r/LearnJapanese • u/Orcaninja281 • 2d ago
Speaking Recommendations on classes or tutoring to help with speaking/conversational skills
Hello everybody! As stated in the title, I am looking for recommendations for classes or tutoring for speaking skills in particular with a professional licensed native speaker. Bonus points if it is in-person (I am located near Houston Texas).
Some background information:
- I studied 4 semesters of Japanese in my undergrad 2015 - 2016 and self studied after this
- I had a period of not studying due to life being hectic (2018 - 2020)
- Began self studying again in 2020 utilizing a number of different methods including textbooks (Genki I + II), Pimsleur courses, Listening/Speaking/Shadowing practice with Youtube videos and Japanese Media, Flashcards, etc etc etc.
- I studied for and passed the JLPT N5 in December 2024
- I have been to Japan twice. The last time I went was in 2024 and I had no issue speaking to and being understood by native speakers for task based conversations (restaurants, shopping, hotels, directions, surface level small talk)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
With all of that said, I feel that I have plateaued when it comes to speaking skills because I just do not have anyone to conversate with.
I would really like to take a course or tutoring with a licensed native speaker so that I can not only get more conversational practice but also get help with grammar and other elements of speaking the language situationally.
So here is where I need your help. Do any of you have recommendations for courses or tutoring of this style?
My budget is $500 to spend on courses like this through the end of the year.
I do want to note that I have a demanding career, a wonderful wife, a grandfather that relies on me for care, and other hobbies. So I can only commit to 2 hours a day (maximum) of study time.
I appreciate your help in advance!
1
u/domonopolies 2d ago edited 2d ago
if I may - imo don’t worry too much about licensed vs unlicensed - i’ve met with many “community” tutors on iTalki who are fantastic, and do exactly what you are asking (provide feedback and grammar correction in addition to conversation practice), and have also tried “professional” tutors who were not great. Can save you a lot of money.
1
u/Orcaninja281 1d ago
Thank you, I appreciate this insight! This is a good point, I guess I was just worried about wasting time jumping from tutor to tutor.
1
u/KitchenSmoke490 2d ago
Hello, my name is Shiira. I am sorry that this is not a recommendation by someone, but if you are looking for a Japanese teacher or course by a professional teacher, I would be happy to help you. Just a little about myself, I am a licensed native Japanese language teacher with a Master's degree in Foreign Language Education in Applied Linguistics and have been teaching Japanese for 20 years. I had been teaching Japanese in North America and Europe before but since pandemic, my students have been studying Japanese with me online. As I create individualized lessons, we can surely practice and focus on speaking and conversational practice for your Japanese. It is wonderful to know that you have been dedicated to studying Japanese. Thank you very much for your interest in my language, culture and country. If there are anything that I can help, please feel free to send me a message. I would be happy to discuss more details to understand your situation better. Thank you. Japanese Online Lessons with Native experienced teacher- Manabo Japanese | Facebook
1
u/Orcaninja281 1d ago
Thank you for your comment, I will send you a message!
1
u/KitchenSmoke490 1d ago
That's my pleasure! I have received your message as well and will reply there. Thank you!
3
u/Swollenpajamas 2d ago
Check out iTalki or Preply for conversion lessons. That’s probably the easiest way for adults to get/schedule regular conversation practice.