Japanese Level 1

Japanese Level 1

Course Description

Level 1 Classes: this course is suitable for people with no prior knowledge of the language, and who would like to use it for holiday purposes. By the end of the course, you will be able to greet people, introduce yourself, ask/answer basic questions, as well as understand the numbers needed in a variety of situations. You will also have familiarised yourself with the sounds of Japanese and how the writing system works.  

This level will work on chapters 1 to 5 of Japanese for Busy People Book I (Revised 4th Edition, Kana or Romanised version), a textbook that students are encouraged to purchase. Advice on whether to purchase the 'kana' or the 'romanised' version will be given in the first lesson. 

 Note that all our Japanese courses focus mainly on oral skills and practical situations.  

Term duration 

Group A: 10 x weekly 2-hour classes, Monday evenings, 6:15pm to 8:15pm, no class on Mon 7 Dec.

Group B: 10x weekly classes, Monday evenings, 6:15pm to 8:15pm

Key Communicative themes may include:  

• Greeting people, giving personal information (name, nationality, occupation etc.), introducing friends, saying what belongs to you. e.g. konnichiwa./ watashi wa nihon-jin desu./ sasaki-san wa gakusei ja arimasen. kochira wa Akiko-san desu./ kore wa watashi no kaban desu. 

• Using numbers such as telephone numbers, prices, and telling the time. including opening hours e.g.denwa bangō wa …. desu/ kore wa ikura desu ka./ Tōkyō wa ima 8-ji desu. 

• Shopping and ordering food & drink e.g. kono kaban o kudasai./ bīru o nihon onegaishimasu. 

Key grammatical objectives may include:  

• Saying 'yes' and 'no'  e.g.  hai, sō desu./iie, chigaimasu.  

• Using  ‘no’ to show possession  e.g.  watashi no neko desu. 

• Identifying: ......desu. e.g. Jon-san wa amerika-jin desu. 

• Using ‘this’ and ‘that to identify: kore, sore, are in contrast with kono, sono, ano  e.g. kore wa dare no sumaho desu ka./ ano tokei wa 30,000-en desu. 

• Asking for something (ordering): (object)  o (counter word)  kudasai/ onegaishimasu.  e.g. kono pen o nihon kudasai. 

Note that we adapt the pace of the class to the needs and interests of the group, so the listed themes and grammar may be subject to change and are not meant to be exhaustive.  

Homework may be set between classes, though we do understand that the constraints of everyday life may make it difficult to complete at times. You are under no obligation to complete the homework, but revision of the weekly lessons is strongly encouraged to allow you to make good progress and benefit fully from the course.  

Each week you will practise primarily speaking and listening. As for reading, lessons will mainly be presented in rōmaji, but hiragana will be introduced gradually. You will be encouraged to take an active part in all activities which can include games, pair and group work as well as individual tasks. We aim to establish a friendly, inclusive atmosphere in the classroom so that all students can express themselves freely and increase in confidence. 

See uealanguageprogramme.org for more information