Hiring a Japanese Tutor: What to Know
It’s not easy to learn a new language, especially if you have zero knowledge of it. Sure, you can use an online translator for phrases and words you don’t understand. But, if you want to understand the Japanese language and its cultural context, you must consider hiring a Japanese tutor online.
Keep reading to know how to hire a tutor:
What to Look For
A great tutor can help you maximize your study time and make progress in your language learning. Unfortunately, hiring the right tutor can be difficult since you have many choices.
When choosing a tutor to help you learn Japanese, consider the following factors:
- Rapport. The best tutor is someone you feel comfortable working with. This is important since you will be making mistakes along the way in front of them. A good tutor will push your limits and correct you. Ensure your tutor has a lesson style and personality match what is best for you.
- Knowledge level. Know how much a tutor knows. As a beginner, you may be fine working with an upperclassman in a university Japanese program. But, if you are an advanced student and want to improve your fluency, you must work with a native speaker. Also, it is important to take into account the knowledge you wish to learn. if you are planning to study in Japan, choose a tutor who knows your subject matter’s vocabulary.
- Schedules. You will want to hire a tutor whose availability works within your schedule. The tutor must be willing to work with the amount of study you want to put in. The best tutor can deal with your pace. They should be willing to work with a student who can only dedicate a limited amount of time to learning Japanese. Discuss this when talking to prospective tutors.
Why Hire a Native Speaker
Choosing a native speaker to be your tutor comes with some benefits. For instance, you will get used to a native Japanese accent and language speed. Your familiarity with the language at a native level will make it easier for you to communicate with other native speakers in the real world.
Moreover, hiring a native speaker will help you learn the cultural context of the language. You will get the best inside information on how the thoughts and feelings of the people in a culture can change the meaning of words.
