Is it really hard to study Japanese outside Japan?

Question

Well just got back from Japan a few days ago ... and i love it there .. its like i dont want to come back to london anymore ....

Ok ... Im planning to study Japanese in London ..... there offering a night class near Marble Arch..... do you think it is advisable??? Should I just buy those CD learning tools? or should i just wait for my Cuz to come back from Japan this Oct. and have a 1 on 1 study???

I really like to learn Japanese ... it was qute difficult to interact with others ... i tought that people in tokyo are able to understand english ... but now i've proeven that it is verry rare to se Japanese who can understand english (or willing to talk to gaijin) ... but that wont stop me!!!!! i'll be back next Aug!!!! i really enjoyed the festival there ...

Thanks to all who help me dis last few months eps Cryn and Tokyo Mommy

Answer 1

If you cannot be in Japan, then classes are the next best thing. Classes provide you with structure, which is a good thing when you are trying to learn a language. It also provides you with goals and ways to check your progress. If you think you know something and you mess it up in class or on a written test, then you know to study more. If you try to teach yourself, it's easy to assume you know things until you have to use them and realize you have questions.

If your cousin knows Japanese, then he/she will be a great way to practice what you are learning in your class (and possibly add on to it). I would not rely completely on your cousin, because it's difficult for someone to know what to do when someone says "Teach me Japanese". It's overwhelming trying to figure out where to start and how to teach it.

The most important thing to remember is that the classes will benefit you only if you take the necessary time to study and learn. (It seems obvious, but so many people expect to be good enough without studying)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Your welcome!

I studied Japanese before I came to Japan and must say it was very beneficial for me. I think I would have been completely lost without it! I say go for it! Try to pick up hiragana and Katakana (Katakana will actually help you to read English words!!!) while you are still in england as well as some basic vocabulary and easy sentences, just to help you get around. It will be so much more helpful to have some Japanese behind you in the inital phases so you can hit the ground running (or at least able to prop yourself up on wobbly legs)!

Take a class or Japanese private lessons! Unless you are extremely self motivated the books and CDs will be a waste of time and money.

Good luck and God Bless!

Answer 3

Night school would be a good idea.
try before you know it language study. it's a download it gives you the basics and 'flash cards'. My daughter has been using it for a few weeks and it appears simple enough(!)
There are never too many ways to learn a language, and it gives you a sense of how differently different areas apply the use of it. You cousin could help you by listening to you to see how your getting on.
if money is tight then try on line first.
(also check out the japanese embassy website, some times they offer 16-17 year olds a scholorship (about 10 placesfor the whole uk though) to study in japan, as soon as my daughter is old enough thats what she wants to do!)

Good luck.

Answer 4

I would say, you should go to a night class becuase you will be forced to learn the items by taking tests. And you should buy the CD learning tools. Listening to japanese often will help you acquire the language at a faster pace.
OR you can watch Japanese dramas with subtitles.
You will learn some slang that is commonly used in japan.

Answer 5

I think you can.
Peter Barakan studied Japanese at London University. When he came to Japan for the first time, I am hearing he was enough fluent speaking in Japanese. Nowadays I see him often on Japanese TV programs.
http://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/english/magazine/ffe/vol11e.htm
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/japanology_e.html

BTW, I have lived in Craven Hill, near Lancaster Gate. I miss Kensington Gardens. Marble Arch and Hyde park, too.

Answer 6

i dont think so hard.
but cd is not so good tool to study japanese.
i always go and answer culture>language section.
im giving 1 on 1 lesson sometimes. they know basic. but some are speak very strange japanese. (i have 3 students)
you need native tutor.
you can talk to your cuz on the phone right? or look for language school. (some language schools's text books are incorrect japanese... but better than cd)

gambatte!

Answer 7

I think it depens where you stay. Where I stay, it isn't too hard to find a language school which teachers Japanese.

Answer 8

yes