Question # 26. Is Japanese hard to learn when teaching ESL in Japan?

Is Japanese hard to learn when teaching ESL in Japan? 

All languages appear hard to those who can't speak them.

Is Japanese more difficult than other languages? I don't think so. The grammar is extremely regular. The pronunciation is equally easy to master.

I learned the two kana 'alphabets' in about 4 hours and I am NOT smart or gifted or anything that would imply that I can learn fast.

The truth is that in ANY language, 2-, 3- and 4-year old kids can speak the language. The average, even below average 20- or 30-something adult has more mental capability than a pre-schooler.

Necessity? Opportunity? See question # 25.  

With discipline and diligence Japanese can be mastered…speaking and listening. More discipline and diligence, add to that determination is needed to learn to read and write it.

Once again…kids can do it. So can adults.

Remember, the better the Japanese student one is, the better the teacher they will be. Soon, they will be sharing war stories and study techniques with their students and in many cases, passing their students up in ability.

I am stupid…ask my wife. But, I can speak Japanese.

Nothing is too hard to do IF it is broken down into small steps.