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Japanese Methodology

All ability levels are accepted, from complete beginners to very advanced.  However please note we need students to memorize the HIRAGANA alphabet prior to arrival (it should only take you a couple of days - the college asks that you can read it, not be able to write the letters). 

All teachers are fluent in English and obviously Japanese.  English explanantions will be given where absolutely necessary (and comparison's between the two grammar methods will be made, which is particularly useful at lower abilty levels).  Practical application of the language is encouraged to aid vocabulary rentention and real-life fluency.  Topical materials are used; news, TV, movies in class to illustrate a point (and engage student interest) and local shops are used (with their permission!) for planned language activity sessions.

The core Japanese Language course offers two 50-minute grammar classes and two 50-minute conversation classes each day. In general, you will study new grammar each afternoon, do related homework that night, then practice your new skills in the application class the next morning.

Complete beginner (1-1)
Class requirement: must be able to read hiragana characters
Objectives: Use basic verb sentences to hold simple conversations such as self-introductions and shopping.
Total time: 1.5 weeks (30 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 1
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 4

Beginner 1-2
Objectives: Use adjectives, past tense sentences and the "te" form to describe, explain and provide reasons.
Total time: 2.5 weeks (52 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 1
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 4

Beginner 1-3
Objectives: Use the short form to give opinions and pass on information.
Total time: 2 weeks (36 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 1
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 4

Beginner 1-4
Objectives: Use comparatives and supporting verbs to have more natural conversations.
Total time: 2.5 weeks (48 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 1
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 4

Beginner 2-1
Objectives: Use potential verbs, modals and volitional forms to hold more complex conversations.
Total time: 2.5 weeks (48 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 2
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 3

Beginner 2-2
Objectives: Use simple formal Japanese, as well as transitive and intransitive verbs, to describe complex situations and feelings.
Total time: 2.5 weeks (48 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 2
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 3

Beginner 2-3
Objectives: Use polite and formal Japanese to hold conversations with a range of people.
Total time: 2.5 weeks (52 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 2
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 3

Beginner 2-4
Objectives: Use the passive, causative, and passive causative to describe complex situations and emotions.
Total time: 2 weeks (36 class hours)
Textbook: An Integrated Japanese Course in Elementary Japanese, book 2
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 3

Pre-intermediate (3)
Objectives: Review and master the especially difficult beginner grammar, and prepare for the Intermediate Japanese courses.
Total time: 5 weeks
Textbook: Chukyu E Ikou
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 3

Intermediate (4)
Objectives: Learn intermediate grammar and practice it on longer reading passages, while improving speech ability.
Total time: 8 weeks
Textbooks: J.Bridge, Nihongo Chuukyuu kara no Skill Balance, Shin Nihongo no Chuukyuu
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 2

Upper intermediate (5)
Objectives: Speak to Japanese people with few communication problems, and read and understand simple newspaper articles.
Total time: as long as you have!
Textbooks: Depends on students
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 2

Advanced (6)
Objectives: Live and work alongside Japanese people with no communication problems.
Total time: 10 weeks
Textbooks: J.Bridge + School original materials
JLPT equivalent: studying for level 1

In reality CESA students chose to attend a short course, according to their linguistic goals, personal wishes and time constraints.

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