Does the Japanese language appeal to you, but you’re still not sure whether you want to take up a Japanese language course? Let us convince you! An enriching cultural immersion, introduction to Asian languages, opening up new professional horizons… Let’s see why learning Japanese is an excellent idea.
1. To immerse yourself in a rich and exciting culture
Did you know that Japanese was the 5th most learned language in the world in 2021? In the UK, it is even more widely studied than Welsh! The reason why Japanese is so popular is that it allows you to immerse yourself in an incredibly rich and captivating culture.
Whether you are passionate about calligraphy, manga, Japanese cinema, samurai, martial arts, sushi or video games, there are a thousand and one reasons to start learning this language.
🔎 Also read: What were the most popular languages in 2021?
2. To communicate easily with Japanese people
Although this is becoming less true, not many Japanese people are fluent in a second language. So you may find it difficult to find people with whom you can have a conversation in English (and even more so in French).
It is important to note that universities in Japan are highly regarded and graduates easily find employment in their country. Apart from people who work in the tourism sector or executives working for international companies, the Japanese do not really need to master a second language.
The best way therefore, to communicate easily with the inhabitants of this country, is to learn their language.
3. To have a smooth transition to Asian languages
Asian languages have a reputation for being difficult. It is true that they are very different from the Romance languages, which can make learning confusing. However, the Japanese language is by no means impossible to learn. Its pronunciation is much easier than that of Chinese, for example.
If you’re a grammar freak, you’ll probably be pleased to know that in Japanese there is no masculine/feminine or singular/plural, for example. The difficulty lies in the sentence constructions, which have little in common with those of European languages. Furthermore, the writing system is also very specific, since Japanese is written in Kanji. These are characters from Chinese that you will have to learn in order to be able to read Japanese
👉 Further information: Which languages are the easiest to learn?
4. To enhance your CV
Stating on your CV that you speak Japanese is an excellent way to prove to recruiters that you are:
- open-minded and original, by learning a “rare” language;
- hard-working and motivated, as it takes real commitment to learn to speak Japanese;
- adaptable and a logical thinker, as you have succeeded in familiarising yourself with a language system that is totally different from that of French.
Moreover, learning a language is also a guarantee of productivity and efficiency for your future employer. For example, multilingual employees find it easier to concentrate on a task, are more creative and adapt more quickly to changes in their professional environment.
5. To experience a change of scenery
Would you like to travel and feast your eyes? Japan will not disappoint you. This country with 125 million inhabitants is made up of more than 6,800 islands with varied landscapes.
You can get carried away by the frenzy and hyper-modernity of the big cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. Looking for calm and serenity? Spend some quality time in one of the country’s many temples. Nature lovers and adventure seekers will appreciate walks in the forest or along the coast. And if you prefer something more challenging, why not climb the famous Mount Fuji?
In short, Japan is a country with many facets. But wherever you go, the Japanese language will come in handy!
6. To open up new business opportunities
Japan is the leading Asian investor in France. Similarly, France is the 5th largest investor in Japan. Bilateral relations between the two countries are strong and are based on over 160 years of partnership in the fields of innovation, culture and security.
Speaking Japanese is a real asset for people working in the fields of:
- automotive;
- aeronautics;
- civil nuclear power;
- higher education;
- culture (cinema, books, video games);
- and even space (exploration, space technology).
To sum up: why learn Japanese?
Why learn Japanese? Because beyond the personal satisfaction of learning a language that is reputed to be difficult, speaking Japanese will be just as useful in your professional and personal life.
Moreover, with 1to1PROGRESS, you will be supported and guided throughout your learning process by native speakers and a dedicated educational team.
Don’t hesitate… Go for it!