Moving to Japan without knowing the language is a challenge. I was thinking language schools would be a good way to integrate into Japanese society.
As I’m in my late 50’s, I’m not looking to work or start a business in Japan. Learning the language would merely be for the purposes traveling, dining and socializing when I retire.
That said, I feel being immersed is the best and fastest way to learn. Language schools that offer 3-6 months are intriguing but also daunting as most include memorizing Kanji and Hiragana. Which I’m aware is helpful to be able to read signs and menus.
I’m currently learning common phrases and words via online apps and podcasts (NHK Radio). I feel great being able to converse a bit, but is this the correct approach?
I’m wondering what others think, given my use case.
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This is a copy of your post for archive/search purposes.
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**Start with language school?**
Moving to Japan without knowing the language is a challenge. I was thinking language schools would be a good way to integrate into Japanese society.
As I’m in my late 50’s, I’m not looking to work or start a business in Japan. Learning the language would merely be for the purposes traveling, dining and socializing when I retire.
That said, I feel being immersed is the best and fastest way to learn. Language schools that offer 3-6 months are intriguing but also daunting as most include memorizing Kanji and Hiragana. Which I’m aware is helpful to be able to read signs and menus.
I’m currently learning common phrases and words via online apps and podcasts (NHK Radio). I feel great being able to converse a bit, but is this the correct approach?
I’m wondering what others think, given my use case.
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There is no integration, sorry
What/how are you moving there? What kind of visa?..
Do you have friends/family there?
You should learn the language unless you’re okay with very minimal social interaction for the rest of your life. The majority of people don’t speak enough English so forming any kind of relationship is going to be difficult/impossible.
Kanji is daunting, hiragana and katakana isn’t, you should at least know those two, it’s essentially knowing your ABCs. It does help to just be there in general to immerse yourself. School is probably your best if you want to learn efficiently. Otherwise use YouTube, Duolingo, etc, for basics if you don’t care too much about learning.
I see you posted in /r/LearnJapanese and phrased your question “If for travel only, is language school overkill?”
Yes, moving to Japan for a language school course is overkill if you just want to visit Japan when you retire. Millions of people visit Japan every year with _no_ Japanese ability whatsoever, and they get along just fine. If you want to have a little bit of knowledge to make things smoother, Duolingo or a local class makes much more sense than moving to Japan for a few months of language school (which won’t get you very far anyway; most people attend for 1-2 years).