The Japanese language is spoken by more than 130 million people. This includes, of course, people in Japan itself (where the majority of Japanese speakers live), but also residents of a number of other countries. Some of the larger Japanese speaking communities are found in Australia, Brazil, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, as well as the United States of America (and especially the state of Hawaii).
Obviously people in Japanese-speaking communities usually learn the language from a young age, however there are also many people who learn the language as an adult. For adult learners, the principal reasons for learning the language are usually business related - it's a lot easier to engage in business and trade with Japanese people and companies if you can communicate with them in their own language.
If you want to learn Japanese there are several options available:
1. You can go to Japanese classes. Of course, this is only possible if your work schedule allows it.
2. You can buy books or tapes that teach Japanese. Some people find this to be an approach that suits them, whereas others find they lack the self-discipline to learn in this way.
3. There is now a variety of computer software and Internet web sites that teach Japanese. A big advantage of these over going to classes (and to some extent as compared to working through a book or tape in linear order), is that most packages are designed so that you can learn at your own pace and work through the materials as best suits you. Additionally, since modern computers now have powerful multimedia capabilities, including playing back audio, displaying graphics, showing videos, etc., and computer-based activites can be highly interactive, many people find this to be an enjoyable and engaging way to learn, Some computer-based packages are delivered in a box containing one or more CD-ROMs, but there are also packages that are delivered entirely over the Internet - if you were to choose one of the latter type, you could even sign-up and start learning immediately.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Tanna
Showing posts with label Japanese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japanese. Show all posts
Japanese language learning | Japanese Phrases
One of the great and convenient aspects of the Japanese language is the kimarimoku - set Japanese phrases or set expressions. If you have been studying Japanese for sometime you probably know some of them and using them when you see your Japanese friends. Naturally, many Japanese phrases are taught in standard text books and what not, but I have discovered (learned) many expressions or phrases only in certain situations one wouldn't normally experience unless they were living in Japan.
My understanding of Japanese phrases or set expressions seem to evolve to me as a student. First you learn them with some sort of basic English translation. Then you hear them and use them every day if you happen to be living in Japan. You then take them for granted and go around saying them half-heartedly and get sick of hearing the same expression or phrase in the same situation over and over, again and again, day in and day out. Then Buddha willing, you have an experience that finally brings the deeper meaning of the phrase or expression to you. It is all about the culture of the Japanese language. You can't really learn the true deeper meanings of certain Japanese phrases or expressions unless you immerse yourself into the culture. And the only way you can do that is by living in Japan for several years.
Survival Japanese Expressions
Itadakimasu - An institutionalized expression said just before beginning to eat. This is NOT a Japanese version of "grace". It is in no way similar to grace at all. It is especially appropriate to say this when you are guest. It is showing appreciation to you host for the meal they have prepared for you. At home it is just a casual "starter gun" type meaning of "Lets eat". Often, when eating with Japanese I am asked for a translation of the word in English - there is none.
Gochisosamadeshita - Just as important and ritualized as "Idatakimasu", this phrase is said to express thanks to the host after finishing a meal. This expression is also said in a less formal manner when certain private details of someone's private life is shared in a conversation. If you were to reveal the juicy details of how you met your first love your audience would thank you for sharing by say "Gochisosamadeshita".
Finally the expression of all expressions - the king of the castle expression. This is the one you will hear most often, and the one that will ponder?on for years and years. It is.....wait for it........Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. This one is a little hard to explain because it is so rooted in Japanese culture and mentality. It is a very formalized and ritualized way of saying, "Please help me". Not help me as in "save me I am in trouble", but more of a "when the time comes help us out" kind of meaning. It can also be used as a formal request as in "please take care of it"," make it so", "please do it" and .....I think you get the idea. It is said when business relations are being formed, and if it concerns something really serious it is usually accompanied by a bow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Kemp
My understanding of Japanese phrases or set expressions seem to evolve to me as a student. First you learn them with some sort of basic English translation. Then you hear them and use them every day if you happen to be living in Japan. You then take them for granted and go around saying them half-heartedly and get sick of hearing the same expression or phrase in the same situation over and over, again and again, day in and day out. Then Buddha willing, you have an experience that finally brings the deeper meaning of the phrase or expression to you. It is all about the culture of the Japanese language. You can't really learn the true deeper meanings of certain Japanese phrases or expressions unless you immerse yourself into the culture. And the only way you can do that is by living in Japan for several years.
