By Wonsuh Song
During my first-year winter break in college, I traveled to Japan. It was an exciting yet frustrating experience. I couldn’t understand the announcements on the train or read the signs plastered across the stations. My curiosity about what those words meant and my inability to communicate fluently left me with one clear goal: I needed to learn Japanese.
When I returned to Korea, I began studying Japanese immediately. Waking up at dawn to attend classes at a language school and balancing college lectures during the day became my daily routine. Over time, this dedication paid off. I passed the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N1 with flying colors during undergraduate school years. And eventually became fluent enough to lecture and research in Japanese. This journey taught me valuable lessons about language learning, which I believe can help others on a similar path.
The most crucial aspect of learning a language is having a clear motivation. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to learn this language?” and “What will I gain from mastering it?” For me, my motivation stemmed from frustration during my trip to Japan. I wanted to overcome language barriers and freely communicate in Japanese the next time I visited.
Motivation drives progress. Without a compelling reason, it’s easy to lose interest and give up when the learning process becomes challenging. Setting specific, tangible goals like “passing the JLPT N1 by a certain date” or “being able to hold a 10-minute conversation” helps keep you focused and accountable.
One of the most effective tools in my learning journey was Japanese radio. Unlike videos with subtitles, radio forces you to rely solely on your ears, training your ability to pick up nuances and pronunciation. I recorded radio broadcasts, stripped out the music, and repeatedly listened to the announcers’ dialogues. This consistent exposure helped me internalize the rhythm and structure of the language.
Alongside listening, I committed to memorizing vocabulary, grammar, and common expressions. Language learning requires a significant amount of rote memorization, no matter how monotonous it may seem. Over time, the phrases I practiced became second nature, making it easier to recall them in real-life conversations.
Repetition is key. The more time you dedicate to these foundational practices, the faster you’ll build your skills. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
In today’s world, AI translation tools like Google Translate have made cross-language communication more accessible than ever. However, they cannot replicate the depth of human interaction. Real-time conversations, humor, and emotional nuance are all elements that machines struggle to capture.
Learning a foreign language is not just about acquiring a new skill. It’s about understanding a different culture and fostering empathy through communication. These human experiences are irreplaceable and highlight why learning a language is still relevant in the age of AI.
I also attempted to learn Chinese but found it much harder to sustain my motivation. Unlike Japanese, where I had a clear reason and goal, I lacked a compelling drive to continue with Chinese. While I found it interesting, I wasn’t willing to invest the time and effort required to achieve fluency.
This taught me that perseverance is only possible when your motivation is strong and your goals are clear. Without these, language learning becomes a chore, and the likelihood of quitting increases.
If you’re thinking about learning a new language, start by asking yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and “What do I hope to achieve?” Once you have a clear answer, set specific goals and dedicate time every day to studying. Motivation, repetition, and consistent effort are the key ingredients for success.
Learning a language opens the door to more than just communication—it connects you with people, cultures, and ideas. It’s not just about exchanging words; it’s about sharing laughter, understanding each other’s stories, and building meaningful relationships.
No matter which language you choose to learn, know that the journey is worth it. I wish you all the best in your language-learning endeavors. Let’s persevere together!
Wonsuh Song (Ph.D.)
Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of School Teacher Education, Shumei University
Adjunct Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Waseda University
Visiting Researcher, Center for Spatial Information Science, University of Tokyo
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