Japanese Facts
The Japanese have 3 'writing systems': Hiragana, a phonetic system for words of Japanese origin; Katakana, another phonetic system for words of foreign origin (or to stress Japanese words); and Kanji, Chinese characters. All three writing systems are used simultaneously
Dozens of dialects are used in Japan, due to many factors, but mainly the time that the island has been inhabited and the fact that Japan has a long history of both external and internal isolation
Japanese is a 'pro-drop' language, meaning the subject or object of a sentence does not need to be stated if it is obvious from context
Japanese Courses in Reading
Our native-speaking qualified Japanese teachers can guide you and your group at your work or at home, at a time convenient to you. Classes can take place on any day of the week - even weekends - morning, afternoon or evening. If needs be, if meeting at your office or home is not suitable, you can take your lessons at the trainer's office. Study materials are supplied for you.
Book now / EnquiryJapanese 1 to 1 Business
These Japanese lessons are driven towards people who have a requirement to learn Japanese to bolster their work output. For novices, you will find it useful to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and once you have become more proficient then reading and writing will come to the fore. Typical students include those concerned with import/export, those seeking work in multinational companies, international negotiations, and anyone working with international colleagues or administration. Even on our most rudimentary beginners course, students can expect to finish the course with decent telephone and e-mail Japanese, as well as a good enough grip on the language for a short trip to the country.
Book now / EnquiryJapanese 1 to 1 General
This set of Japanese tutorials are less specific and more targeted at those who want to get a range of different things from learning Japanese. Even though all novice students will cover survival Japanese: enough Japanese to make a visit to the country or make good contacts with the locals, but what do you do from there? It depends on your needs. Those who have benefitted from these courses have been those moving or investing overseas, spouses of overseas nationals, people who love to travel all over the world, those interested in Japanese culture, and those who just want to pass a specific examination in Japanese.
Book now / EnquiryJapanese Group Lessons
The Japanese courses are also available for 2 or more people studying together (Two-to-One Japanese Course or Small Group In-Company Japanese Course). All participants must have the same level, the same business or general language needs and be able to study at the same time in the same location. The booking must be made for all participants at the same time. Listen & Learn do not recommend group classes of more than 6-8 people although In-Company Taster Japanese Courses can be run with up to 12 people.
Book now / Enquiry
Reading
Home to over 150,000 people, Reading is a town located west of London. Starting out as a city built on the cloth trade, the 18th century saw Reading develop as an ironworking town as well as its now famous brewing trade. The 19th century revolved mainly around the three Bs of Reading: beer, bulbs and biscuits! Nowadays, Reading is a major shopping centre; home to 2 shopping malls and 3 smaller arcades catered to specialist markets. It is perhaps most famous for traditionally hosting two annual music festivals: the Reading Festival and WOMAD.
Japanese Testimonials
"Our native speaker qualified Japanese language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning."
Reading Map
