Hi Everyone,
This little post is dedicated to some people who have found difficulties in learning the Japanese language and do not know how to progress.
A few simple pointers will be provided. Though it's just a humble opinion of mine.
-Blog Admin
So, here we are. Is learning Japanese really difficult?
I would have to say mainly no, and a little yes maybe.
For the yes part, the language is of course profound. Any language is. Even dialects take years to master. Japanese however、 is basically a concept of understanding the flow of how the language is. Once you grasp it, presto!
The difficulties that are met when learning a language can be conquered by constant practice. Vocabulary and grammar takes time to master.
Now, for the Singaporeans out there who are Chinese and have chinese foundation, you already have a huge advantage. What, you may ask? The answer is kanji. When a word, for example ryoukai 了解 is given, most people who interpret it in the Chinese way will think of it as "understand". And it also just happens that this word also means "understand" in Japanese. Don't you find the pronunciation similar too?
Moreover, a large number of kanji reflects the same meaning in the Chinese language. However, there are also some with totally different meanings. Even if you cannot manage to pronounce the kanji, at least you are able to guess its meaning. And this is really good when it comes to interpreting essays and articles.
The learning curve:
When people learn a language, they will usually be very enthusiastic about it initially, then slowly start to waver at a stage where the grammar gets increasingly difficult. There are only 2 paths after this. You either quit the language, or persevere and continue.
When you hit that stage where it gets really tough, go back to your basics. Make sure you understand each form first before moving onto a new form. Foundations have to be stacked right. If you don't understand anything and there is a hole in the base foundation, as you get to the more difficult levels, you'll find it extremely difficult to cope. Approach the teachers to ask questions and clarify, don't be shy to voice out your opinions or afraid of making mistakes during class. It's better to get it wrong the first time rather than embarrassing yourself in future.
Moving on, we have some improving and study tips.
1. Speak to your teacher and classmates during Japanese class in Japanese.
It's a practice chance, so why not? Some people have huge confidence issues when they are asked to speak Japanese. If you learn a language and can only read and write, you will not be able to work in any Japanese business environment. Don't expect any boss to hire you if you can't speak.
2. Live and breathe Japanese.
Every little bit of exposure helps. Be it reading Japanese textbooks, novels, manga, watching anime or playing Japanese games, they all help. I can vouch for that. Try to immerse yourself in Japanese everyday. Read articles to improve on grammar structure, listen to the Japanese FM radio station 96.3 to train yourself in native listening. For those of you who like Japanese fashion, just grab hold of your favorite copy of magazine from Kinokuniya and force yourself to go through the pages. Pretty clothes and language at the same time!
3. Eat Japanese!
When dining at Japanese restaurants, make an effort to know what you are eating. If you're at a sushi restaurant for example, ask the chef or waiter about the different fish types, where do they come from and etc. It deepens your knowledge of the culture too!
3. Try to finish all your homework given and understand it.
I know it's a pain to do homework. We don't have enough time and have to constantly rush around. Try to make at least 1 to 2 hours a week to do that little piece of homework. That's less than half an hour a day. Treat it as a before bed supplement.
4. Make it a habit to link things you see to it's Japanese counterpart.
For example, if you see a dog on the road, think! What is dog in Japanese? 犬, yes correct!! It helps boost your memory on vocabulary in the long run. Don't just rely on plain memorizing. It'll only last you for as long as your short term memory can last. Humans remember things by linkage, so connect your Japanese vocabulary by linking them to things that are familiar to you.
5. Take the JLPT exams.
Going for an exam will make you study, or rather, force yourself to. It pushes you to your limits and takes you further. After your exam you might find that classes are not too difficult after all.
6. Go to cultural events, expose yourself to more Japanese!
By joining the events, you get to know more Japanese friends, go out with them, interact and learn more about their hometown and culture. Some people might even get a culture shock. Expose yourself to different types of thinking and cultural mindsets!
That's all for the day. This little post is getting a little too long right?
More tips will be posted in future! ^^
Thanks for reading and have a nice week everyone! 頑張って！
