akamonkai_online The Japanese language is among the most popular in the world, and the number of speakers is growing steadily. According to a study conducted by Middlebury College in 2023, Japanese is among the top ten most spoken languages in the world. With 128 million native speakers, it ranks at number nine. The number of foreign speakers is on the rise as well, most of whom take their Japanese language lessons online.
The widespread influence of Japanese culture, media, fashion and technology over the past few decades have made the country a major attraction. That is for not only tourism, but business and economic opportunities alike. As a result, the demand and need for the Japanese language as a skill have increased exponentially, making it a favorite worldwide.
The Challenge Of Starting
Choosing the right learning program is not easy, however. For many people, learning Japanese looks difficult because they do not know where to start.
The main dilemma is that of “should I sign up at a local academy, learn online or get on the plane and figure it out there?”
We may have your answer. For someone who is not already living in Japan, taking Japanese language lessons online is the most feasible option. Everybody is different, of course, but if you relate to the following factors, online Japanese learning might be just right for you.
Who You Are & Your Learning Goals
Whether or not studying online is enough by itself, depends on your motives, as well as your reasons for wanting to learn the Japanese language in the first place.
Why Take Japanese Language Lessons Online?
Whether you are a tourist who is fascinated by the culture and views, an avid listener of Japanese music or a language enthusiast looking to add Japanese to your roster, you can rely on online lessons for the most comfortable learning experience.
Remember, a language is a skill. The consistency of learning is more important than the intensity. Taking your Japanese language lessons online means you can study conveniently, with time and location freedom. This makes it easier to maintain your momentum and progress over a long period of time.
Unless your job urgently demands for Japanese communication with language-specific terms, there is no pressure to go local! You can see results and become fluent by taking your Japanese language lessons online.
If Moving/Visiting, Should I Take Japanese Language Lessons Online ?
A faster learning pace is required for transfer students and professionals trying to take their career overseas. These are the only groups for whom being in the country will be necessary, in addition to online Japanese learning.
Online Tutor
The common question is: “Do online Japanese lessons make a difference if I’m staying in Japan?”, and the answer is yes. While being in the environment will help you learn faster, there will be a language barrier early on.
An online tutor will help you overcome that barrier, by giving you a space to comfortably learn while speaking in English. A break can be necessary in the midst of adapting, and online tutors provide just that. You can voice your specific concerns in English while your tutor gives you personalized instructions, making the integration of Japanese into your life and career a more comfortable process.
Asynchronous Lessons
If you do not feel like you need a tutor, you can still take Japanese language lessons online in other ways. Although throwing yourself in the field and talking to locals will sharpen your Japanese speaking skills by a lot, it can get exhausting.
Now don’t get it twisted; you will see impressive progress by talking directly to locals. It can, however, stress you out at times. There will be moments where you get tired of trying to pierce the language barrier, and making awkward attempts at conversation.
This is why asynchronous Japanese lessons are going to be your best friend. You’ll be able to learn at your own time, without giving up your privacy or investing too much social energy.
An advantage of both online tutors and asynchronous Japanese lessons is the development of writing in kanji.
Writing in Kanji – The Power Of Online Japanese Lessons
You could be living in Japan, reading signs and talking to locals all day, every day, and still not know how to write. Language is not only verbal, after all. Learning how to write is important, if you’re looking for a holistic education on the Japanese language.
True proficiency includes talking, reading and writing; and it simply won’t be possible to achieve without properly learning grammar and writing in kanji. The unique letter adds an additional layer to the challenge of learning the Japanese language, and that is often overlooked by aspiring students of the Japanese language.
With that established, even if you are moving to Japan and immersing yourself in the community during your day-to-day life, you’re still going to need professional Japanese language lessons. The question is whether it’s best to attend a brick-and-mortar academy, or opt for online Japanese learning instead.
Geographic Advantage of Japanese Online Lessons
One of the main differences between studying at a local academy and studying Japanese online is the learning environment. A brick-and-mortar academy requires students to be physically present while the lesson is being conducted. While there is nothing wrong with the model, many aspiring Japanese speakers give up on the idea as soon as they think about going to an academy.
Brick-And-Mortar Academy
There is a fear associated with being in a new environment. For example, many people avoid getting a gym membership because their lack of familiarity with the equipment and culture makes them think they’re going to embarrass themselves.
Others tend to associate academies with school. Many adults will shun the idea of signing up for language lessons because of this. While society encourages education at all ages, a place reminiscent of school is not an attraction for most adults. They tend to find it more productive to work extra hours, and more refreshing to free time with their loved ones.
Needless to say, students who already attend a school building are even less inclined to want to be inside of another academy.
Online Japanese Lessons – Geographic Advantage
Online Japanese learning, on the other hand, feels much less like school and much more like education. A choice. People receive the same value in an environment that is more private and comfortable. There are less formalities and paperwork, not to mention the convenience of completely removing the need for transport.
