Learning Conversational Japanese
Working and living in a country where you don’t know the language is not impossible but it can make things harder. When working in Japan for a long period of time, it can be helpful to know basic and conversational Japanese. The DECK is a community of international workers with varying levels of Japanese proficiency creating a space for learning and exchanging knowledge.
There are many ways to learn important phrases and conversational skills in Japanese as a foreigner. If you decide to study before coming to Japan, you can consider taking conversational Japanese classes at your local community college.
A more mobile option for learning basic Japanese includes the apps, Duolingo and Obenkyo. Both are free apps that offer different lessons for language learners. Additionally, there are online language classes that revolve around the user’s schedule with a variety of different courses and levels.
Online course to reference: Rocket Language Course and Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute
Lastly, for mobile opportunities, one of the most useful resources is YouTube. YouTube channels including JapanesePod 101 and Dogen are useful and accessible options for learning both basic and conversational Japanese on the go.
Once in Japan, there are many opportunities to learn the language and cultural customs. There are many Japanese language schools in the Osaka area, providing some night classes as well. Another option is language exchange meetups. These meetups are often between local Japanese residents and foreigners, looking to teach one another about their languages and cultures.
Check out Facebook groups for people in Osaka looking to exchange languages or research meetups on Meetup.com*.
Additionally, there are opportunities through local businesses including language exchange cafes.
Learning a new language can be hard, but The DECK is here to support creative and education endeavors. From startups to artists to language learners, The DECK is a place for productivity and growth.
The DECK is excited to support those learning Japanese and Japanese customs!
Feel free to ask The DECK staff for helpful language tips or to practice some useful phrases!
*The internet is a useful resource for meeting people but it is necessary that you are cautious and safe about those you meet in person.*