Useful Japanese Conversation A (Absolute Beginner)

This is an introductory course for people who haven't studied Japanese. Most class hours are spent on oral drills and a variety of other speaking activities. Participants are encouraged to practice communicating and exchanging information through studying model dialogues and acting them out. This course uses both indirect and CLIL (content and language integrated learning) based methods. In addition, you will receive explanations and practice of basic grammar. Japanese characters (hiragana and katakana) will be studied mainly for reading recognition. Furthermore, you will learn quickly to type Hiragana and Katakana, understanding Japanese sound system. The goal is to type and read short messages. On the last day of the course, you will be able to confidently deliver a 3-minute speech about yourself without assistance. When you complete this course, “Useful Japanese Conversation B” is waiting for you to take the next step. Though this course will primarily be conducted in Japanese, you can use English to ask questions and clarify unclear points.

1. Understand and use familiar everyday expressions through looking at photographs, such as shops and things you can see in the street, souvenirs and sightseeing spots, etc.
2. Interact in a simple way: ask and answer simple questions in immediate need or on very familiar topics.
3. Understand the general idea of simple informational texts and short, simple descriptions

Absolute beginner who has never learned or has been exposed little to Japanese

Marugoto A1 Starter Katsudo (Japan Foundation)

Atsuko Onuma

Atsuko has taught a variety of Japanese language courses in the United States and Japan since 2011. She is adept at developing and implementing curriculum and helping students advance their understanding of Japanese language and culture. She prides herself in creating tutorial environments that accommodate the needs of each student. Atsuko earned a bachelor's degree in Japanese language and literature from Waseda University and a master's degree in Japanese Pedagogy from Columbia University in New York. As not only a teacher but also someone with experience learning a a foreign language in a foreign country, she understands the unique mixed feelings of anxiety and anticipation. Let Atsuko help improve your communication skills in Japanese, and discover the fun of language learning together.