Japanese

Overview of the Course

The primary stages of this Japanese course are laid out below, however can be adjusted to suit the needs of any particular student especially if they have already covered certain aspects.

1. Writing System and Phonetics

At this first stage the student will learn Hiragana (ひらがな), Katakana (カタカナ), and Kanji (漢字) - the three writing systems of Japan.

In doing so, the phonetics (sound system) of Japanese will also be covered.

2. Basic Grammar with Simple Speaking and Writing Exercises

Foundational grammar will be tackled at this second stage, whereby small speaking and writing exercises will be given (the latter most effectively being as part of homework).

The aim here is to provide the bedrock of grammar that allows sentences to be formed and understood, as well as to provide the framework for sorting and memorising new vocabulary.

3. Topical Vocabulary with Grammar

Once the two previous stages are complete, all that is left to cover is the building of topical vocabulary including speaking (in-lesson) and writing (homework) exercises.

At the same time, snippets of more complex grammar will be covered until all grammar points are covered.

Delivery of Content

It is key that comprehensible input in the language can be provided to give proper exposure from which to learn from. Therefore, basic grammar is primarily covered to provide that framework to understand what is being said.

It is after this stage that proper speaking practice and writing exercises are given, since then new vocabulary can be learnt easily, knowing how words grammatically change form.

Therefore, the initial stages of this course may seem overly focussed on grammar, but this is for good reason in the long-term. Rest assured however, that after the initial grammar coverage there will be far more proper exposure and practice in the actual language.