japanese
you learn japanese.
I keep you entertained.
this Osaka native will tell you the insider stories as an outsider, help you achieve your learning goals in all ways customized just for you -
The hurdle to learn a new language for a fully grown human is high, especially when you do not have access to the language environment. Each of us have different motives and learning objectives. There is no one learning material that serves us all, and there are other ways to build vocabs aside from flashcards. As a polyglot and a fellow language learner, I offer custom Japanese lessons at all levels, utilizing methods discovered through my own language learning journey to help you combat each plateau and diminishing motivation caused by general learning fatigues. Your journey may be long, let me entertain you along the way.
Maybe this is you —
traditional learning methods never worked for you
you want to talk more like a real human, less like those fictional characters in your textbook
you’ve been learning on your own, but you wish there was more structure (but not too much)
you try to memorize vocabulary, but the words don’t stick
learning was fun for a while, but now you are losing motivation.
you REALLY just want to focus on one (but not ALL) of it: speaking, listening, reading comprehension
you want to speak fluently - without having to learn how to read or write kanas/kanji (not now but maybe later)
what i do —
creative measures to keep you engaged
targeting skills relevant to your life & objectives
go outside of books - learning from materials relevant to you
create a language environment when you don’t live in the country
think in Japanese - terminate the habit of translating
organically collect vocabulary that truly serves you
simple grammatical templates - so that you can hit the ground running asap
What about me —
Osaka native. (will teach Kansai dialect upon request)
Polyglot - Japanese, English, Mandarin, Italian (almost there)
what they say -
A haute cuisine deep thinker (NY):
I studied Japanese for about a year and a half prior to starting lessons with Song. The speed I’ve improved since then is a testament to both the power of guidance and her effectiveness as a tutor. A more free form approach to class allows me to hone my grammar skills while learning vocabulary of topics relevant to me. Her proficiency in multiple languages also instills a sense of confidence that I am working with someone who, beyond being an effective teacher, also has a deep understanding of the language learning process. Song has been especially helpful in working with my inconsistent work schedule and helping to ensure we still manage to have classes without interruption.
10/10 would recommend it.
A vibrant soul who writes & reads fantasy (NY):
Studying Japanese with Song was such a transformative experience for me. Song not only teaches the “book knowledge “, but also teaches the real language used in the local Japanese culture . I’ve learned so much from Song, from everyday speech to what is the best manga to read. Song expanded Japanese to me, from school knowledge to a closer understanding of the local customs, and historic reasons of expressions. Song encouraged me to write essays in Japanese. Practicing Japanese writing , critical thinking, and creativity, was a real booster to my ability to utilize Japanese. I feel really lucky to have Song as a teacher and a friend. Highly recommended!!!
A proud parent of three lovely cats, learning for fun and travel (DC):
I've been studying Japanese with Song twice a week for almost four months now. Although I took Japanese in college many years ago, I remembered very little when I started to study with Song. Over the past four months, I went from zero Japanese to being able to write short paragraphs and able to start reading manga on my own. Song is very patient and explains everything clearly. She encourages you to go beyond what you think your limitations are because most of the time we are better than we think. If you are looking to learn Japanese then I highly recommend Song.
A creative father learning for his bi-cultural baby (NY)
Learning Japanese with Song is great. She is very passionate about teaching and challenges me when I need to be challenged. During the last year she guided me through a very specific "tailor made" learning path considering my circumstances and goals.
Before her I had teachers that just taught from books and two weeks after I learnt something I had already forgotten it. But with Song is different. The things I learn stay with me. She really pushes me every class to understand the mechanics of the language.
Learning Japanese is so difficult for a western learner that you really need someone like her who can help you navigate it.
JP1 group class view via yelp:
Song kept the class fun and engaging while challenging us when needed. She also provided plenty of free resources for us to use outside of the class. I feel as prepared as I can be to continue internalizing and keeping the language fresh in mind. All in all, a very good experience.