Learning Japanese Online | How To Speak Japanese | Japanese Guide

To speak Japanese fluently is usually the ultimate goal of anyone studying the Japanese language. To reach the level where you can speak Japanese fluently can become quite a time consuming challenge. Not because the language is so difficult, but because most of the methods people use to learn Japanese are unproductive and too confusing. In my experience the best foreign speakers of Japanese are usually people who have taken no formal Japanese classes, can't read or write hiragana or katakana, don't  know any kanji and don't have a clue about Japanese grammar. They are also usually non-English speakers as well. How are they able to speak the language so well? They are forced to because of there job. Due to their environment or situation they have no option but to learn Japanese.

When living in Japan I met hundreds of English teachers who could speak Japanese, but never at a fluent level. They were taking classes, studying for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, and investing quite a lot of money on text books and audio programs. They studied hard but just couldn't get to a fluent level. Then occasionally I would met someone from Turkey or India. They would speak the language like a native. Yet, they had taken no classes or purchased little in the way of study material. These speakers of Japanese wouldn't learn or study the language in the traditional sense. They wouldn't spend time learning hiragana or katakana. They certainly wouldn't learn kanji or study grammar. In fact they would no nothing about the language except they could speak fluently. They would just soak up and use the language from their environment. They learnt the language from example and experience. The fastest and most effective way to study anything, especially a language.

In order to speak Japanese fluently you need to surround yourself with Japanese speakers and also not speak your native language. If you put yourself in a situation where you are forced to speak the language daily your Japanese will improve in leaps and bounds. If you spend too much time on rules about the language you will become knowledgeable about the structure of language and whatnot, but your speak ability will progress very slowly.

To develop the ability to speak you must observe how Japanese interact and then basically model what you see over and over. You have to become a bit of a actor and become Japanese. Japanese has to become a part or most of your life. Now, the problem is not many of us can just drop what we are doing and  fly of to Japan. So how can you learn to speak Japanese without studying the language?

Surround yourself with as much Japanese as possible. Immerse yourself in real language as much as possible. This means making Japanese friends, getting a Japanese girlfriend or boy friend, watching Japanese television and listening to Japanese radio. You need to listen to Japanese speaking the real thing. Don't listen to podcasts that are designed to teach you Japanese. There is too much in the way of explanation and unrealistic examples. Most of what is taught is too formalized anyway. Focus your life on mimicking Japanese. Speak to yourself in Japanese. So now you know what you need to do if you want to learn Japanese easily. If you follow my advice you end up saving yourself a whole lot of time and money.

If you are thinking of learning Japanese, you may be wondering what is the best way to start your study. You don't have to just learn Japanese from a textbook or go to a class. Read on to find out some creative ways you can begin or continue your study of the Japanese language.

1. Check out Japanese Manga. 'Manga' is the name for Japanese cartoons. Japanese cartoons are not only made for kids but for adults as well. You will often see businessmen pulling out a copy of their favourite manga on the train and reading on the way to work. Manga can be used to improve your casual Japanese as it is basically full of informal everyday Japanese language.

2. Go to a Japanese restaurant. Going to a Japanese restaurant will let you practice your speaking and reading skills. The menu is often also in Japanese so you will be able to test if you are able to read the words for Japanese foods. Surprise the waiter or waitress by ordering your food in Japanese. If you are not able to order in Japanese you can practice a few words like 'Thank-You'.

3. Pick up a local Japanese newspaper. You will find free Japanese newspapers or magazines in most large cities around the world where there is a Japanese community. These are aimed at the local Japanese community. Even if you only know a few characters of hiragana and katakana and kanji you will probably be able to work out what some of the articles and advertisements are about. It will feel great if you are able to understand a few words and symbols and see them used in real situations.

4. Learn Japanese on a computer. Computers are a great tool for helping you learn the language and pronunciation. You can buy a program or find free websites that have games or other methods to help you learn. Apps on the iPod or iPhone are also getting popular for learning Japanese.

5. Go to Japan. This is the best way to experience Japanese language and culture firsthand. You will be amazed at how quickly you pick up the language if you are actually in the country. A homestay is a great way to meet the locals and force yourself to have to speak Japanese.

Try these five tips to help you learn Japanese in alternative ways. If you are creative I'm sure you can think of more ways to continue learning Japanese in a fun way.

Japan is filled with amazing culture, food, and places to visit. With its exotic beauty and marvelous attractions, choosing a starting point can be difficult. Depending upon your vacation time, knowing what to see and how to make the most out of your time in Japan is important. So start wide and wander and marvel at all the unique and eccentric sights Japan has to offer.

Tokyo is the number one hotspot in Japan and unlike any other big city in the world. Be ready for a shock, as it will show you what the term "foreign" really means! In Tokyo, you'll see the famous Tokyo Tower; examine the intriguing mix of old monuments and shrines together with new age shops and modern buildings. Prepare to be awed by the majesty of the Imperial Palace and find the perfect picture in the Kokyo Gaien, an impressive garden just outside the palace. Nikko and Kamakura are two shrine complexes that connect you to the past with the country's Shoguns and Buddha worship. Don't forget to people watch! Tokyo is also famous for the bustling businessmen and women and the youth in outlandish harajuku dress.

Once you've finished in Tokyo, move on to Kyoto, Japan's original capital where emperors of past centuries once ruled. As Japan's second most popular tourist destination, it contains over 15 historical sites. Kyoto was undamaged during World War II, which makes it the best place to see preserved examples of Japan's feudal times. Temples abound in Kyoto, such as the Golden Pavillion, where you can go to be awed or just take a bit of time for meditation. Filled with places to shop as well as nightlife to experience, Kyoto has it all.

Of course, you cannot visit Japan without taking in the majestic Mount Fuji. Escape the cities for a while and relish the wide open air in the south where Mt. Fuji rests. The mountain is actually a volcano and is said to be imbued with a living spirit. Climbers will enjoy the challenge, as the mountain is open to them from July through August. But if climbing isn't your style, you can still indulge in the outdoors by trekking through the Hakone National Park, taking a moment to soak in a natural hot spring along the way.

Japan is a wondrous mix of traditions, cultures, fashion, food, and excitement. There is something for everyone here, whether that means watching baseball and sumo wrestling in the same day or partying in a karaoke bar and then taking the rest of the night off. Be ready to taste all that Japan has to offer! Learn Japanese to make your trip more meaningful!