The Schedule Benefits of Taking Japanese Language Lessons Online
It goes without saying that taking your Japanese language lessons online gives you much more freedom over your time.
Whether you choose a one-to-one or one-to-many instructor, it is infinitely easier to fit online lessons into your schedule as opposed to in-person classes. Getting ready takes time, transportation takes time, and most of all, you’ll be getting back in the flow of your daily routine after the lesson.
One-To-Many Class System – Advantages of Online Japanese Lessons
One-to-many group sessions are mostly scheduled, but the main difference is that your local academy limits you to the schedule they offer. If you search for classes online, you will find classes that fit nicely into your schedule. On top of that, you won’t have to commute all the way there and back. When learning Japanese online, the furthest place you’ll commute to is your home office.
One-On-One System – Online Japanese Learning Benefits
As far as one-on-one lessons go, there are a lot of qualified tutors that do not work at their local academies. A lot of them prefer to teach online, and with the removal of transportation time, these tutors have more time slots available for one-on-one lessons, making it easier to find a time that suits you.
The Benefits of Asynchronous Japanese Learning
When it comes to learning Japanese asynchronously, you have even more time freedom. Even though you lose the real-time interaction with your instructor, you have 100% control over when you study your Japanese language online lessons. Whether it’s video, reading material, quizzes, test, you’re able to take them at any time.
Even if your life is so busy that you can’t study at a consistent time every week, asynchronous learning allows you to learn whenever you find the time. Communication with the instructor is slowed, though it is a small price to pay, as even the busiest of learners can see progress with asynchronous Japanese learning.
Other factors
Pricing:
The relative difference is generally the same. One-on-one tutoring tends to cost more than group sessions. Downloadable asynchronous programs and courses, get cheaper; sometimes free. So does the in-person equivalent to that; studying independently at a bookstore or library at your own pace. You’re essentially paying for the tutor’s dedicated time.
Reputation:
The legitimacy of your Japanese language tutor and academy is incredibly important, and the process of evaluating credibility is about the same; check different platforms(company website, Yelp, Google Reviews etc.) for reviews. For local companies, word of mouth will also help you determine if they’re right for you. For online academies, you can get public opinions through forums like Reddit, Quora etc.
The main difference is that your local options are limited. If the highest rated Japanese language instructor has 3 stars, that will be the ceiling. You are greatly restricted by the area you live in. You do not have to settle for a subpar education though, as it is very much possible to find a reputable(often cheaper) Japanese language academy on the web.
Social
The biggest edge physical Japanese language classes have over their online equivalent is the social aspect. After all, when you are present, that is first-hand experience in communicating in Japanese.
The class is more focused overall, and the community feeling from learning in-person is invaluable. This is especially true when there are other learners present. Even though most people would agree that physical learning is a better experience socially, the advantage of in-person academies is not as definitive as it may look.
For example, there are people who enjoy the physical experience, but avoid asking too many questions. This may be due to the fear of being perceived as uneducated, or appearing as “too talkative” by fellow mentees. Reluctance in asking questions can slow down individual progress.
On the other hand, classes hosted through Zoom make it possible to communicate through both: speaking directly on call, and typing in chat. When feeling unsure about the quality of a question or the perception it will get from peers, it is possible to type directly to the instructor. This allows the learner to engage in the habit of asking questions much more freely, significantly boosting progress.
Overall, though, most people prefer the social aspect of being in a room over Zoom. This factor primarily depends on the goal of the learner; in-person classes are better for those looking for a productive and social hobby, while taking Japanese language classes online is more efficient overall.
Discipline
The personal discipline of the learner might be the single most important factor when deciding whether to learn Japanese online or in-person.
How Discipline Affects Online Japanese Language Lessons
Discipline is highly valued in Japanese culture. It is one of the key characters traits and virtues their society is built upon. This is important to be aware of when learning the language, for yourself, and due to the fact that punctuality and discipline are very important to your instructor.
A lot of people tend to make the case that taking Japanese language lessons online is ineffective because it is “harder to focus”. They are right; complacency is a real danger. It is sneaky when the person holding you accountable for your progress is on a screen rather than in front of you. Needless to say, it is sneakier when the person holding you accountable is you.
Conclusion
For many people, the pressure of having to show up to the lessons in person helps them with their consistency. That is completely fine.
The misconception, however, arises when labeling online learning as “ineffective”, rather than reflecting on one’s own discipline and learning style. Whether on a screen or on a book, the information is equally valuable and choosing the right tutor will play a big role in how that information is delivered to you.
The efficiency of learning online is an advantage exclusive to those who are willing to stay focused on their lessons over the long term. After all, a student can be distracted talking to someone in the room, just as easily as they can be distracted during online lessons.
Before making the decision on whether you will take your Japanese language lessons online, or in-person, evaluate your learning habits, as that will remove bias and help you see both learning methods for their true efficiency and effectiveness.