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How to speak Japanese?
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" Learn to speak Japanese CORRECTLY & QUICKLY from the comfort of your home because we know that you are too busy to attend lessons in class; learn to pick-up the language in 3 months OR less, even though you are certainly a nut-head with no Japanese foundation. "
Table of Contents:
Introduction - Why learn Japanese?
Japan is the world's second biggest economy after the USA. It has a population of about 127 million. If you are ever going to visit the country, you need to learn to speak the language. It could be that your company is sending you to Japan on a business trip. Or that you have been wanting to visit Japan and get to talk to the Japanese people. Whatever the reason is, you need a hassle-free way to pick up the Japanese language quickly and effectively.
Where can I learn to speak Japanese online?
There are many ways to learn Japanese, why choose to learn it online? Learning it online allows you to manage your own time and you can learn it whenever you want. There is no need to attend any night classes. In addition, Japanese lessons are expensive and you cannot afford to miss any lessons! By learning it online, you can attend lessons anytime you like, even in your pyjamas at 1am in the morning!
Here is our recommendation:
Takanori Tomita is a native Japanese and is now working as a Japanese translator and also teaching Japanese online. He has come up with the NIHONGO Japanese Lesson that will teach you how to speak Japanese naturally in an easy way.
The problem with most other learn japanese programs is that they place too much emphasis on grammar and writing. If you are a beginner, learning only grammar may worsen your situation. With too much analysis on grammar you become hesitant when you speak. Your mind focuses on getting the grammar right instead of flowing with the conversation.
You end up frustrated, and not being able to speak fluent Japanese, even after months or years!
The entire course comes with 200 pages of the Japanese textbook (10 Japanese lessons and 10 kanji flash card lessons), and 20 Japanese conversational audio lessons, and 20 video lessons to help with the pronunciation. The video lessons will teach you each Japanese conversational phrases which are covered in each lesson. Unlike audio lessons, you can also watch how a native Japanese speaker really speaks. And yes, you can upload these audio and video lessons into your ipod!
Learn:
Easy-to-apply memorization tips and tricks to remember Japanese words better, including kanji symbols
Basic greetings and everyday expressions in Japanese
The difference between describing with Japanese and English adjectives.
Speak and understand Japanese immediately. Once you know 1000 - 2000 words, and phrases along with some basic grammar, you'll be a Japanese speaking machine.
and many other conversational phrases!
The origins of the Japanese language
Early Japanese is known largely on the basis of its state in the 8th century, when the three major works of Old Japanese were compiled.
Japanese is written with a combination of three scripts: hiragana which were derived from the Chinese cursive script , katakana, which were derived as a shorthand from Chinese Character, and kanji, imported from China. The Latin alphabet, rōmaji, is also often used in modern Japanese, especially when inputting Japanese into a computer. The Hindu-Arabic numerals are generally used for numbers, but traditional Sino-Japanese numerals are also common.
The spoken Japanese language was developed over 4 stages: Old Japanese (to the 8th century), Late Old Japanese (9th-11th centuries), Middle Japanese (12th-16th centuries), and Modern Japanese (from the 17th century to the present). The most significant change from ancient to modern times is the gradual reduction of eight vowel sounds to five.
The expanding influence of the Western culture is having an impact on the Japanese language. Since the mid 18th century the Japanese have adopted a huge amount of gairaigo: foreign words mainly from English. These include bīru (beer), aisu (ice), takushī (taxi), tēburu (table), and hoteru (hotel). In addition, the younger generation is placing less emphasis on the traditional Japanese language with new slang terms.
Interesting places to visit in Japan
If you have the intention to visit Japan in the coming months, here are some interesting places that you can consider.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and is one of the most populated city in the world. The population is just over 12 million, or 10% of the population in Japan. Japan is rich in its cultural history, so you can find a good mix of traditional old buildings blending into the metropolitan city. Tokyo's commuter rail network operates throughout the city, but it can be difficult to find your way around. The best to go around is to ask for directions.
The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, with over 110,000 items, including archaeological objects of Asia and other art works. Its history dates back to 1872. It was relocated several times, until its current location in Ueno Park in Taito, Tokyo. The museum organises outdoor exhibitions and educational events as well. Be sure to check out the shops in the museum, and if you need to fill your stomach, there are several restaurants to choose from.
The Imperial Palace East Garden is part of the inner palace area and is open to the public. It was the residence of Tokugawa shogunate regime which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. The Ninomaru Japanese garden, which sits in the Imperial Palace East Garden, is a popular tourist destination. The Imperial Palace East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays and on some special occasions. It is about 15 minutes walk from the Tokyo station and you can enter through the Otemon entrance. Admissions is free.
Hiroshima
This city was destroyed during the WW 2 but was quickly rebuilt after the war. Hiroshima is famous for the Peace Memorial Park. You can find the Peace Memorial Museum there, which displays photographs during the WW 2. The pictures also depict the harsh consequences of using the atomic bomb. You can also find the Memorial Cenotaph and many other memorials built in memory for those who lost their lives during the war.
The next place you should also visit is the Hiroshima Castle. It was built by Mouri Terumoto, a high ranking general (1553-1625). The Hiroshima Castle houses various types of battle weapons and armour. There are also many valuable art objects that reflect Hiroshima's strong historical culture.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second largest island of Japan. It is situated in the northern part of Japan and you would expect cold or cool weather throughout the year. It is a favourite hunting ground for skiers and snowboarders because of its excellent snow conditions. Hokkaido is also well known for her seafood at great prices. For a complete guide on Hokkaido, go to HokkaidoGuide.com.
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