Can an American in his 40's learn Japanese? How would I go about it?

Question

I have customers in Japan but I am shy about learning the language. I am not usually the person who visits but my role is expanding and I would like to learn what I can to make my customer more comfortable. How would I go about it? I also have a 6.5 year old boy who I would like to learn this language. Would teaching a father and son be different?

Answer 1

Obviously not at easy or as well as it would be if you were in your 20s or teens, but if you really want to, you can.

By all means, get your kid into it sooner rather than later. He may bristle and feel self-conscious about speaking a foreign language, but he'll thank you for it later.

Check out Schultz' kanji guide (although this is a bit advanced)

Answer 2

When I studied abroad in Japan, there was a retired guy in our group in his 60s. Didn't know any Japanese when he arrived, but went to classes with the rest of us youngsters...

Check to see if there are conversational Japanese classes offered near you at a community center. This will at least give you a collection of phrases you can use on your customers. Even making the attempt will impress them greatly.

Otherwise, you might look into a formal class at a community college or university. This would take more effort and time, but is recommended if you are serious about learning more Japanese than just a few phrases here and there.

For self-study, the series 'Japanese for busy people' is quite popular.

Finally, try contacting local English language (ESL) schools. They're always looking for Native English conversation partners for their students to help practice English. Try to get matched up with a Japanese student, and take turns practicing each other's language. I did this in college, and it really helped a lot. Chances are, one of the students might even have a child about your son's age.

Answer 3

Hehe, I'm self teaching myself at the rare age of 12! I've only gotten through some of the basics, like a few basic words and most of the letters. But I have a hard time remembering everything.

Answer 4

i have 8. 6. 3yrs old kids.
they speak japanese and english.
japanese for kids gonna be daily conversation.
for adult gonna be polite japanese.

you wanna learn because of japanese customer right?
normally you can't talk to customer like a friend in japan.
you can use informal japanese when you and your customer became so close. you need polite japanese for business.

first you better learn greeting
ex.
'ohayou gozaimasu'(=good morning)
'kon-nichiwa'(=hello)
'sayounara'(=good bye)
'arigatou gozaimasu/gozaimasita (past)' (=thank you very much)

my husband is 40's too and he try to learn spanish now.
i dont think too late to learn !!

Answer 5

Go to http://www.japanesepod101.com . I really like this podcast.
Learning with your boy should be a good experience for both!

Answer 6

i believe its never late to learn a language :)
ganbatte (do your best)

Answer 7

Ask Rosie O'Donnell, she is fluent in oriental languages. CHING CHONG CHING CHONG!