As a foreigner, learning Japanese can be a whole new experience. You are thrown out of your comfort zone as an English speaker learning Japanese. Although it might indeed be a feat, it is an achievable one. Yes, you can think of the Japanese folks you’ve seen and heard, and imagine how amazing it would be to learn to speak fluently like them. You might ask, how is this possible?
What does it take to learn Japanese as a foreigner?
Well, the fact remains that it would be a challenge for a foreigner to learn and master the language. Learning Japanese takes time, and it takes a lot of effort and commitment. However, if you reside in an Asian country such as China or Singapore, then you might have some advantage. This is because Japanese is actively taught in Singapore and many Asian countries.
In any case, there is no shortcut to it. You have to dedicate your attention to a formal learning process with the help of a tutor. Taking a Japanese class in Singapore comes as a requirement to achieve fluency. Your learning process might seem very much like a baby just learning to speak.
Why would a foreigner need to learn Japanese?
A foreign speaker might be required to learn Japanese for various reasons. That is, it could be for personal or professional. In many cases, it is learning a foreign language such as Japanese that grants a person better career opportunities. This could help you access top-level promotion in a Japanese owned company, or gain universal access to a job opportunity in Japan.
How can I become fluent in Japanese as a foreigner?
To learn Japanese in Singapore as a foreigner, you would have to start from scratch. At this point, you cannot assume anything about the language or its forms. Therefore, you must start by learning the basic Japanese phonetic alphabet known as the Hiragana. The forty-six symbols in the Hiragana have all the sounds that exist in the Japanese language.
It might seem difficult initially. However, you can learn the Hiragana by associating the sounds with simple objects and symbols. This would help you memorize what they mean quickly. Remember that there should be no rush or pressure in the process. Several mistakes and slips are unavoidable for a foreigner learning Japanese.
Practice your speech with native speakers
As a foreigner, you might feel doubtful to attempt speaking Japanese in public. However, there is no perfect time to start trying, since it is by expressing that you improve your skills. Therefore, as you learn formally by taking classes, ensure you practice a bit by trying your speech to a Japanese listener. If you are living in Japan, this can be an excellent opportunity for you.
In Singapore, you are sure to find a lot of Japanese speakers and Japanese owned organizations. And by taking up a Japanese course in Singapore, you get to interact with tutors who are experts in the language. It might take a while to follow normal conversations, but with constant practice amongst patient Japanese folks or friends, you will gradually begin to flow with conversations and attain fluency.
