Have you ever had this question when choosing a course?
“**Are classes taught by Filipino instructors really good?**”
“Shouldn’t I only learn Japanese from a native Japanese teacher?”
It’s natural to feel anxious about the quality and teaching style of instructors when you’re paying to learn. You are probably especially curious about the pros and cons of learning Japanese grammar **in English**.
We will address that anxiety head-on and explain why classes taught by Filipino instructors **can be the “strongest choice” for zero-beginners**, blending real experiences with expert insights.
💡 Hack 1: The “Advantages” of Learning Japanese Grammar in English Are Greater Than You Think
1. “Shortest Route” to Conceptual Understanding
- **Advantage:** Japanese grammar has a completely different logic from English; subjects are often omitted, and particle roles differ. Receiving explanations in a **language close to our own (English)** allows for **the shortest route** to understanding abstract grammar concepts.
- **Reason:** Native instructors understand grammar “intuitively” and may struggle to explain *why* something is the way it is *logically*. Filipino instructors, on the other hand, have **personal experience logically mastering Japanese as a second language** and can accurately predict where learners struggle, explaining it precisely in English.
2. Lower “Psychological Barrier” to Speaking
- **Advantage:** The ability to **ask questions in English at any time** during class provides immense reassurance, especially for beginners. You can resolve doubts immediately without fearing mistakes.
- **Reason:** Trying to understand complex grammatical terms in Japanese during the initial phase of learning is an **unnecessary cognitive load**. Using English allows you to **focus solely on grammar acquisition and conversation practice**.
💔 Hack 2: Concerns About “Non-Native Instructors” and Smart Countermeasures
1. Anxiety About Pronunciation and Nuance
- **Concern:** Whether Filipino instructors have an **accent or dialect** and whether they can accurately convey the **subtle nuances and cultural background** of the Japanese language.
- **Countermeasure:** This is indeed the biggest weakness of non-native instructors. However, this concern can be easily covered in the **”speaking practice”** phase *after* mastering the grammar foundation. **Logical understanding should be prioritized** while building the base.
2. Anxiety About Teacher Qualifications and Experience
- **Concern:** Whether the instructor has successfully passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N1, etc.) and possesses **teaching skills (pedagogy)**.
- **Countermeasure:** When choosing an instructor or school, it is crucial to confirm that they possess **both JLPT N1-level qualifications and credentials (or experience) in Japanese language teaching**.
🤣 Filipino Instructor’s “Learning Anecdotes”
🎤 Case 1: “The Teacher Knows Why You Can’t Say This Pronunciation!”
- **Relatable Anecdote:** Japanese sounds like **”tsu (つ)” or the “ra-line (r)”** are often the hardest sounds for Filipinos due to our English accent habits. Since non-native instructors know how they overcame that barrier, they can offer **highly effective drills that anticipate Filipino-specific mistakes**.
- **Empathy:** The instruction from a teacher who experienced the same struggles carries conviction. The empathy of “I know that feeling!” boosts motivation.
🏫 Case 2: Complex Keigo (Honorifics) Cleared Up with “English Scenarios”!
- **Relatable Practice:** Complex honorifics (Humble/Respectful Language) are explained by replacing them with **English situations** familiar to the Filipino context, such as **”Boss vs Employee”** or **”Customer vs Clerk,”** which significantly increases comprehension.
🤝 Hack 3: The “Best Team Strategy” of Filipino + Native Instructors
The smartest strategy to relieve your anxiety and maximize learning efficiency is to **combine the strengths of Filipino instructors and Native instructors**.
💖 JPLT’s Most Rational and Low-Cost Solution
JPLT’s learning system is designed to provide this “Best Team Strategy” at a low cost.
- Filipino instructors who understand learners’ pain points **lead the classes, providing grammar explanations in English**. As explained in Hack 1, this allows you to **logically understand abstract grammar concepts fastest**.
- **Quality Assurance:** All JPLT instructors are professionals with N1-level qualifications and teaching experience.
- JPLT also offers **Native Japanese instructor classes** for beginners/intermediate learners to acquire natural pronunciation and cultural background.
- **The Smartest Sequence:** By learning the foundation in English from Filipino instructors and then moving to “speaking practice” in Native instructor classes, you achieve **the most efficient balance of comprehension and practical use**.
🚀 Conclusion: It’s Not “Who You Learn From,” But “How You Learn”
You no longer need to worry about the instructor’s nationality.
What’s important is not “who you learn from,” but whether the system **understands the learner’s perspective and provides opportunities for “logical comprehension” and “practical speaking”** in the most efficient way.
There is no need to feel anxious about classes taught by Filipino instructors. On the contrary, it can be **the strongest weapon to lead your Japanese learning to success as fast as possible**.
We sincerely hope your Japanese learning journey moves forward with the best instructors and peers!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q. I’m worried about the Filipino instructor’s accent. Is that okay?
- A. For the foundational stage of grammar learning, logical understanding should be the priority. Any pronunciation concerns can be efficiently addressed later by practicing in JPLT’s Native Japanese instructor classes after building a solid base.
- Q. What is the biggest advantage of learning Japanese grammar in English?
- A. The biggest advantage is understanding abstract Japanese grammar concepts logically via the shortest route through explanation in English, a language close to the learners’ native language. Instruction from Filipino instructors who understand learners’ pain points is especially effective.



