Back when I was at school learning a new language was a tedious process requiring lots of repetitive “say after me” type methods. Since then internet has changed our lives.
The internet has changed the way we shop, get our daily news and even how we find phone numbers. It’s also changed the way we can learn new things such as languages. Software now delivers interactive flexible lessons backed by internet support cheaply and easily.
I took Japanese at high school and found it really hard. The alphabet and everything about it was alien to me. My teacher usually seemed as bored as were and taught us nothing about Japanese culture so it seemed meaningless to me.
Over the years the idea of starting again crossed my mind numerous times. I picked up a few books here and there but it was way too hard to learn by reading a book. One day I saw an online Japanese language course advertised on a website and I decided to go for it.
Japanese isn’t an “easy” language as languages go, but learning it online isn’t a chore.
It was quick and easy for me to learn Kanji (Japanese characters)and to get the basic conversational skills I needed to book my holiday. I did it in my spare time, sometimes early in the morning and other times late at night or weekends.
How long will it take? That depends on why you’re learning and how motivated you are. Do you have job offer in Japan or are you thinking of taking a vacation? Have you booked a holiday? Or do you just want to learn a new skill? These things will influence how quickly you progress.
Not everybody is in a hurry and some people just want to keep their mind sharp and learn new skills. I continued on after the basic lessons as the complexity of the language and culture drew me in. You can make learning Japanese as simple or complicated as you want.
So what’s the best software program? There’s no single answer to that. I’ve tried a few over the years and basic course may be enough. If you wish to become fluent then more advanced lessons would be better. There are lessons suitable for everyone.
I always thought all Japanese people spoke basic English. That’s not actually true. They do learn some English at school but are often reluctant to talk to English speaking foreigners. The same way I was nervous at first to use my Japanese skills on the Japanese public.
Japanese at first does seem daunting as it is all so different to English. But stop and think for a moment and you’ll be surprised how many Japanese words you already know and use.
Speaking Japanese requires using different sounds to emphasise meaning. With a little practice it soon becomes easy. I’m sure you know and use some of these words: Karate, Origami, Sake, Tsunami, Sashimi
The best thing about learning a language using software is the freedom it gives you. Having trouble sleeping? Get on the computer and practice your kanji. Got some spare time before the family gets up? Great, finish the lesson you started yesterday. Download the lessons to cd or mp3 and listen to them in the car or when you’re exercising.
Forget homework deadlines for that class next week or trying to catch up if you’ve been sick or away on holiday. If you want to talk to others about it there are plenty of forums where you can connect with other learners. You can learn as fast or as slowly as you want. You can take your lessons with you when travelling too.
Learning online lets you decide how you learn and when. I can recommend it so dive in if you’ve been thinking about doing it. You won’t regret it.
Joanne Lowe travelled to Japan on the holiday of a lifetime after learning Japanese at home using an online language program.
Why commit to weekly classes when you can learn when it suits you? Online Japanese Tutorials
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