If you’re an avid reader who also enjoys crafting the occasional love letter, you might consider studying Japanese. Learning to write in this beautiful language will not only expand your reading list, but it will also provide you with a fresh new perspective on your chosen literature.
Below, you’ll discover all you need to know about Japanese language study in order to become fluent – whether you’re an experienced native speaker or a professional translator aiming to improve your English. We’ll also cover some essential advice on how to get started.
What Is Japanese?
Put simply, Japanese is a language that originated in Japan. It’s a member of the Chinese language group, and it traditionally uses a cursive style of writing. It’s also well-known for its usage of katakana – a cursive-like script used only for labeling or quick reference in Japanese texts. Finally, Japanese is a highly sophisticated language, and it can be quite difficult to learn. This is mainly due to the fact that it uses a lot of different characters, and it can be hard to learn how to write and read without assistance.
Why Study Japanese?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to study Japanese. First, the world of Japanese literature is incredibly rich and varied, offering countless stories, novels, and plays to study. For example, you might want to learn to read and write in order to research famous authors from the country or to craft your own literary masterpiece.
In addition to this, many traditional Japanese arts and crafts employ the use of written language, meaning that you’ll have the opportunity to practice your newly-acquired skill while also gaining valuable knowledge. If you’re particularly interested in history or culture, then studying Japanese is a must. In addition, many students find that the culture and people of Japan inspire them, meaning that they may feel a stronger connection to this language and its people. Finally, if you’ve always wanted to visit Japan but were worried about the language barrier, learning Japanese might be the key to overcoming this fear. Being able to speak the native tongue will grant you access to a whole new world. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice your newly-acquired language while also having the chance to immerse yourself in a culture that is rich in history and tradition.
Key Facts About Japanese
Although many consider Chinese to be the mother tongue of all Asians, the linguistic community of Japan considers their native tongue to be highly sophisticated. This is mainly due to the fact that many Chinese loanwords have been incorporated into the Japanese language, changing its meaning and sometimes its pronunciation. It also owes its unique character to the blending of Chinese and Native-Japanese elements.
Countries That Speak Japanese
Interestingly, Japan isn’t the only country that speaks Japanese. Below, we’ll discuss the countries that speak this amazing language.
The most-spoken language in the world, Japanese is spoken in Japan, as well as by some Asian communities in Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines. If you’re from one of these countries, then you must know how to speak, read, and write Japanese – no matter where you travel to in the world.
Who Are The Main Speaker Of Japanese?
According to the linguists at JapanesePod101.com, Japanese is mostly spoken by older generations – typically those born between 1905 and 1915. This is mainly because Japanese was traditionally seen as a “men’s language”, and it wasn’t considered “feminine” or “childish” to study or speak Japanese. However, as more and more people are studying and/or speaking the language it is becoming more and more common for young people to do so as well.
Key Differences Between Written And Spoken Japanese
One of the things that makes Japanese difficult to learn is its vast abundance of characters. In order to write and read, you must know how to conjugate verbs, change the order of words, and use various abbreviations. In spoken Japanese, all of these rules apply, but you don’t need to write down the entire sentence. Instead, you just need to know how to speak and understand the meaning of what you’re saying.
How To Begin
If you’re wondering how to begin your Japanese study, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ll discuss all you need to know in order to get started.
Firstly, you’ll need to determine how much time you’re prepared to commit to this intensive study. If you’re looking for a full-time job in Japanese translation, then you might need to seek out an apprenticeship – possibly starting with a Japanese conversation website such as Genki.com or Cafe GoGo! Once you’ve completed your training, then you can look for jobs in your area that utilise your new skill.
Key Takeaways
In summary, if you’re looking to learn the “idea” of Japanese, then all you need are these key takeaways.
Firstly, Japanese is not just about teaching you how to speak and write the language but also providing you with a cultural appreciation for the country and its people. If you’re looking to learn a language through immersion, then Japanese is the perfect option, as most of the books and films will be in the language you’re studying. In addition, if you’re looking for a change of pace from your usual reading material, then you might find some wonderful stories in the works by Shimura Shuko (1879–1969), one of the greatest authors of the 20th century.
However, if you’re looking to learn the “concepts” of Japanese, then you might want to consider another option. As mentioned by the linguists at the JapanesePod101.com, many Japanese words have changed their meaning over the years, and it can sometimes be difficult to know how to use them correctly in a sentence. In addition, Japanese is a highly sophisticated language, and it can be quite difficult to master without assistance. This is mainly due to the fact that it uses a lot of different characters, and it can be hard to learn how to write and read without assistance.
Nonetheless, with determination and some practice, you’ll soon be able to craft a letter, send a text, or ask a question, all with complete confidence.