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4 unique ways to improve your Japanese speaking ability (and they work!)
As someone who has been learning foreign languages, I understand learning a language can feel frustrating sometimes. Especially when you are not living in the country that the language is spoken. So here are four of my personal recommendations for ways to ensure you are getting the most out of your Japanese learning, even if you are outside of Japan.
1. Find a language buddy and exchange voice messages
It’s always great to have a Zoom session with your language buddy who you can ask questions or speak in Japanese / the language that they are learning. However, it’s hard to keep it up every single day. However, if you use voice messaging instead of sending a text, you can learn listening and speaking skills from native speakers.If you are looking for a language buddy, I highly suggest you use an app called HelloTalk.
On this app, you can find people that are learning your language and talk in each others’ languages. It’s mutually beneficial! Another great feature on HelloTalk is that you can make posts which allows others to interact and give you feedback.
Link for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hellotalk-language-learning/id557130558
Link for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details
2. Find a language buddy and exchange voice messages
When you learn new words and phrases, it requires a considerable amount of output work to actually remember and be able to utilise those words and phrases in conversation. If you are living with someone, you can ask them to give you a sentence for you to translate.
You: Can you give me a sentence!
Your brother: I walked to the station.
You: 駅まで歩いた。
Obviously, unless your mum is Japanese or speaks Japanese fluently, you can’t ask for a feedback from her. However, it’s an amazing way for you to practice Japanese. Why? When you can’t translate a sentence you will have some frustration and which pushes you to find out. Plus, whoever you are living with is going to see your progress and you are going to feel more motivated.
3. Find a language buddy and exchange voice messages
Terrace House (テラスハウス) is great for you if you want to watch realistic and authentic conversations as the show is meant to be “non-scripted”. Terrace House is available on Netflix (varies between countries).
4. Find a language buddy and exchange voice messages
I highly suggest Japanese learners to keep a diary for three reasons:
- You get to use words repeatedly that are useful to you specifically, because you are describing your day and feelings.
- You can look back and will be able to see progress as you go.
- You can build yourself an accesible daily routine.
If you are interested in taking our lessons, feel free to get in touch with us via yaho.japanese@gmail.com.
Check out our Lesson Packs as well!
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