| The reasons for wanting to learn a new language are | | | | time online you may have noticed the burgeoning |
| varied. Learning Japanese is no exception. However, | | | | Japanese-speaking online population. |
| there are some reasons for learning to speak | | | | Japanese-speaking internet users account for a |
| Japanese that are somewhat unique and compelling. | | | | disproportionate share of the overall online |
| It may be as simple as that you will be traveling to | | | | community. |
| Japan and want to extract the maximum benefit and | | | | Historically, Japan has been a gateway to Asian |
| learning from your exposure to this fascinating | | | | culture for much of the western world. Learning to |
| culture. Or perhaps after reading "Memoirs of a | | | | speak Japanese can open new vistas of knowledge |
| Geisha" or watching the film or seeing "The Last | | | | and experience not only concerning Japan and its |
| Samurai" you, like so many other westerners, are | | | | ancient and mysterious ways, but other Far Eastern |
| simply fascinated with this ancient and exotic culture. | | | | and Asian countries and cultures, as well. Finally, the |
| Beyond these straightforward motivations you should | | | | language itself is relatively easy to learn- more so |
| consider some other factors. The Japanese economy | | | | than Latin-based languages such as French, Spanish |
| is a major factor in world business and economics. | | | | and Italian. You may not end up reading Japanese |
| Japanese investment in the United States is | | | | literature, but with a comparatively modest |
| significant and growing. As a result, aspects of | | | | investment of time you will be able to converse at a |
| Japanese culture- and language- are increasing in | | | | basic and acceptable level. And whatever your |
| presence and influence. While English remains the | | | | learning situation may be- full time, part time, in the |
| predominant language of global business and finance, | | | | car during your commute, classes, tutors, or |
| the ability to speak Japanese can be highly beneficial | | | | otherwise- there is a technique for learning Japanese |
| in business settings that increasingly involve Japanese | | | | that is right for you. |
| companies and business people. If you spend a lot of | | | | |