Why Learn Japanese & What Are the Benefits

Most people that wonder about why learn Japanese instantly think about language's cryptic system and all these cultural aspects that often come along. Fortunately, Japanese represents more than hieroglyphs and calligraphic writing that some of you might have seen before. The majority of Japanese learners choose this language because of their business necessities or particular cultural background that requires additional language skills. Think about those who translate all these anime shows, TV-series, or help with delivery of specific delicious food to your local restaurant and you might get an idea why learning Japanese often becomes crucial for professional success and understanding of all peculiarities of this amazing Asian country. 

Still, when an average person asks questions within the lines of should I learn Japanese, they consider it as overly complex, which isn't entirely true. Think about learning English with all related grammar rules and you may instantly see that Japanese is far from the worst. The key is to understand the country's culture and learn how to listen and pay attention to how each word is being pronounced. Let us not forget that Japanese represents the ninth most spoken language all over the world, which equals 128 million speakers. Add Japanese diaspora to our equation and you might be surprised that the largest Japanese community can be found in Brazil and only then in the USA, UK, or Canada. Regardless of a country that Japanese native chooses, they hold a significant part of their national character and native country where good language skills play a crucial role. 

Cultural Background and Benefits of Learning Japanese 

Without a doubt, one of the most interesting aspects of learning Japanese is discovering more about this country's culture and everything related to its rich history and traditions. As a language, Japanese has no close relation to any other major language out there, which makes it unique. It must be noted that it has even been approached as an isolated language, which meant that it stands alone in linguistic terms. It does not make it more difficult, yet forces person to take different learning methods. Even the word "Japan" itself is of a foreign origin and means "Land of the Rising Sun", which is not surprising. 

Some other benefits of speaking Japanese relate to understanding language that is based upon pictures and not the usual characters that most of us find as something habitual. Evolution of Japanese language brings us back to the first Yamato dynasty, which was established in the 6th century or approximately 1500 years ago. The modern version of Japanese is slightly different from all these loan words taken from elsewhere that they call "gairaigo" which even sounds as if it has been borrowed from Spanish. Yet, the trickiest part of learning this language is dealing with homophones or words that sound the same, yet mean a completely different thing. Wondering why learning Japanese is easier, you must remember about all Garden Path sentences in English or some spelling rules that do not really exist with dough, rough, and so on. The eight diverse characters that sound like "shin" are enough to keep foreigners puzzled for months. 

10 Reasons to Learn Japanese 

Interestingly, Japanese has the smallest number of offensive words with those that exist being related to animals or local plants. A reason for that is a great sense of respect among people that makes using any insults a rare occasion. It's a part of their culture and mentality of both young and old. Among our employees are many Japanese learners who shared with us reasons why you should study this language. Check them out.

1. Unique Business Management Perspectives

Representing the world's third-largest economy, Japanese language knowledge and skills are a direct path to international business management and banking sector among other things. It isn't surprising that Japanese translators and specialists that work with this particular Asian language are always in-demand. Avoiding English or any other language when communicating or working with business documents is a common practice among the land of the rising sun’s locals, which is why an expert knowledge of what is being written or said is so important. 

2. Better Career Opportunities

Regardless if you work on creating anime shows or deal with a culinary industry, even knowing the basics, you already get access to much better and high-paid career opportunities not only in Japan but all over the world. Among reasons to learn Japanese, career choices are always named first since you can work in anything from IT to governmental structures. Remember that you can also work as a freelancer because Asian markets look for those specialists who are available and can follow specific schedules. Japanese like those who provide accuracy, so keep it in mind. 

3. Dealing With Japanese Culture

If you want to learn traditional customs and dive into an old culture where respect and hierarchy play a vital role, there is no better way than learning how to speak Japanese. Just think about the tea ceremony tradition and learn to see past those famous memes and pictures that we see online as we form our opinion about Japan. Learning more about this amazing country’s culture helps you to become a different person and see that Western culture is not the only one out there. 

4. Teaching English in Japan

As an English native, you can apply for an English-teaching job or anything that deals with tutoring. Japanese schooling is considered to be one of the best in world and it is also a sphere where you are always treated with due respect and care. The role of a teacher in the country is akin to being an elder, which means that you receive a special status that lets you discover all useful and highly unusual cultural traits. 

5. A Different Learning Approach

While it is not that easy to learn these strange characters and remember what they mean, it helps one to establish another learning approach that makes thinking differently. Since you will have to broaden your vision and understanding of grammar and phonetics, it may help you in any subject that you approach, both academically or even if it is for some leisure purposes. The majority of learners claim that they have also studied some local philosophy, which has been quite helpful to understand why this or that character always comes first. 

6. Building a Gateway to Japanese Financial Markets

Another reason why you should learn Japanese is working with local financial markets and trading platforms. It is for a reason why you see Yen currency in financial rankings. Knowing the language will help you to communicate with local specialists and ask them about things that are unique to a country or certain business methods. Remember about cultural aspects and learn about respect and relevant social status before approaching any person. It may sound like something insignificant when your time is short, yet it always pas off.

7. Work With The Latest Technology Achievements

It is not a secret that Japan is a land of the most innovative technologies and solutions that go beyond their time. If you plan to build a career in data science or want to cooperate with local specialists that deal with medical equipment or high-definition electronics, learning this Asian language is a way to go that’ll definitely work out. While you may not be able to provide scientific research or write an assignment, even some basic knowledge will make it possible to start with a dialogue and build up a social circle. 

8. Employment in World's Top Companies

When an average HR manager is asked by a future employee some question like why should I learn Japanese, they smile and explain that doing so is a great chance to get employed in one of the world’s top corporations in London, Paris, New York, or Melbourne among other locations. Starting with international logistics to being a consultant for immigration services, Japanese language skills are always in high-demand since you always deal with various business spheres or creative media. The possibilities are, indeed, endless, so take your chance. 

9. A New Kind of Social Interaction

Now those people who are still uncertain about existing benefits of partying the way that only Japanese folks can, there is a great aspect of learning more about local social life, fashion, night clubs, and some cultural entertainment cannot be found anywhere else. Is it worth learning Japanese if you only want to have fun or travel? Absolutely! In addition to making new friends, one also learns a great deal about social subordination and respect in most Asian countries. 

10. Personal Growth

It's the most important part that is often neglected by those who start with Japanese grammar rules and pronunciation. It helps a person to grow inside and learn how to keep patient as one learns and interacts with the others. These are the reasons why most locals listen to you with great care. It is also a part of language specifics - to listen and to pay attention to all the tonal characteristics of what is being said. Just think about Japanese movies or advertisements. For some people they seem overly emotional. In truth, they simply deliver correct tonality.

• Read also: Where to find certified Thai translation services from professionals?

Is Learning Japanese Worth It?

The short answer is “yes” because you are not only learning the language but discovering one of the most interesting and unique parts of the world. Japan was not an easy place to build one’s business or learn about market specifics for quite a while, yet a lot has changed as soon as foreigners started to learn the language and communicate without hassles. Once again, it must be reminded that Japanese do not really like switching to English even if they know it. It is not a sign of disrespect per se, they just like to communicate in a language that they know precisely. It is one of those reasons why even greeting a person in Japanese helps locals guide you through any social hardships and treat you with respect.