Lindbergh is connected to Japanese culture through its Japanese class, taught by Ms. Nasu, who educates students in the language.
When learning Japanese, it’s important to start with the basics, such as numbers, days of the week, basic verbs, and common nouns. These foundational elements, including essential kanji, form the basis for more advanced learning. Familiarizing yourself with hiragana and katakana early on also provides a solid grounding in the language.
Pronunciation is crucial to sounding natural. Listening to native speakers and mimicking their speech helps improve your accent and intonation. Seeking feedback from Japanese speakers is highly beneficial in refining your pronunciation and identifying areas for improvement.
A common mistake many learners make is using “san” after their own name. “San” is a sign of respect for others, not for oneself. Overusing personal pronouns like “watashi” (I) can also sound unnatural, as Japanese speakers often omit pronouns when they’re not necessary. Directly translating from your native language can lead to awkward or incorrect phrases in Japanese.
Keigo, or polite speech, adds another layer of complexity. There are three main categories: 丁寧語 (teineigo – polite), 謙譲語 (kenjougo – humble), and 尊敬語 (sonkeigo – honorific). Each category has its own rules and usage, so practicing and understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper communication.
Cultural phrases also play a vital role in Japanese conversations. Expressions like 「お世話になります」(osewa ni narimasu – thank you for your support) and 「よろしくお願いします」(yoroshiku onegaishimasu – please take care of this) are commonly used in both personal and professional settings and show respect for Japanese customs.
For improving listening comprehension, using audio with transcripts, shadowing native speakers, and watching Japanese media are effective methods. These practices help with both understanding spoken Japanese and reinforcing vocabulary retention.
Finally, to speak more naturally, regular interaction with native speakers is key. Mimicking their speech patterns, as well as learning when to use casual versus formal language, will help you sound more authentic in conversations.
