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  • Writer's pictureGPI US

Introducing a new series: Real Nihongo and Real Eigo!

Learning a new language requires energy, patience, and consistency.

Every language learner’s goals and motivations are different and therefore require different study methods. Ultimately, every language learner strives to be able to express their thoughts and their ideas to others. Making yourself more easily understood in a foreign language means recognizing your native language’s patterns and structures. It means actively trying to overcome those habits and adopt new patterns and structures of others. The level of elegance and ease that learners strive to reach depends on the individual. Generally, the trend is learning to communicate “more like a native speaker.”  This raises the question:

“What does it mean to sound like a native speaker?”

This is a layered, nuanced, and heavily researched question and the answer has three fundamental pillars: sounds, rhythms, and words in context. To communicate like a native speaker, we can strive to articulate the same sounds, speak in the same rhythm, and use words how native speakers use them. Real Nihongo/Eigo aims to shine light on the final part by introducing applicable and everyday words to you!

A majority of the content you will see on Real Nihongo/Eigo posts will be casual words and phrases that can be used with friends. Often, casual speech is overlooked in textbooks and in language classrooms. Language classrooms have plenty of fundamental material to cover, so slang, idioms, and everyday speech simply do not receive the same amount of time for exploration. This is where Real Nihongo/Eigo comes into action!

Learning Casual Phrases and Expressions

Real Nihongo/Eigo is a way for us at GPI US to introduce some of the words and phrases that are used by native Japanese and English speakers in everyday contexts. Both languages have a casual version of the language that isn’t necessarily the standard textbook language taught to learners. For example, how frequently do you have this exact interaction?

“Hello, how are you?” “I am fine. Thank you, and you?”

This sounds quite stiff, right? Imagine having this conversation with your best friend of 10 years. It would feel a little awkward, wouldn’t it? When thinking of this small interaction along with the three fundamental pillars, this conversation sounds off.

The words and phrases uploaded to Real Nihongo/Eigo can help create a launching pad into further study and exploration into a new language. It just might also help you wow your friends!

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