If you are interested in learning the Japanese language, there are a variety of methods that you can choose from, and they each have their own pros and cons. You can buy Japanese lessons books or audio CDs, you can attend classes in a school or through private tutoring, or you can learn the language online.  In order to choose which method is best for you, we will detail out the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Private Lessons

Private Japanese lessons from a Japanese language teacher may be a great way to learn the language.  The benefits are that you will be able to learn from a native speaker, you will learn how to pronounce the words properly, and you will get one-on-one instruction.  The disadvantage of this option is that taking private tutoring lessons is very expensive and what’s more, it is not suitable for people who do not have the time to attend the class every week.  Additionally, it can be hard to be motivated enough to practice alone with your notes in between your sessions.

If the expense of private lessons is a concern for you, then you could try learning the language from a Japanese speaking friend, if you have one.  You could teach your friend English in exchange for him or her teaching you Japanese.  This is a great ways to get Japanese lessons, as you can get together more frequently than if you were paying for private lessons.  But, it can be difficult to find someone interested in this approach, and if you do find someone, you need to be sure that the person is capable of teaching you Japanese properly.

Another option is to attend Japanese lessons at a nearby college.  One benefit of this approach is that the cost will be less than that of private lessons.  Another benefit is that you will have live interaction with a Japanese instructor, so you will know whether you are pronouncing the words correctly.  A drawback to this method is that in order to become fluent in the language, you will need to attend classes for quite some time (i.e. years), so it becomes quite costly, too.  If you either need extra time to learn or learn very quickly, the classroom setting may not be ideal for you.  And, you will need to find the motivation to study from your notes between classes, as you need to practice frequently to truly learn the language.

Computer software program

If the cost of private tutoring or college classes is prohibitive for you, if you live where college courses aren’t available, and if you are unable to find someone to exchange language lessons with, then you should consider buying a computer software program to take Japanese lessons.  In fact, even if you do want to take Japanese lessons with a tutor or at a college, having an online Japanese language course at home will help to reinforce the lessons you learn in your classes.

The benefits of a Japanese language software program is that you can study and learn at your own pace, wherever you have your computer, any time of the day or night.  You can download the program and begin learning at any time, so you don’t need to wait until the next college semester begins.  The newer programs include so many bells and whistles that they make learning interesting and fun.  And they cost only a fraction of tutoring or college classes.  The drawback of this option is that many of the programs are unable to correct your pronunciations when you say the words incorrectly.  However, a few of the newer software programs that are available include video, audio, interactive games and other components.

Books and Audio CDs

You will also find many Japanese learning books and audio CDs in bookstores.  The benefit is the low cost of these items (although the CDs can get pricey).  The quality of these items range from mediocre to excellent, and it can be but there is only shard to know which are the high-quality products.  A large drawback to this combination is that there is no interaction and nobody to whom you can ask questions.  It is also a pretty boring option, and since it will take a long time to learn via this method, it will be hard to keep your motivation to learn high.  So, we do not recommend Japanese lessons from books and CDs, at least not as the sole resource.

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