How to crack oriental languages?

I have always been fascinated by languages, I am able to speak a few languages, and know some words and phrases in many others, including some klingon, hehe… However, all the languages I know are descended from Latin and Greek.

If I wanted to learn a language that is based on Latin and Greek I could probably learn it very well in 4 to 5 months, I already have so many other similar words and structures that it is easy.

If i wanted to learn a language that originates in the orient, I would have no idea.

I tried to learn Japanese once, I tried for a couple of weeks online, I picked up a few words and phrases, but it just wont go in.

I heard a friend from Thailand talking the other day, she and her brother sounded amazing to listen to, all the words sounded so short, and it was packed with energy. I would love to learn to speak like that, but the language is so alien, it makes it hard.

Other than your typical courses and lessons, is there anywhere I can read up about the origins of oriental languages? more precisely, where can I read up on the logical structure of the languages?

Basically, where can I lean how oriental languages are different in composition?