Many assume that to’speak Japanese’, you need to learn the language, understand the complex grammar and constantly practice your pronunciation. While it is true that in order to communicate you will need to have all these elements at your fingertips, it is not necessary to become an expert speaker in Japanese in order to do business or socialize with the Japanese.
Even people who have never studied a single word of Japanese will have no problem communicating with the locals as long as they follow a few easy guidelines. You will most likely be talking to the Japanese online or via chat apps like WeChat, so let’s dive in and find out how to have a successful dialogue in a foreign language without knowing a word!
Be Confident
When you visit Japan, one of the first things that will probably come to your mind is how polite and friendly the Japanese are. You will probably find it difficult to resist the advances of the charming and attentive Japanese men who will be trying to compliment or flatter you. So, when speaking Japanese, do not be overly concerned about what others think of you. You will most likely sound confident and even a little proud, which the Japanese will find endearing.
Even if you do not feel like you speak the language well, the Japanese will most likely still have no problem understanding you. They will not expect you to have perfect grammar or pronunciation, so do not worry about falling outside society’s norms.
Be Accessible
Being understood by the Japanese does not necessarily mean that you will have to learn every word or phrase. Most often, a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ will do. You can also use the present continuous to ask questions, and the simple past to express your opinions or state facts. The key is to make yourself accessible to the Japanese. You will never know when this small kindness could make the difference between a smooth transaction and a potentially disastrous one. In business, access to a local market can mean the difference between success and failure. In social situations, accessibility can mean the difference between harmony and discord. Make sure that the Japanese feel welcome to approach you and that they know they can always come to you with questions or need your help.
Be Demorable
Speaking with the Japanese will not only be beneficial in terms of language learning, but also in terms of business and socializing. However, this does not mean that you have to agree to every request or offer. Sometimes, you may want to decline or even deny the Japanese if your answer does not satisfy them. Even those who have never studied a foreign language will have no problem doing this politely. Simply say, ‘No thank you,’ or ‘I’m sorry, I cannot help you.’ This will make the Japanese feel that you are not just another customer or acquaintance, but someone with whom they share a connection. Your gesture of cooperation will not only make a difference in terms of your relationship with the Japanese, but will also benefit your intercultural understanding and global knowledge.
Be Creative
Above all else, do not be afraid to be creative and use colloquial expressions or slang. The Japanese love words that have multiple meanings, and who knows – perhaps the one you are using now will have a different connotation in Japanese. Who knows – maybe you will even come up with a unique way to say hello or goodbye. And to answer the question of how to speak Japanese – yes, you do need to learn the language, but you will also need to be creative and find new ways to express yourself. A language is never finished, it is always being updated and changed. So, do not feel that you need to limit yourself to only one way of speaking. You are more than welcome to experiment and see what comes out.
With these guidelines, you will most likely find that even people who have only a basic knowledge of Japanese will be able to have a successful relationship with the locals. And when that happens, you know that a little effort on your part went a long way. So, do not underestimate the power of a simple ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ when dealing with the Japanese – your ability to speak Japanese will greatly improve your intercultural understanding and global interaction, and that, in turn, will make you a more desirable and valuable partner or employee.