Is studying Japanese really that difficult? According to some second language acquisition theories, adults often struggle to achieve native-like pronunciation in a foreign language. However, after teaching Japanese at a UK university for over a decade, I’ve seen that it is indeed possible for adult learners to master Japanese. In this article, I will explore which aspects of learning Japanese are challenging, and which are more straightforward, based on the student’s first language.

Can I master Japanese characters?

The Japanese writing system is truly unique, with its three sets of characters: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. While this might seem complex at first glance, it’s important to remember that hiragana and katakana represent the same sounds, much like the alphabet in English. Kanji, originally borrowed from Chinese, adds richness and depth to the language. For learners whose first language is Chinese, kanji might feel more familiar due to the similarities between the characters. However, even for those whose first languages are English or other European languages, learning the Japanese writing system can be an enjoyable and rewarding process, especially when approached step by step.

The good news is that you don’t need to master all three-character sets at once. Most students start by learning hiragana, the foundation of the writing system, before gradually moving on to katakana and kanji. Based on my experience teaching Japanese at a UK university, students who balance their Japanese studies with their degree courses often find themselves mastering hiragana within the first month. However, it’s perfectly fine to take more time to master hiragana if needed. You can rely on roman letters (romaji) to help read hiragana until you feel more confident. Once they’ve got the basics of hiragana, they build on that knowledge, tackling katakana and kanji at their own pace. This step-by-step approach makes learning feel more achievable and ensures that new learners stay motivated and engaged as they progress.

Can I master Japanese pronunciation?

Yes, you absolutely can! Over the years, I’ve observed the pronunciation progress of hundreds of university students, and I’ve seen firsthand how much improvement is possible. When they first start, it’s natural for students to carry over some accent and intonation from their first language. However, with regular practice in the classroom—both with peers and myself—their pronunciation steadily improves. I offer constructive feedback tailored to each student’s needs, and the results are always encouraging.

From my observations, English-speaking students, especially those from the UK, often do quite well with Japanese pronunciation, particularly the tricky R-sound. This is likely because British English doesn’t emphasise the R-sound as strongly as American English, making the softer Japanese R easier to pick up. Similarly, students from Italian and Spanish backgrounds tend to adapt quickly to Japanese sounds. The consonant-vowel patterns in Italian and Spanish are quite similar to those in Japanese, which helps these learners grasp the rhythm and flow of the language more naturally.

On the other hand, students whose first languages are Chinese or Cantonese may initially have some challenges with Japanese pronunciation, especially with tonal accents. Since Chinese languages use tones to distinguish meaning, these learners might carry over those tonal patterns when speaking Japanese. However, with consistent practice and guided feedback, I’ve seen these students make impressive strides. Over time, their accents soften and blend more naturally into the sound of Japanese.

The key to mastering pronunciation is practice, patience, and confidence. Every learner has their own unique starting point, but with dedication, I believe anyone can achieve clear and natural Japanese pronunciation. In my classroom, I’ve seen students from diverse linguistic backgrounds make remarkable progress, and I’m confident you can, too!

Can I Speak Japanese?

Yes, you absolutely can! In my university beginners’ course, students start with little or no knowledge of Japanese—many only know a simple phrase like “arigato” (thank you). Yet, after just 22 weeks of four hours per week, they make remarkable progress. By the end of the course, students can confidently introduce themselves, talk about their hobbies, share their opinions, and engage in basic conversations entirely in Japanese. They can write essays and letters of over 400 characters, using hiragana, katakana, and even some kanji.

One of the key breakthroughs for learners is understanding the difference in grammar between Japanese and their native language. Once they grasp how the Japanese word order works, such as placing the verb at the end of the sentence, it becomes much easier to form meaningful sentences. This understanding unlocks the ability to create more complex and varied expressions, allowing students to actively use the language instead of just memorising phrases.

What’s truly encouraging is how quickly students begin to build their language skills. In just a few months, they go from knowing a handful of words to being able to hold simple conversations and express themselves clearly. With regular practice and engagement, speaking Japanese becomes not just possible, but enjoyable. Many of my students are amazed at how much they can accomplish in a short time, and you can too!

The journey to fluency begins with small steps, but with dedication and the right support, you’ll find yourself speaking Japanese with increasing confidence. Whether you’re discussing your favourite hobbies or sharing your thoughts in a conversation, every bit of progress brings you closer to your goal.

In Conclusion

Learning Japanese may seem challenging at first, but with dedication, patience, and the right approach, it is absolutely achievable. Whether it is mastering the writing system, refining pronunciation, or building confidence in speaking, progress comes step by step. Students from diverse language backgrounds may face different challenges, but with regular practice and support, those challenges can be overcome. My experience teaching university students has shown me that even beginners can write essays, hold conversations, and speak with confidence in just a few months.

The key to success is breaking the process down into manageable steps, embracing the differences between Japanese and your native language, and practising consistently. No matter your first language, with time, you can master Japanese and open the door to a rich and rewarding linguistic experience. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, but with persistence, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go!

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