Japanese: writing for beginners part 1
- Course Code: LJW00
- Dates: 02/11/24 - 02/11/24
- Time: 10:00 - 15:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Chikako Nakagawa
Course Code: LJW00
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course will focus on 46 Hiragana and Katakana characters and enable you to write sentences in Japanese.
What will we cover?
Hiragana and Katakana characters, history of Japanese writing, word order and other writing rules.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
-Talk about the history of Japanese writing
-Identify and use the right shape of hiragana and katakana
-Understand word order rules
-Understand basic rules of the Japanese writing system, including 'double consonants', 'modifying syllable' and 'long vowels'
-Change foreign words into katakana, including writing your name.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Near beginners - students should have knowledge of basic Japanese grammar, be able to read hiragana and katakana.
For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart, using the link at the top of this page. You can also find the chart at the start of the languages section in our course guide. You will also need to be able to respond to simple instructions and read course documents in English and be at ease with the use of number for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time, etc).
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is based on the communicative approach:
- active students’ interaction
- emphasis on speaking and listening skills
- pair and group work
- use of realia, pictures and authentic material
- use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate
Please note, students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do some homework as and when required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
A pencil. All other materials will be given by the tutor.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You tutor will advise you on appropriate progression routes.
Chika has over 27 years of experience as a Japanese teacher, 23 of which she has spent at City Lit. Her work was recognised with a Teacher of the Year award in 2017. She has a teaching diploma and a Degree in Fine Art. Since coming to the UK from Yokuska, Japan, in the late 1980s, Chika travelled extensively as a performance artist, taught Zig and Zag Japanese on the Big Breakfast TV show, and wrote pieces about Japanese life for various publications. Chika encourages her students to experience every aspect of Japanese culture, which she supports by introducing food, onsen, music and etiquette in her classes, as well as running special film night events at City Lit. Chika is constantly researching new methods to introduce students to the joy of learning, encouraging self- discovery and connection through class activities. Chika’s love of art and performance is reflected in her inspirational teaching materials, including original hand drawn certificates for student achievements which are displayed in the City Lit 100 years exhibition. Teaching and learning Japanese is a joy that Chika wants to share with everyone.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
