Japanese is one of the most important languages in the world today for all aspects of trade, finance and banking.  It will be of use to anybody involved in technology, engineering and communications.  Bearing in mind the increasing popularity of Japan as a tourist destination, our courses provide information about Japanese customs and manners as well as introducing learners to some basic kanji (written characters).

Beginners

Course Level

This is for learners with little or no prior knowledge of Japanese.  You will learn basic skills to enable you to make yourself understood and to find out information in everyday situations.

Course Content

Term One: Introducing yourself, shopping (including asking prices), ordering in a restaurant, asking dates and times (eg. When is your birthday? What time does the meeting start?) Talking about routine, Hiragana introduction.

Term Two: Talking about what you like and what you can do. Talking about your itinerary and locations, (eg. Where is the supermarket? It is in front of the station). Describing things (using adjectives: my car is big, the film is interesting). Writing a simple letter.

Post-beginners

Course Level

Is for those who can manage in everyday situations using the present tense.  You will probably have reached level AL in the European Language Portfolio or completed a beginners course.

Course Content

Term One: Talking about what you have done. Making arrangements including invitations and agreeing a date and place. Accepting and declining invitations. Katakana introduction.

Term Two: Making a request, could you please wait for 5 minutes? Asking permission, may I take a photo here? Talking about what you would like to do; I would like to eat sushi. Making a reservation (hotel/restaurant). Kanji introduction.

Intermediate

Course Level

These learners will have some knowledge of past and future tenses. Your level in the European Language Portfolio will be around A2/B1 or the equivalent to a good grade GSCE.

Course Content

This level is for those who are already knowledgeable in Hiragana and Katakana.

Term One:  Consulting someone about what to buy as a souvenir (eg. What would be a good souvenir? How about this doll?). Stating the size or characteristics of an item you wish to buy (eg. Do you have the same colour as this in a medium?). Talking about your family, their interests and the kinds of gifts that make them happy. Describing the characteristics of a person, place or thing (eg. It’s a white paper bag, and inside it there are chocolates.). Asking for and offering explanations (eg. You’re early, aren’t you? Do you come at this time every morning?).

Term Two: Talking about past experiences, stating your symptoms and health conditions (eg. I have a bit of a fever.) Making statements (eg. You have a cold? Well then, you should go home and get some rest). Expressing a sequence of events (eg. I began my studies of Japanese before I came to Japan). Describing a change in state (eg. Marie has got better at Japanese).  Kanji Practice; You will be able to recognise around 90 Kanji at the end of the course.

Advanced

Course Level

Is for learners who can understand the main points of everyday spoken and written material and are quite confident in the past and future tenses.

Course Content

This level aims to develop communications skills, develop vocabulary (using Kanji) and as well as cultural knowledge. The topic will cover: learning about home life in Japan, preparing for earthquakes, dealing with typhoons, staying healthy, appreciating and preserving nature, recycling and technology in Japan. In order to develop communication skills, we will discuss of the topic with fellow learners in Japanese, read emails and advertisements and create short stories using pictures.

Day and time: Wednesday 6.00pm-8.00pm

Please view our timetable for details of when classes take place.

How to enrol