Introduction
Learning Japanese through media like manga, anime, films, and dramas can be a fun and effective way to study the language, especially if you’re learning on your own. As someone who has taught Japanese at a UK university, I’ve seen how students can benefit from using these resources. While traditional methods like textbooks provide a strong foundation, Japanese media allows learners to experience the language and culture in a more dynamic and engaging way. Through these mediums, you can pick up everyday language, cultural nuances, and conversational expressions that might not be covered in formal lessons.
However, it’s important to use this method with a balanced approach, as it comes with both benefits and potential challenges. In this blog article, I’ll help you make the most of this learning strategy, guiding you through the process while enjoying the richness of Japanese media.
Getting Used to Japanese Sounds
A key first step in learning Japanese through media is familiarising yourself with the unique sounds of the language. Japanese phonetics are quite different from English, French, or other Western languages. For example, Japanese doesn’t emphasise accents on words or link sounds between words as some languages do. Instead, Japanese speech tends to have a relatively flat intonation. By regularly watching anime, films, or dramas, you can train your ear to recognise and reproduce these sounds more naturally. This kind of exposure will help you get used to the rhythm and pronunciation of Japanese, which is crucial for building a solid foundation in the language.
Navigating the Nuances of Speech Styles
While learning Japanese through anime and other media is effective, there’s a potential downside. The Japanese language is deeply connected to its social culture, where speech styles vary greatly depending on the context. The level of formality, politeness, and social hierarchy can determine which speech style is appropriate, making it tricky for learners to understand these nuances.
Anime creators often use exaggerated or stylised tones to add drama or humour, which doesn’t always reflect real-life communication. For instance, a Japanese girl raised in the UK might speak fluent Japanese with her family, but without formal instruction, her speech might mimic the exaggerated tones of anime. This could make her sound unnatural in real-life conversations because she might not know which words or communication styles are appropriate with friends or older people. This example highlights that language learning isn’t just about mastering grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about understanding how to use the language appropriately within society.
That’s why it’s important to complement your media-based learning with resources that explain the cultural and social rules of Japanese language use. This will help you better understand when to use certain expressions and avoid sounding inappropriate in real-life situations.
Where to Get Started
It’s tempting to jump straight into watching anime and drama series when you start learning Japanese, but this can be challenging if you don’t have a solid grasp of Japanese speech styles. Unlike English, where verbs remain unchanged across different levels of politeness, Japanese grammar features three distinct speech styles: honorific, polite, and casual. Each of these styles requires different verb and adjective conjugations depending on the context.
For learners, Studio Ghibli films are a great resource because they often use language that balances accessibility with cultural richness. Additionally, the film Perfect Days provides a valuable look at daily life in Japan, showcasing simple Japanese sentences and everyday conversations, which can help you understand practical usage and the nuances of different speech styles.
To effectively use anime and films in your language studies, I recommend starting with polite Japanese. This is the most common and versatile style, even though it might differ from the language used in anime. Once you’ve mastered polite forms, you can move on to casual speech, which is more prevalent in everyday conversation and media. Finally, explore honorific language, which is primarily used in formal or business contexts.
In Conclusion
Learning Japanese through anime, films, and other media offers a unique and engaging way to immerse yourself in the language and culture. While this method can significantly enhance your listening skills and familiarity with everyday expressions, it’s essential to approach it with an understanding of the complexities involved, particularly in terms of speech styles and social context.
By starting with polite Japanese and gradually expanding to casual and honorific forms, you can build a strong foundation that will help you navigate real-life conversations more naturally. Combining media-based learning with formal study and guidance from experienced instructors ensures that you develop both linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness, making your Japanese language journey both enjoyable and effective.
As a university lecturer in Japanese, I’m confident I can help you use these resources effectively. If you’re interested in learning Japanese I’m planning to launch an online course for beginners next summer in 2025. Please add your name to my email newsletter as you’ll then be notified as soon as enrolment opens. I’d love to guide you on your language-learning journey!
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