I want to spend my summer learning Japanese in Japan and I had my heart set on Tokyo, but I’m having some doubts about how possible it is to TRULY immerse myself in Japanese there.
My worry mainly comes from the fact that I heard many Japanese people in Tokyo speak English to some level and will naturally switch to English when they see you. Another concern is that it’s very easy to fall into English speaking social groups and most menus/signs etc in Tokyo have English on them now.
Has anyone had any experience with this? Or does anyone have any tips on how to maximise Japanese language immersion in Tokyo? Or should I give up on Tokyo and learn Japanese in another city?
I haven’t learned Japanese in Tokyo before, but I have learned Chinese in Shanghai and Taipei (two very international cities with lots of English speakers!) so I can share some insights here.
Try to join activities that are specifically for locals, whether that’s a cooking class, running group etc. I find these work far better than language exchange groups (where you’ll have to speak a lot of English) as everyone there will just be expecting to speak their local language and won’t have the intention of learning yours. You might have to be more proactive in approaching other people, but the payoff is huge if you can get local friends.
In the school, don’t just switch to English when you get out of class! Continue using Japanese with the front desk and as much as you can with other students
To guarantee ‘total’ immersion, a smaller city could work better in theory, BUT, in my experience it’s really beneficial to have the option for an English language activity occasionally or to have food from your country (much easier to find in larger cities like Tokyo). This will probably keep you happier and ultimately, more motivated long term
I think the same principles can apply across most languages when studying in that country.
One thing I like to do, whether in or out of the country, is change my mobile phone language to my target language. It’s often a little scary and you tend to have a feeling of panic at first, but that’s almost the point
Try it out and see how you get on, as long as you remember how to change it back, you’ll be just fine.
Try to join activities that are specifically for locals, whether that’s a cooking class, running group etc. I find these work far better than language exchange groups (where you’ll have to speak a lot of English) as everyone there will just be expecting to speak their local language and won’t have the intention of learning yours. You might have to be more proactive in approaching other people, but the payoff is huge if you can get local friends.