Learning Japanese – Some Benefits
Posted on December 13, 2009
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There is no question that it does take longer to learn Japanese than some other languages. But it is possible, as any of the 500,000 US citizens who live in Japan will probably tell you. Around the world, Japanese is spoken by more than 120 million people, making it a more significant language than many people realize. You’ll be in an exclusive group, but not a small one.
Companies from Japan are represented in nearly every major country in the World, befitting of one of the world’s greatest export economies. Speaking Japanese is a clear advantage if you work for a Japanese corporation, or if you want to do so.
Japanese managers still hold many of the senior positions outside of Japan in the bigger Japanese corporations. The best strategy for a non-Japanese to gain senior advancement is to spend some time at the Japanese facilities, perhaps two or three years, and then getting promoted to a more senior position outside Japan. That strategy makes learning Japanese essential. Even if your employer has some internal programs, there is a lot to be said for getting noticed by taking matters into your own hands and doing and external program also.
Embedded in the culture of Japan is the concept of the supreme importance of respect. You will earn great respect by showing them the honor of learning their language. It is better to begin with learning to speak Japanese. Writing skills can be dealt with afterwards.
The Japanese are great travelers. If you work in the hospitality industry, learning Japanese can give you a boost also, as you will be more valuable to your business or you employer. You can clearly understand that there is business and personal benefit to be had from being able to converse with tourists from Japan.
Japanese grammar is simpler than that of many other languages. There are no noun genders, no accompanying articles, and no plural forms to learn while studying Japanese. There are very few irregular verbs in Japanese, and only the past and present tenses. Spoken Japanese has only 5 vowel sounds and spelling is phonetically consistent, making the language relatively easy to pronounce.
Japan has been influenced by Asia’s greatest civilizations: India, China, and Korea. Western traditions and habits are shared across Western cultures, and Asian cultures similarly share many habits and traditions. Greater insights can be had into the religious, aesthetic, and ethical values of other Asian nations by studying Japanese as many of these are shared across Asian cultures. A familiarity with Asian cultures also allows you to step outside of your own culture and see the Japanese and Asian cultures in a whole new and fresh light.
The author operates a Language website, and you are welcome to review his Learning Japanese recommendations here. Also, you may avail of a FREE 6-Day Learn Japanese Online Course.
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