8 Reasons to Learn Japanese
You must be thinking, why should I learn Japanese? Well the answer is simple, because you can!
There are so many things one can love and appreciate about Japan- its rich history, fascinating culture, picturesque landscapes, sushi, ramen, anime, manga, the kawaii culture, futuristic technology, and so much more. However, if you’re deep into Japanese culture, you know that there’s so much more to Japan than these. You’ll also probably agree that one of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture is Nihongo or the Japanese language. Good for you if you are already learning the language! But if you are still on the fence, or have started but have been discouraged for some reason and are looking for some motivation and inspiration to learn Japanese…you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s discover the benefits of learning Japanese!
Get to know this interesting country up close
Japan is an interesting country with a lot to offer in terms of culture, career, entertainment, lifestyle and the Japanese language is a window into the Japanese culture. Learning the Japanese language gives you a powerful lens — a different perspective and you will start understanding everything about this unique country in a much superior manner. If you can speak Japanese, you can enjoy things like watching films, reading books and listening to music and J-pop without needing subtitles or translations. Japan has popularized the food we eat from sushi to teriyaki, the entertainment we enjoy like anime and manga, the cars we drive like Honda, Toyota, Suzuki, the brands we use like Sony, Uniqlo to the magical concepts that have us scratching our heads like Hello Kitty and vending machines! Definitely the language is the center of all this.
Up your career game
As the world’s biggest economies become increasingly global, language skills have become more useful than ever before and are in so much more demand. Well and Japan is absolutely on top of this competition! One of the most practical benefits of learning Japanese is that it will give you a career edge. Not just Japanese companies but the companies doing business with Japan (and trust me you cannot imagine the number of companies doing business with Japan) are constantly seeking bilinguals to bridge the language barrier. You will not only land jobs in Japan but around the world. These are some of the jobs and fields you can consider when you have mastered your Japanese language skills- Translator and interpreter, English teacher in Japanese schools and universities, service and hospitality industry, Recruitment, Bilingual Engineers, Sales and marketing, IT, Analyst roles, Mechanic, Doctor, Nurse, Banker, Chef in Japanese restaurants, airport staff, Sales representative, Customer service and many more. If you are fluent in Japanese, the sky’s the limit for you.
Study In Japan
Japanese schools and universities have high standards of learning at all levels of education and have varied courses to offer. If you’re interested in studying abroad, Japan would be an excellent place to do so. In addition, Japan Government offers lots of scholarships and internships for international students in various undergraduates and masters courses as well as research fellowships. And of course, studying in a different country would be most beneficial if you can speak the language well.
No, It’s not all that difficult
Let me reveal a secret to you, surprisingly Japanese is not that difficult to learn. Many people are put off by the idea of learning Japanese because it seems and appears very difficult. But, if you’re a native English speaker, you already understand one of the hardest languages to learn. Any language can be intimidating for various reasons. However, with dedication and regular practice, you will find yourself getting hang of the language and you will start understanding and speaking Japanese in no time. Because of the fact that it is so different from English, from the writing system to the grammatical principles, it seems difficult. Spoken Japanese is not particularly difficult as the phonetic sounds are limited and you read exactly what you write! So, it is not at all a bad idea to give it a try. The more you learn, the more interesting it will get.
Challenge your brain
You can think of your brain as a muscle. Learning Japanese is a workout that requires brainpower, like any other intellectual activities. Your brain has to deal with a whole new intricate system of vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures, rules, and concepts that differ from those of your native language. It’s hard! But this mental workout results in cognitive benefits like increased focus and memory, better problem-solving and decision-making skills, improved listening and multitasking skills, and better academic performance.
Gateway to other east Asian languages
Owing to its proximity and history with its East Asian neighbours, Japanese makes for an interesting gateway to Korean and Chinese culture. This is true in terms of languages as well. So if you master Japanese language, learning Korean or Chinese would be a smooth walk.
Gain the confidence to go live in Japan
If you are ready for a new and completely different chapter in your life, you have to live (or at least visit) Japan in your lifetime. Given the globalisation, many countries ask their employees to relocate to different countries to work onsite. So, if you are asked to relocate to Japan by your employer and you know the language, you will have the confidence to go and live in Japan without any issues. Japanese people as a whole do not speak much English, so learning the language will help you out a lot when you visit. Firstly, the locals will appreciate you taking the time to learn their language, and you will be welcomed into the country more readily. And, when you can speak the language, things like ordering food, asking for directions and listening to instructions will be so much more easier.
You will be appreciative of yourself
We all have goals, and it feels great when we accomplish them. It boosts your confidence, focus and helps you get used to more challenging situations. By learning Japanese, you are challenging yourself, and you will probably feel good about learning something unique. Personal growth is a big reason why lots of people want to learn a new language. Regardless of your reasons for learning Japanese, it always feels good to achieve new horizons.
As you can see, the reasons behind choosing to learn Japanese are varied. Whatever is your reason, it is undeniably going to be the most rewarding experience which will help you grow professionally as well as personally. So, without any delay take that plunge, go ahead and enroll yourself for Japanese classes and open the gates of endless opportunities for yourself.
