essential to choose a teacher who also has strong teaching and communication skills to guide you effectively through your learning. That’s why Break Into Lingo doesn’t just hire any native Japanese teacher. All our teachers must not only be highly qualified with experience, but also show a real enthusiasm for passing on their language as well as a willingness and ability to adopt and apply the Break Into Lingo method they are trained in.
In short, learning Japanese takes time, perseverance and serious commitment. It can be extremely rewarding to master this unique language and to be able to explore Japanese culture and society in greater depth.
