How to Learn Japanese Conversation
Learning to read and write Japanese is a real challenge--it includes three writing systems and many thousands of characters. Speaking the language isn't simple, either. You'll find different levels of formality; for example, you can say "domo" for a simple "thank you," but if you're speaking formally, you say "domo arigato gozaimashita." Still, it's not too hard to learn enough Japanese conversation to take a trip to Tokyo, be polite to business associates or make a little small talk with visitors from Japan.
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Instructions
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How to Learn Japanese Conversation
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Set up a language exchange. Find a partner who is fluent in Japanese and who wants to learn or brush up on English. To make the most progress, meet two or three times a week, and set some ground rules. For instance, earmark the first half-hour for your questions and for practice in Japanese, and then turn the tables for the next half hour.
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Make the language-exchange sessions fit your needs. If you're going to Tokyo for business, learn greetings and shop talk in fairly formal language. On the other hand, if you're going to travel in Japan, study less formal, practical conversation--such phrases as "Where is Kiyomizu Temple?" and "What time is the train to Osaka?"
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Listen to Japanese-language CDs to complement your language exchange. Narrow the subject matter to what's most important to you--for example, "Barrons Getting By in Japanese" targets tourists, while businesspeople may benefit more from "Teach Yourself Business Japanese." See the links below.
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Use a language book to enhance your vocabulary. Again, get one that suits your needs--for instance, if you plan to live in Kyoto, you may like "Colloquial Kansai Japanese: The Dialects and Culture of the Kansai Region." If you're just going to travel in Japan, you may prefer "Japanese Conversation for Travelers." See the links below.
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Sign up for a class in basic Japanese through a community college or continuing education program. You not only learn vocabulary and pronunciation, you usually get a crash course in Japanese etiquette.
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Tips & Warnings
Listen to Japanese songs and watch Japanese movies. These will increase your vocabulary and help attune your ear.
