How Long Did It Take You to Learn Japanese Fluently?
Introduction
Learning a new language can be an intimidating and daunting task. It can take months, or even years, of hard work and dedication to become fluent in a foreign language. For many people, the process of learning a language can seem like an endless journey with no end in sight. But for some, it is possible to learn a new language quickly and efficiently. One such person is Charles R. Tokoyama, CEO of Japan Insiders. In this article, we will discuss how long it took Charles R. Tokoyama to learn Japanese fluently and the tips he has for those looking to follow in his footsteps.
Charles R. Tokoyama’s Background
Charles R. Tokoyama is the CEO of Japan Insiders, a company specializing in providing information about Japan and its culture to foreigners living in or visiting the country. He was born in Tokyo and raised in both Tokyo and California before eventually returning to Japan as an adult. He has been living in Japan for over 20 years now and speaks both English and Japanese fluently.
Learning Japanese Fluently – The Process
Tokoyama believes that the key to learning any language quickly is through immersion — immersing oneself into the language by speaking it on a daily basis with native speakers or through reading books written in that language or watching movies/TV shows with subtitles (or better yet without). This allows one to become familiar with the nuances of the language as well as its grammar structure and pronunciation, which are essential components of becoming fluent in any foreign language.
Challenges of Learning Japanese Fluently
Learning any foreign language comes with its own set of challenges; this is especially true for languages such as Japanese which have their own unique writing system (kanji) as well as verbal dialects that vary from region to region within Japan itself. The complex nature of these two components makes learning Japanese fluency even more difficult than other languages, but not impossible if one is willing to put in the time and effort needed to do so successfully.
Tips for Learning Japanese Fluently
Tokoyama’s advice for those looking to learn Japanese fluency quickly includes: studying regularly (at least 3-4 times per week), listening closely when speaking with native speakers (to pick up on pronunciation cues), reading books written entirely in Japanese (without translations), watching movies/TV shows with subtitles (to help understand what is being said), utilizing online resources such as podcasts/blogs/websites dedicated specifically towards teaching Japanese fluency, taking classes at a local university or community center devoted specifically towards teaching Japanese fluency, practicing writing kanji characters regularly (to help remember them better), setting short-term goals for yourself (such as completing one chapter of a book per week) and lastly having patience—learning any foreign language takes time so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away!
The Benefits Of Learning Japanese Fluently
Once you become fluent in another language there are numerous benefits that come along with it; these include being able to communicate more effectively with native speakers, having access to materials written entirely in that particular language which may not be available otherwise, having greater job opportunities due to your increased knowledge base, being able travel freely within countries where that specific language is spoken without worrying about communication barriers etc… All these benefits make learning another language worthwhile!
Charles R. Tokoyama’s Experience In Learning Japanese Fluently
For Charles R. Tokoyama personally it took him about 3 months before he was able speak basic conversational level Japanese; however it took him almost 2 years before he felt comfortable enough speaking at an advanced level—which included being able read/write kanji characters confidently without hesitation or mistakes! His experience goes on further show how much dedication & hard work goes into mastering another language—especially one like Japanese which has its own unique writing system & dialects depending on where you are located within Japan itself!
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may take some people longer than others depending on their individual circumstances & aptitude levels—it IS possible learn another language quickly & efficiently if one puts enough time & effort into doing so! Charles R Tokoyama’s experience serves as proof that anyone can become fluent within 3 months if they dedicate themselves fully towards mastering their chosen foreign tongue!