Survival Japanese Expressions
Itadakimasu - An institutionalized expression said just before beginning to eat. This is NOT a Japanese version of "grace". It is in no way similar to grace at all. It is especially appropriate to say this when you are guest. It is showing appreciation to you host for the meal they have prepared for you. At home it is just a casual "starter gun" type meaning of "Lets eat". Often, when eating with Japanese I am asked for a translation of the word in English - there is none.
Gochisosamadeshita - Just as important and ritualized as "Idatakimasu", this phrase is said to express thanks to the host after finishing a meal. This expression is also said in a less formal manner when certain private details of someone's private life is shared in a conversation. If you were to reveal the juicy details of how you met your first love your audience would thank you for sharing by say "Gochisosamadeshita".
Finally the expression of all expressions - the king of the castle expression. This is the one you will hear most often, and the one that will ponder?on for years and years. It is.....wait for it........Yoroshiku onegai itashimasu. This one is a little hard to explain because it is so rooted in Japanese culture and mentality. It is a very formalized and ritualized way of saying, "Please help me". Not help me as in "save me I am in trouble", but more of a "when the time comes help us out" kind of meaning. It can also be used as a formal request as in "please take care of it"," make it so", "please do it" and .....I think you get the idea. It is said when business relations are being formed, and if it concerns something really serious it is usually accompanied by a bow.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nicholas_Kemp
Japanese language learning | Japanese Language Learning
Many people are put off by the idea of learning Japanese. In fact, the Japanese language is quite easy to learn. It has straightforward grammar rules, and spoken Japanese can be picked up quickly and easily. Written Japanese will take a little longer, but often is not needed in the business world. It is also important to learn about Japanese formality and customs, and how these relate to the spoken language.
In general, Japanese syntax and grammar are much more straightforward than that of Western languages such as English. English is a difficult language to learn, full of tricks, exceptions, and complications. If you can speak English well, learning Japanese grammar shouldn't be difficult for you at all.
While English takes one root verb and modifies it constantly to fit the person or gender of the sentence, Japanese has no such rules. In Japanese, the verb comes at the end of the sentence. The subject is often introduced once at the beginning of a conversation or paragraph, and then omitted from the following sentences or conversation. This will be helpful for you to know, as learning the Japanese language depends on such rules
Japan is a very formal, traditional country in many ways. Courtesy is emphasized highly when learning Japanese. There are different greetings that are used depending on who you are addressing, what time of day it is, etc. A simple "hi!" will often not suffice. As you learn about the Japanese language, be sure to focus on greetings and salutations. They are essential to polite conversation in Japan.
It is also important to note that there are several different ways to apologize in Japan. Again, a simple "I'm sorry" will often not suffice. The apology will depend on the severity of the offense, with different phrases used for actual insults. When attempting to learn Japanese for use in Japan, especially for business use, make sure you learn the difference between these apologetic phrases. It is very important to use them correctly.
When learning the Japanese language, especially in its spoken form, concentrating on basic grammar rules and cultural differences will aid you immensely. Take the time to do a little research on the cultural differences between your country and Japan. You may be pleasantly surprised by the similarities, and you'll be glad you learned about the differences.
As you begin to study Japanese, remember that the syntax is easier to pick up than that of English. Be sure to learn about the customs and culture. Focus on learning key phrases such as greetings and apologies – they'll help you immensely when you actually travel to Japan. And be sure to remember that greetings depend on the status of the person you're meeting, as well as the time of day. These tips should have you well on your way to a lifetime of learning Japanese – an interesting and formal language steeped in tradition.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_McGimpsey
In general, Japanese syntax and grammar are much more straightforward than that of Western languages such as English. English is a difficult language to learn, full of tricks, exceptions, and complications. If you can speak English well, learning Japanese grammar shouldn't be difficult for you at all.
