Learn Japanese with audio

1. It's the best way to start learning Japanese. You will be able to have simple conversations very quickly. Later, I will show you how this can make a big difference when trying to connect with Japanese people.


2. You will get the pronunciation right from the beginning. Obviously, when you learn Japanese with audio, there is a good chance you will master the perfect pronunciation right away. It's not that difficult anyway -- unlike Chinese or some other asian languages. More about this later...


3. Language learning is about conversation. Why do you learn a language if not to talk and connect with people? That's the core, the main motivation and the best reason I can think of to learn a new language in the first place. Listening to audio examples of Japanese conversations will bring you closer to your main goal.


4. It's the easiest way to learn Japanese. Let's be honest, we tend to be lazy. Motivation is high in the beginning but if something involves hard work and determination then it's just too easy to give up and head for the next attraction. Believe me, learning Japanese with audio files is much easier than doing it with text books alone. This helps you staying on track.


5. It's fun. Yes, if you are using the right resources, then it's easy and pure fun to master the Japanese language. Just read on...

Shortly after my first arrival in Tokio, I was invited to a business dinner. I was asked to give a short speech about my impressions of Japan and how the business compares to that of my home country. At that time my Japanese was still on the beginners level but I nevertheless decided to start my speech with a few Japanese sentences.

So, I entered the podium, bowed slightly to greet the audience and started with "minasan, konban wa" (Everybody, good evening). This already triggered the first "ahhhs" and "ohhhs" in the audience. I continued to introduce myself in Japanese and -- to my surprise -- the people (all Japanese) jumped off their chairs and applauded enthusiastically. No need to say that my speech was a great success and I had many good discussions and found new contacts that evening.

So, believe me... Japanese people appreciate it a lot when foreigners take the trouble to learn their language. Even if you only master the basic greeting formulas, the "Thank you" and "Your welcome" and other basic phrases. This will make the difference. So, invest your time to learn Japanese phrases and basic conversation. This can be the #1 ice breaker for you. It certainly was for me on many occasions.

There are some good resources online to learn Japanese with audio examples. One resource that I highly recommend is this Japanese language course. It is starting at the beginners level and covers all important topics from greetings, meetings, travel, business, and so on. The great thing about it is that there are TONS OF AUDIO EXAMPLES. You learn by listening to real conversations and this is exactly what you need to do.

When traveling Japan, it is always a good idea to learn some useful Japanese phrases beforehand. The good thing about Japanese is that, unlike other asian languages, its pronunciation is relatively easy to master for English native speakers. Japanese people appreciate when foreigners take the trouble to learn their language. A simple self-introduction in Japanese can trigger enthusiastic applause and many "sugoooiii" screams from Japanese crowds.

Try it yourself!