One thing that I took for granted when I first arrived in Japan was the road signs. At first, I thought nothing of reading the destinations in English. After a while, I thought what’s the benefit of English writing on Japanese road signs? With some research, it all started in 1950. I would guess it was influenced by the US occupation of the country at that time.
It’s a sign
Fast forward to 2024, the English road signs that help me can help the English language learner too. Sitting in your car at the traffic lights, read aloud the road signs. A quick reading and speaking practice while you wait.
Watch, listen, read
TV is another resource, there are dedicated English lessons from beginner (kid’s TV) to advanced (English literature TV show). Foreign movies, foreign TV shows, and Japanese TV shows with English speakers. All of these vary in difficulty. Certain NHK News programmes can be listened to in English; I recommend recording it so you can pause and rewind what has been said.
Old school
NHK also has English lessons on the radio with supporting written materials. There are many English learning materials in many bookstores. Look for textbooks that suit your level and look nice. This will help your reading and writing skills. Also, as I always recommend to our students, read your English work aloud for speaking practice.
Ultimate practice
Using what you have studied and practised in an interactive conversation is the ultimate practice. A conversation is more than knowing vocabulary and grammar, it’s knowing how to communicate which isn’t always easy, even in your first language.
There are a few places to practice English conversation in Japan depending on where you live.
Make friends
Most large cities have places where foreigners like to socialise, usually a bar or an izakaya. Being friends with an English speaker can be good practice. However, many foreigners are aware of this and don’t like being used in this way. Another problem, some foreigners want to practice their Japanese so no English will be spoken.
Make more friends
Attending an English Meet-Up is another way to practice, I think this is possibly the best way. They offer practice in a social environment, people there won’t feel like they are being used, people are aware of different levels of English, there can be support from other Japanese English language learners and genuine friendships can be made with foreigners and Japanese alike.
Volunteer
Other potential places to practice are International Associations, which sometimes need volunteers to help foreigners with their Japanese and hold events with various nationalities.
Money talks
Some schools, including ours, offer 1-2-1 sessions for conversation only; a chance for the ultimate practice, online or in person. Whether you study alone, have lessons, or know the English language, there are paid services to keep practising English in Japan.
*****お知らせ*****
【ご自身が英語でコミュニケーションを取れているかどうか】を知りたい方、
【ご自身の英語のコミュニケーションの改善点】を知りたい方はお問合せから
【無料英語コミュニケーション力ミニ診断】と件名にご記入いただき、ご連絡ください。
毎月先着３名様のみ受付中です！
ー オンライン英語コミュニケーションプログラム ー
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションをあなたらしい英語で。一人一人のレベル、能力、
興味に合った教材や方法を用いたテイラーメイドの英語コミュニケーションプログラムです。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
*****お知らせ*****
【ご自身が英語でコミュニケーションを取れているかどうか】を知りたい方、
【ご自身の英語のコミュニケーションの改善点】を知りたい方はお問合せから
【無料英語コミュニケーション力ミニ診断】と件名にご記入いただき、ご連絡ください。
毎月先着３名様のみ受付中です！
ー オンライン英語コミュニケーションプログラム ー
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションをあなたらしい英語で。一人一人のレベル、能力、
興味に合った教材や方法を用いたテイラーメイドの英語コミュニケーションプログラムです。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