While English takes one root verb and modifies it constantly to fit the person or gender of the sentence, Japanese has no such rules. In Japanese, the verb comes at the end of the sentence. The subject is often introduced once at the beginning of a conversation or paragraph, and then omitted from the following sentences or conversation. This will be helpful for you to know, as learning the Japanese language depends on such rules
Japan is a very formal, traditional country in many ways. Courtesy is emphasized highly when learning Japanese. There are different greetings that are used depending on who you are addressing, what time of day it is, etc. A simple "hi!" will often not suffice. As you learn about the Japanese language, be sure to focus on greetings and salutations. They are essential to polite conversation in Japan.
It is also important to note that there are several different ways to apologize in Japan. Again, a simple "I'm sorry" will often not suffice. The apology will depend on the severity of the offense, with different phrases used for actual insults. When attempting to learn Japanese for use in Japan, especially for business use, make sure you learn the difference between these apologetic phrases. It is very important to use them correctly.
When learning the Japanese language, especially in its spoken form, concentrating on basic grammar rules and cultural differences will aid you immensely. Take the time to do a little research on the cultural differences between your country and Japan. You may be pleasantly surprised by the similarities, and you'll be glad you learned about the differences.
As you begin to study Japanese, remember that the syntax is easier to pick up than that of English. Be sure to learn about the customs and culture. Focus on learning key phrases such as greetings and apologies – they'll help you immensely when you actually travel to Japan. And be sure to remember that greetings depend on the status of the person you're meeting, as well as the time of day. These tips should have you well on your way to a lifetime of learning Japanese – an interesting and formal language steeped in tradition.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_McGimpsey
Japanese language learning | Japanese Language Learning Materials
If truly motivated, self-study is a great way to learn a new language. It needs a lot of determination and patience to start to become fluent in Japanese so it's essential to have the ideal set of Japanese language learning tools and materials to hand.
Home study is helped with a multitude of free sources to learn a foreign language. Search online for a series of courses that aim to help teach the fundamentals. Begin with the basics, such as learning common words and phrases, alphabet, and to how to tell time. Listening to Japanese on radio stations can help, or find some reading material - in the early stages it might be an advantage to read books designed for children. A textbook that features an audio course on CD is a necessity as it's often impossible to learn a language if the words aren't actually heard.
A complete language-learning package is often found in the shape of the downloadable software packages. These programs aim to improve on the pronunciation and vocabulary skills with the assistance of the innovative multi-media lessons, quizzes and games. These software applications are a fun, and an easy method to help learn a new language. And aim to fast-track a student to learn and speak Japanese more effortlessly from home.
An alternative to those options is classes, but that can be slow going, especially if lessons are scheduled once or twice a week. Or find a native Japanese teacher for one-on-one lessons. Although, these options aren't open to all, as not everyone will have the free time or money to accommodate the more expensive teaching methods.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kayleigh_Thomas
Home study is helped with a multitude of free sources to learn a foreign language. Search online for a series of courses that aim to help teach the fundamentals. Begin with the basics, such as learning common words and phrases, alphabet, and to how to tell time. Listening to Japanese on radio stations can help, or find some reading material - in the early stages it might be an advantage to read books designed for children. A textbook that features an audio course on CD is a necessity as it's often impossible to learn a language if the words aren't actually heard.
A complete language-learning package is often found in the shape of the downloadable software packages. These programs aim to improve on the pronunciation and vocabulary skills with the assistance of the innovative multi-media lessons, quizzes and games. These software applications are a fun, and an easy method to help learn a new language. And aim to fast-track a student to learn and speak Japanese more effortlessly from home.
An alternative to those options is classes, but that can be slow going, especially if lessons are scheduled once or twice a week. Or find a native Japanese teacher for one-on-one lessons. Although, these options aren't open to all, as not everyone will have the free time or money to accommodate the more expensive teaching methods.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kayleigh_Thomas
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)