If you are looking for a thrilling new hobby that also helps you in practical life, learning languages would be a perfect choice. Experts endorse that learning language boosts your mental aptitude as it requires your mind to utilize brain cells and store information. Besides, it opens new doors in your professional life. Imagine the resumes of two ambitious candidates, both of them having excellent credentials. The only difference they share is that one of them is proficient in multiple languages. Employers are more likely to prefer the polyglot in any realistic scenario because it means hiring a person with remarkable communication skills. Fluency in various languages also reflects one's capacity to learn and master new information, and people capable of growth can also cope better in new surroundings. You can study a wide range of languages, but this article will provide crucial knowledge about learning Japanese and Korean. Later on, you can either sign up for in-person classes in language centers or find a Korean or Japanese tutor online.

Why Choose to Learn Japanese?

● Economic Factors
You may own a Toyota or Honda vehicle, or perhaps you bought a Sony TV at some point. These, and countless other companies whose products we consume daily, have Japanese origins. It is because Japan's economy classifies as the second-largest globally. This economic significance reflects the ample opportunities for business in Japan. Even if you don't plan to collaborate with Japanese companies, your firm may perceive them as competitors. In either case, learning Japanese establishes you as an invaluable asset.

● Cultural Factors
Many Americans have familiarized themselves with anime films and shows. Studio Ghibli, particularly, has an impressive fan base in the USA. The wondrous illustrations of Japanese tribal lives and interesting folklore references alongside mature themes make these films appealing. They often spark the desire to learn more about Japanese culture.

From gods and demons to forest and fire spirits, Japanese mythology is rich in symbolism and characterization. Most tutors that teach you Japanese also encourage you to explore the literary works, cinematic productions, and other captivating artworks that are the trademark of Japanese culture.

● Technological Factors
Some foreigners think the Japanese population is inclined towards agricultural and rural life. While their love for nature is genuine, it is crucial to note that the Japanese are also exceptionally talented in technological sectors. The popularity of their electronics directly speaks of their technological expertise. According to a 2018 survey, the brilliant Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) ranked fourth-best worldwide. Japanese have achieved valuable technological feats from building quartz watches and electric cookers to 5G and human-like robots. By learning their language, you will be able to familiarize yourself with the latest technology and work in their research centers if that interests you.

How Complex is Japanese?
Many English speakers agree that Japanese does not classify in the list of Easiest Languages to Learn. As impressive as it is, learning Japanese requires dedication and effort on your part. This complexity is mostly rooted in its writing system. It comprises Roman alphabets, Arabic numerals, Hiragana, and other systems working harmoniously. However, it also means that once you have mastered Japanese, learning many other languages becomes relatively convenient for you.

Ironically, Japanese is not as different from English as most internet sources will have you believe. There is an entire spectrum of words similar to English due to their mutual origins, such as maiku (microphone) and intaanetto (the internet). The phonetics are also not too complicated, so learning the pronunciation will not be an arduous task. Moreover, the conjugation of Japanese verbs is way easier than languages like Spanish. There are no convoluted tense variations or the need to match verbs with pronouns, making it easier to remember Japanese.

Why Consider Learning Korean?
If you are fond of K-dramas or a fan of K-pop, you wouldn't require any perspective on how beautiful the language is. However, aside from visual and musical content, many other multi-faceted reasons can convince you to learn Korean.

● Characteristics of the language
Linguists associate various connotations with each language-for example, you may have heard of French as a romantic and sensual language and Latin as a classical and literary language. Similarly, Korean has a reputation for being polite and respectful. It is supported by the fact that there are separate address words for people of different age groups. For adults and strangers, there are formal words that denote dignity and wisdom. On the other hand, informal words for friends and family radiate warmth and contagious frankness. Learning Korean would introduce you to a linguistic standard of respect not commonly found in English.

● Potential Interactions with Koreans
People who have a soft corner for Korean artists often wish to interact with them. However, even if you are not familiar with any Koreans, they have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Anyone who has a knack for traveling knows that natives' behavior has an immense impact on the overall experience in that country. So, if you plan to tour the lively places in South Korea someday, you will be doing yourself a favor by investing in their language. Koreans are hospitable and love exuberant conversations, so you do not want to miss the opportunity of chatting with them.

How Complex is Korean?
For English speakers, learning Korean is not as easy as studying Romantic or European languages, but it is equally rewarding. You may find Korean script intimidating at first because the alphabets resemble miniature stick figures. The writing system is a massive part of what makes Korean unique. It is more accurately identified as Cursive Hangul. Though it has 40 alphabets (14 more than English), the sounds are more harmonious. So, once you understand the spelling system, you will be able to pronounce the words with minimum difficulty.

The grammar and tenses may pose a challenge for beginners. Due to the conjugations of verbs or the language's hierarchal structure, formal and informal interactions require different pronouns. However, you can conveniently formulate various forms of the same word. Having a good grip on basics will resolve most of your problems.