If you’re learning Japanese, you might have experienced common challenges such as “I feel nervous speaking Japanese in front of others,” or “As soon as I start speaking, all the words I knew seem to disappear—I can’t express what I want to say.” Does that sound familiar to you?
You may also feel overwhelmed speaking with Japanese speakers, especially in a group, almost as if you’re on a different planet. Native speakers often talk quickly and use words you haven’t learned yet. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this blog article, I help you overcome the feeling of being an “alien” and get you ready for action when you need it.
The psychological aspect of language learning is crucial. Let me share my experience of studying English in Japan, Canada, and the UK. I’m now fluent enough in English to work at a UK university, but when I first arrived in 2007, my English-speaking skills were not the best. My husband, whom I met at the time, can certainly attest to this!
I often worried about my English pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar due to a lack of confidence. While I felt relatively comfortable speaking with other international people, I became extremely nervous when speaking with native English speakers. For instance, I was invited to a pub for drinks, but I struggled to keep up with the conversation. The noise in the pub and the rapid shifts in topics made it difficult for me to follow along. I was so upset with my English. However, these experiences led me to develop strategies to overcome these psychological hurdles.
So, how can you become a confident speaker of Japanese? Here are six tips that helped me, and they might just work for you too.
Tip 1: Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
One of the most common obstacles in learning Japanese, or any language, is the fear of making mistakes. Many learners hesitate to speak out of concern that they might use incorrect grammar, mispronounce words, or fail to convey their thoughts accurately. However, it’s crucial to understand that mistakes are a natural part of the language learning process. Expecting to speak Japanese perfectly from the beginning is unrealistic and can hinder your progress. Native speakers themselves often appreciate the effort you’re making to learn their language and are usually more forgiving than you might think. By embracing your mistakes, you turn them into valuable learning opportunities. Each error helps you refine your skills, making you a more confident and effective communicator over time. Remember, the goal is not perfection, but communication, and the more you practice, the better you’ll become.
Tip 2: Don’t Expect Your Japanese to Be as Good as Your First Language
When learning Japanese, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your language skills to those of native speakers. As you can’t express yourself in Japanese at the same level as in your first language, you might feel frustrated, as if you were stupid or a baby. This can be particularly challenging when you’re surrounded by fluent speakers who seem to navigate the language effortlessly. I experienced something similar when I began working in the UK. I would often compare my English to that of my British colleagues, feeling inadequate when I couldn’t express myself as precisely or eloquently as they could.
However, it’s important to remember that language proficiency is just one aspect of communication. As a learner, you bring unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural insights to the conversation—qualities that go beyond mere language ability. While your Japanese may not be perfect, the value you offer as an individual is significant. Over time, your language skills will improve, but even before they do, you have much to contribute simply by being yourself. Embrace your journey, and don’t let the pursuit of perfection overshadow the meaningful connections you can make along the way.
Tip 3: Don’t Blame Your Accent or Listening Skills
One of the challenges of learning Japanese is understanding native speakers, especially when they speak quickly or use regional dialects. It’s easy to feel frustrated when you can’t grasp what’s being said or when your own accent feels like a barrier to communication. However, it’s important to remember that even native speakers struggle with these issues in their own language.
During my time in the UK, I observed that native English speakers sometimes had difficulty understanding different UK regional accents, and they could make grammatical mistakes in both speaking and writing. This is a reminder that no one is perfect, and you shouldn’t hold yourself to an unrealistic standard of perfection. Language is complex, and everyone, regardless of their fluency, encounters challenges. Instead of blaming yourself for not understanding every word or for having an accent, recognise that these are normal parts of the learning process. With time and practice, your listening skills and pronunciation will improve, but even as they do, it’s important to appreciate the progress you’re making and not be overly critical of yourself.
Tip 4: Don’t Blame Your Japanese
Don’t be too hard on yourself when it comes to your Japanese skills. Miscommunication isn’t always the result of your language proficiency. While it’s easy to blame yourself when a conversation doesn’t go smoothly, the reality is that misunderstandings can happen for various reasons. Sometimes, even when your Japanese is clear, the message might not be fully understood due to differences in cultural background, perspectives, or even the specific content of the conversation. Native speakers might struggle to grasp your point not because of your language ability but because the topic is unfamiliar or the context is different. It’s important to recognise that communication is a two-way process, and both sides play a role in understanding each other. Instead of focusing solely on your Japanese, consider the broader factors at play and appreciate the efforts you’re making to connect across cultures.
Tip 5: Surround Yourself with Encouraging Teachers and Friendly People
One of the most effective ways to build confidence in speaking Japanese is to surround yourself with supportive and encouraging individuals. Finding teachers and friends who are patient, understanding, and genuinely interested in helping you learn can make a significant difference in your language journey.
These people are not only good communicators, but they also create a positive environment where you feel comfortable making mistakes and experimenting with the language. Their encouragement and constructive feedback can boost your motivation, making you more eager to engage in conversations.
When you’re surrounded by friendly and supportive people, you’re more likely to take risks, try out new phrases, and gradually improve your fluency. This supportive network becomes a safe space where you can grow your skills without fear of judgment, helping you to enjoy the process of learning Japanese and build meaningful connections along the way are kind and enjoy your company.
Tip 6: Value Your Curiosity
Your curiosity is one of your greatest assets in learning Japanese, so it’s important to nurture it. By delving into your hobbies and interests, and learning how to discuss them in Japanese, you make the language more personal and engaging. Whether you’re passionate about cooking, anime, or technology, exploring these topics in Japanese will not only enhance your vocabulary but also make your conversations more meaningful and enjoyable.
In the UK, I found that sharing my interests in dogs, art, food, British jokes and more helped me connect with others who shared my passions, breaking down cultural and age barriers. Similarly, immersing yourself in Japanese culture through TV dramas, movies, and comedies can give you valuable insights into the language as it’s used in everyday life.
This cultural understanding will greatly enrich your interactions with native speakers. Imagine meeting a foreigner who’s well-versed in a niche aspect of Japanese pop culture—you’d be excited to talk with them, right? The same goes for your conversations in Japanese. When you share common interests, the language barrier fades, and you’re able to form deeper, more genuine connections. Your curiosity not only fuels your language learning but also opens up new worlds of interaction and friendship.
In Conclusion
Learning Japanese, like any language, comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome them and become a confident speaker. Embrace your mistakes as part of the learning process, and don’t expect your Japanese to be perfect from the start. Remember that your unique perspectives and experiences are valuable in any conversation. Don’t be discouraged by difficulties in pronunciation or listening—native speakers face these challenges too.
Surround yourself with encouraging and supportive people who will help you grow, and let your curiosity guide you as you explore new topics and deepen your interest in Japanese. In particular, finding a supportive and understanding teacher will really help you both build confidence and to get feedback on how you can improve.
By following these tips, you’ll not only improve your language skills but also build meaningful connections and enjoy the journey of learning Japanese.
Image
