Japan Guide: Language

Learning a foreign language is difficult for everyone - but it becomes a lot easier if you do it in an efficient way. Read our guide on language schools, courses and books, language exchanges and tricks to get the language basics.

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  The Japanese language

  Written and spoken Japanese

  Linguists have yet to determine the true origins of the Japanese language (Nihongo). This is oddly appropriate for a language considered one of the most difficult in the world.

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  Learning Japanese

  Language schools and other options

  On average, learning Japanese takes twice as long as other European languages, since foreigners have to memorize the kana (phonetic alphabet) and kanji (symbolic alphabet). An organized course of study will help you learn faster and practice your skills at the same time.

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  Language qualifications

  Japanese Language Proficiency Test

  For all Japanese students, there is only one standardised test that you can take to prove your level. The JLPT (Nihongo Nōryoku Shiken) is run by the Ministry of Education, and can only be taken at certain times in the year.

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  Japanese survival vocabulary

  A basic phrasebook

  As Japanese is a completely different language, and because the Japanese love it so when you make the smallest effort to learn their language, you might find people smiling at you and talking endlessly!

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