Learning languages

[slleipnir]

I would really love to learn fluent Japanese. The problem is there isn't any classes (that I'm aware of) that I haven't already taken. There is 2 course in university for introduction to japanese, which I took. It doesn't go any further though.

I've been looking online for tutors around here, but no luck. I KNOW there are people here who can speak Japanese. PEI is a place the japanese love to visit (because of Anne of Green Gables??) and there are tour groups for them and all that.

How can I go about finding a tutor? I don't want to randomly ask people incase that is considered rude...but I *really* want to learn it. I've learned a lot on my own, and in class...but I couldn't have a conversation with anyone unless it's like "hi, how are you? nice weather" or something..hahah. That won't take me far ;)

I can't "travel" anywhere to learn it, and I can't find any good online tutorials. I think I would need someone to talk to, not reading some random tutorial.

Any ideas?

Sorry for the pointless thread...

[BC_MoM]

Hm.. don't feel rude asking someone you know (or don't)!

The way I became good friends from someone from South Korea who came to Canada was asking her if she could teach me some Korean. :)

[Giselle]

I was just thinking about this! I'm taking a quickie course on Mandarin (I speak Canto) and the program Rosetta Stone was mentioned. I hear it really does work and I know many schools use the program as a reinforcer. Unfortunately, it *is* pricy, but you should still check it out:

http://www.rosettastone.com/en/

You can also approach your instructor and ask for one-on-one training to improve your proficiency. Adult schools sometimes offer more advanced classes, too. I know a local adult school that offers conversational Japanese while the local community college only offers an introduction to Japanese.

[Karen]

Try posting on craigslist, see if there are Japanese speakers who might want to tutor you, or just meet to converse!

[Glacier]

Since your area gets lots of Japanese tourists, you could call the local tourism bureau or association. They probably know where to find a translator who might be willing to teach too.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Maybe Missy (Sirrahsim) can help you?

[emily_the_spoiled]

Have you thought about contacting the Japanese embassy in Ottawa? They might be able to "hook" you up with some Japanese speakers (citizens) who live in PEI.

[Blue_Frog]

One thing that I tried that helped me pick up more Japanese (I took a couple classes in college) was to join a couple of Pen Pal sites for Japanese speakers, and chatting on MSN and things - doing a trade for english skills for japanese skills. I also mentored ESL for Japanese co-op students in college - don't know if thats a possibility either.

a couple sites:
http://www.polyglot-learn-language.com/ (look up Japanese speakers)
http://www.japan-guide.com/local/
http://www.nk.rim.or.jp/~hirokun/index2.html

Also, I like Glacier's suggestion to contact the local tourist board - maybe they have some information, or the possibillity to volunteer to show the sites to some Japanese visitors? Also, depending on your situation, theres always homestay programs, or being a host home for japanese students (i did that for one semester, and it was a lot of fun) :)