Shreedhar Iyengar

Hi Riddhiman, I don't know for what reason you are choosing to learn Japanese, but it is a great decision, as Japanese presence in India is increasing at an astonishing rate. From huge Japanese players such as Nissan, Honda, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, etc, choosing to invest in facilities in India, to various big IT companies that are looking east and trying to win over projects from Japanese clients, being proficient in this language gives you an unmistakable edge. Coming to your question, I passed all five levels of the JLPT exam, the Japanese exam conducted by the Japanese government, levels N5 to N1 in a span of 3 years, writing one exam almost every 6 months. I will tell you my strategy. First choose a good school, and take time to learn the first two fundamental levels thoroughly. When you are very strong with the basics, the challege posed by the higher levels can be met, provided you work hard. From the very first level, cultivate the habit of reading and writing a lot. At the beginning, write down every word and sentence you learn, as the script is completely new, and consists of three parts. The third part, Kanji, is the toughest and you will have to learn around 2000+ to be considered completely literate. However, you have 5 levels to learn them, and plenty of time. Though the exams do not test your writing skills, write, write and write some more. Use every kanji you learn and form sentences of your own. Once you learn basic grammar, apply it to daily situations and form basic sentences, other than those given in your textbooks. Most Japanese newspapers have versions or supplements for children, which are available online. Start reading these as soon as you grasp the basics of the language. Use every new word of vocabulary and grammar point you learn, and have conversations with yourself. I used to talk to myself as I walked alone on the road. Don't worry what others will think; it is only by trying to talk a lot and learning from your mistakes, that you can improve. Befriend your classmates and chat and talk to them in Japanese. If you can befriend Japanese natives, write to them, chat with them and maybe talk to them on Skype. And start watching Japanese programming; anime, movies and Japanese drama. At first you might not catch a single word, but soon you will start understanding the content little by little. To put it simply, look for every possible way to use speak, read, write and listen to Japanese outside the classroom and textbook. You will master the basics and move on to the intermediate levels in no time. Gambatte kudasai, which means, All the best in Japanese.

i want to ask that the career in japanese language as translator & interpreter is growing or not in futhure and also how should one start to become a japanese translator & interpreter

Hi Vandana. I am Shreedhar from Chennai, a JLPT N1 certified Bilingual Business Analyst, Interpreter, Translator and in my free time, teacher. Japan is a country with an aging population and desperately needs young minds from other Asian countries. Japan is also looking at India, especially Tamil Nadu as an ideal location for setting up Automobile and Manufacturing plants. Also, various Indian IT companies are in competition to get the biggest piece of the Japanese IT market. In this situation, choosing to learn Japanese is the best decision you will ever make. Already, there is such a huge demand for bilingual engineers, interpreters and translators, and the supply is very less. If you put in all your effort for a year and a half, you can complete the first three levels, upto N3, you will be ready to apply for a job, provided you work hard and acquire all the skills required for that level - Speaking, reading, writing and listening. Gambatte kudasai, as we say in Japanese. It means, All the best!