How easy is it to learn conversational Japanese?

Question

Im interested in attending evening classes to learn Japanese. Has anyone else tried and achieved?

Is it easy to learn to a conversational level?
do you need to be able to write/read to speak?

do you have any advice,

I speak English, French and conversational Spanish, However; Im sure this forms no basis to learning this language

Answer 1

Once you get used to Japanese's Subect-Object-Verb, "barely use any pronouns" structure, it's not that hard to have a basic conversation, though you should learn the different ways of speaking to different types of people depending on their status to you to be really good at it (and that's a bit of a pain to grasp, in my opinion).
I haven't taken an evening class, but unless it's a class specifically for conversation, they probably would like you to be able to read and write at least kana (hiragana and katakana) if not before you enter the class, then learn during its course.

Answer 2

Well I don't know if I am any helpful since I am a native Japanese speaker, but I think you don't necessarily need to be able to read and write in order to speak, even though it might help. Speaking Japanese is not probably as hard as reading and writing, although those are important elements too. I think attending evening classes is a good idea, because they should be able to give you some tricks to learn it more easily than doing it alone. But how easy or difficult it is to achieve what you want really depends on how badly you want, to be brutally honest with you.
Good luck.

Answer 3

The grammar and vocab is pretty easy, so is pronunciation. If you really "only" want to learn to speak the language, it isn't that hard at all. However, it does of course help to be able to read and write, if only to, well, "see" why you are saying things the way you do. Without knowing the characters at all, it will prolly end up in simply learning by heart without really understanding the language. You are right though, with the languages you know you will have to learn Japanese from scratch.

My advice: Start learning to speak and I am sure you will soon be desperate to learn more - Japanese is so fascinating, it gets you hooked in no time!

Answer 4

If you know Korean, then Mandarin would be easier than any other tone. However, I won't say it is easy. I know there are some similarities in terms of pronounciation between Mandarin and Korean, but not as much as you would hope for. How do I know, I am Chinese and I am learning Korean.

Answer 5

Knowing any foreign language gives you an advantage over someone that has never learnt how to go beyond their native tongue.

I'd say it's not too difficult to seak Japanese - certainly easier than learning to read or write - don't even go there unless you've got loads of time and enthusiasm!

Good luck - go for it!

Answer 6

Hello,

To be completely honest, it depends on your motivation.

If you mean conversational basis, there wouldn't be any need for the script. Try Pimsleur conversational cd or mp3 .....

Good luck

Answer 7

If you determined in studying to communicate Chinese then you must now that the very best alternative is a Course for Mandarin.

Answer 8

If you wanna learn chinese quickly, you should apply to this course http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=314
It's the best choice.
Best

Answer 9

wow.....i only speak english. and i struggle with that too....bet im a right ficko compared to you

go for it and learn....if youve picked up other languages, another shouldnt be too hard.....good luck

Answer 10

I speak Arabic , English ,Persian , et un peu de fransaise,
but Japeneese I don't