How to Become Fluent in Japanese? Explanation of Effective Study Methods and Points
“I am interested in learning Japanese, but how can I become able to speak it?”
“What are the key points to keep in mind when learning Japanese?”
“I want to study Japanese to enjoy anime more, but is it better to learn at a school? Is self-study difficult?”
There are increasing numbers of Japanese learners who have these kinds of questions. More and more people are learning Japanese for various purposes: enjoying anime and manga in the original language, aiming to get a job at a Japanese company, or planning to visit Japan as tourists.
In this article, Eri-san from JPLT Online Japanese Language School explains in detail the effective study methods and key points to keep in mind to become able to speak Japanese. Find the best method for your learning goals and improve your Japanese skills!
■ 5 Effective Study Methods to Become Able to Speak Japanese
1. Daily Listening Practice
Watch Japanese dramas and anime to get your ears used to it. Do shadowing to learn pronunciation and intonation. Set aside about 20 minutes every day to listen and strengthen your listening skills.
2. Speaking Practice
Find a language exchange partner and practice conversation several times a week. Join an online conversation club and increase the number of opportunities to actively speak, thereby improving your ability to actually use Japanese.
3. Systematic Study of Grammar and Vocabulary
Use a textbook to solidify the basics of grammar. Learn new vocabulary little by little every day using an app or vocabulary book, and strengthen your memory by reviewing it regularly.
4. Writing Diaries or Blogs in Japanese
Write a diary in Japanese about daily events and what you have learned. Start with short sentences at first, and gradually challenge yourself to write longer sentences to improve your expressive and writing skills.
5. Learning Through Cultural Content
Read Japanese news sites and blogs. Through articles about Japanese culture and social issues, you can deepen your background knowledge and increase your vocabulary. This will allow you to acquire Japanese that can be used in real life.
■5 Key Points to Keep in Mind When Learning to Speak Japanese
1. Clarifying Your Goals
It is important to set specific goals, rather than just studying vaguely. For example, having a specific goal such as “passing JLPT N3 in one year” will help you stay motivated. This will make it easier to plan your studies and give you a sense of accomplishment.
2. Focusing on Self-Evaluation and Feedback
It is important to regularly evaluate your progress and understand which areas you are weak in. For example, use online tests to evaluate your skills and clarify areas for improvement, which will help you see what you should work on next. Also, receive feedback from your teacher or language partner to help you improve.
3. Balanced Learning
It is necessary to study listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a balanced manner. For example, if you focus too much on listening, your speaking and writing skills may be lacking. Allocate time to each skill in your daily studies to improve your overall Japanese language ability.
4. Deepen Cultural Understanding
Note: Language is closely related to culture. Learning about Japanese culture, social customs, and history will help you gain a deeper understanding of the meaning behind words. For example, by watching Japanese movies and dramas and participating in local events, you can learn cultural nuances and apply them to real conversations.
5. Don’t Rush and Keep Going
Language learning is a long-term process, so it’s important not to expect immediate results. If you expect too much progress in a short period of time, you may give up halfway through. Continue studying a little bit every day, regularly reviewing your goals, and take one step at a time. For example, by making time to be exposed to Japanese for even 15 minutes every day, you can gradually build up your skills.
■Summary
Engaging in Effective Learning to Become Able to Speak Japanese
In order to be able to speak Japanese, it is important to set clear goals, emphasize self-evaluation and feedback, study in a balanced manner, deepen cultural understanding, and continue without rushing. First, set specific goals and clarify your daily study plan to study efficiently.
In addition, by learning each skill such as reading and writing in a balanced manner, as well as listening and speaking, you can improve your overall Japanese language ability.
Furthermore, by understanding Japanese culture and social background, you can gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and intentions behind words and improve your practical communication skills. By working on it continuously and patiently, you will be able to steadily build up the results of your studies.
JPLT Online Japanese Language School offers a curriculum to support these learning methods. We provide efficient online learning and tailored lessons to suit individual learning styles.
