The Japanese language is one of the most spoken languages in the world. It is estimated that there are around 130 million speakers of the language, which makes it the tenth most spoken language in the world. The language is also unique in that it has three different writing systems – kanji, hiragana, and katakana.
Are you interested in learning Japanese? If so, you’re in luck! There are a number of great websites that can help you get started. This list includes some of the best resources out there, so be sure to check them out. You’ll be speaking Japanese in no time!
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Why You Should Learn Japanese
Today we will be talking about the benefits of learning Japanese and how to do it.
It can lead to learning a new culture
One of the best things about learning Japanese is that it can open up a whole new world of culture to you. Japan is rich in history and traditions, and by learning the language you will be able to experience this firsthand.
While you are learning the Japanese language, you will start to learn a few things about the country itself. There are so many fascinating things to learn about Japanese culture, from the traditional tea ceremony to modern-day pop culture.
You will learn about Japan’s history and also its dialects and its differences. You will also learn to use some words in Japanese tradition and culture.
If you’re interested in learning more about a culture that is very different from your own, then learning Japanese is a great way to do it. This can help you to open up and learn more about Japan than you imagined.
It’s not that hard
Contrary to popular belief, learning Japanese is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. Yes, there are three different scripts (kanji, hiragana, and katakana) to learn, but once you get the hang of them it’s not as daunting as it seems.
You should start learning hiragana first because many people usually start with these. Learn the characters initially if you want to teach yourself.
More job options
In today’s globalized economy, being bilingual or multilingual definitely gives you an edge when applying for jobs. And with more and more Japanese companies doing business overseas, knowing Japanese can give you a leg up when applying for jobs both in Japan and in other countries.
Many large multinational companies such as Sony, Nissan, and Honda have operations in both Japan and overseas, so if you’re interested in working for one of these companies knowing Japanese would be a major asset.
It will be an advantage even if it’s an American company. You will start to learn that knowing at least one more language, aside from English, can give you a great advantage when it comes to working.
Have greater language sensitivity
By learning Japanese you will also become more aware of cultural differences and how language can be used differently in different cultures. This can be invaluable in both your personal and professional life, as you will be better equipped to deal with cultural differences and understand how words can be interpreted differently in different cultures. If you work in a field such as international business or diplomacy, this skill will definitely come in handy.
6 Websites to Help You Learn Japanese
Skritter
Skritter will help you write in Japanese, so you will inevitably get to become familiar with the basics. You can write letters using your finger and compare your result to the correct version due to the handwriting recognition feature. You can also take advantage of numerous flashcards for a more efficient learning experience.
Memrise
Memrise is a community created by Japanese tutors. Quality varies from one course to another though, but learning the language will feel like playing a fun game. You will learn anything, from accents and phrases to spelling rules and words. Most importantly, every course in Memrise is available for free.
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101 is ideal for both beginners and intermediate users. You will get all the tools to learn Japanese in a fun way—all kinds of lessons, PDF files, flashcards, audio and video files. Most courses are premium, but prices are reasonable and the value for money is quite high. However, quality may vary from one course to another.
LingQ
LingQ provides Japanese lessons in an entertaining way. It is different from what you can find in a classic textbook, as you learn through context. There are lots of options available when about to choose the ideal content. You can learn, listen and go through courses based on topics that you actually like. Some of the lessons go a bit too far. At times, it feels like LingQ tries too hard, but at the end of the day, even repetitive courses can help you memorize words and grammar rules.
Tandem
Tandem is a platform connecting people who want to learn a new language. You can teach someone your native language, while they teach you Japanese. It is a bit of double work and you may not always get lessons in a professional manner, but native speakers are certainly useful – plus, you make some new friends.
Japanese-online.com
Kenichi Uchikura, founder of Japanese-online.com, and his team of Japanese experts are here to help you learn Japan’s language and culture! Japanese-online.com provides online access to articles, tutors, and lessons, so you can learn at your own pace from the comfort of your own home.
Japanese-online.com is a great website for beginners who want to learn some basics before diving into more advanced topics. The website offers lessons on everything from greetings and conversation starters to numbers and days of the week. There are also games and quizzes available to help review what you’ve learned.
