Learning a language through immersion is far more fun and effective than traditional textbook-based learning. But immersion isn't automatic osmosis. You first have to do some groundwork to optimize your mind, schedule, and environment.
Learn how to conquer the fears and self-limiting beliefs holding you back from fluency.
Learn how to build better habits, study more efficiently, and fit languages into your life.
Learn how to create your own personalized immersion right where you are.
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My detailed guides show you exactly how to build a personalized immersion environment with fun content you love. (And without the hassle of moving abroad, enduring expensive classes, or slogging through boring textbooks.)
You don’t need a plane ticket, new zip code, or classroom to immerse yourself in Japanese. With the right methods, materials, and attitude, you can reach a high level of fluency right at home. Master Japanese shows you how to create an immersion environment almost as good as being in Tokyo, even if you’re in Tacoma or Topeka.
Want to get fluent in Mandarin Chinese but can't move to China? Learn how to bring China to you using online the best modern tools, free online resources, and fun content that will make you forget you are studying a language. My step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to learn Mandarin through immersion, right where you are.
“Master Japanese is the most helpful book I’ve found in my two+ year effort to learn Japanese.
John provides learners with helpful strategies to approach the learning process, which can be overwhelming unless you can figure out how to make sustainable progress continuously.”
Carolyn Strong
Retired technical writer
“John’s Master Mandarin is the only book I’ve seen that covers absolutely everything from start to finish in terms of must-knows.
The best detailed guide for anyone who’s serious about learning Chinese!”
Benny Lewis
Fluent in 3 Months
"The Language Mastery Show is the real deal!
John is a true language aficionado. Knowledgeable, motivating, entertaining… he hunts out the best guests and does awesome interviews which are inspiring for aspiring language learners.
Great stuff!"
Olly Richards
StoryLearning®
Howdy, I’m John Fotheringham, a linguist, teacher, podcaster, and the author of Master Japanese and Master Mandarin.
Like most language learners, I really struggled to learn through formal classes. But once I realized that I could learn faster and have more fun by creating my own immersion environment, my progress took off.
I now teach others how to learn through the same immersion-based approach, no matter where in the world you are.
I’ve been learning and teaching languages for over two decades, including studying Linguistics at Western Washington University, teaching adults in the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan, presenting at multinational companies, working as a translator and interpreter for the Japanese government, and now blogging, podcasting, and publishing books on independent language learning.
I have been learning and teaching languages for over two decades, and share everything I've learned along the way:
In my free Mastery Monday newsletter
On the Language Mastery Show
On the Language Mastery blog
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