Japanese Beginners Stage 1

This course is for those with very little or no knowledge of Japanese. Students will learn to understand, express and read simple words and phrases and take part in straightforward conversation. The aim is to introduce you to the basic linguistic skills and culture necessary for you to communicate simply but effectively. After completing this course students will be able to pronounce competently some vocabulary, expressions, intonations and pronunciations, be able to communicate using basic sentences, interrogatives and requests, have some basic grammatical concepts: nouns, adjectives and verbs and sentence structure, have some basic reading skills, be able to appreciate the Japanese culture and have confidence in using basic forms of the Japanese language. Come and enjoy this practical conversational course. Based on a practical approach and dealing with everyday situations, it is ideal if you are intending to travel for leisure.

Students will also learn how to identify simple text (hiragana and katakana) confidently, converse using negatives and questions, exchange information in a variety of familiar situations, have better fluency in conversation, have a more extensive vocabulary content, gain better learning skills and strategies for language acquisition and have a better knowledge of the countries, culture and customs where Japanese is spoken. In each session there will be emphasis given to pronunciation (in groups and pairs), which will enhance one’s fluency. Additional materials may be used in the classroom (printed documents, YouTube videos etc.) to help you understanding better and quicker.

Please Bring:

Practical Japanese – Basic Expressions for Living and Travel – Kiyomi Ogawa

This textbook is available at Kinokuniya Bookstore (online or actual store purchase – approx $45) please check the stock of item with them

Please acknowledge that the text book has quite a large volume of information, unfortunately we are unable to cover whole contents of the book in 8 classes.

We will continue learning and will finish this book in Stage 2.

If you’d like to continue learning at Stage 2, please also place the order at same time:

Practical Japanese 2 – JLTP N4 Grammar and useful expressions – Kiyomi Ogawa (approx $45)

Both of the books are very good materials for learning on your own, Mami strongly recommend you to have them even though you’re not willing to keep learning in Stage 2.

Notepad, pens, pencils and markers

 Please note: make sure you check with the college if the course has definitely got the numbers to run before purchasing a text book, note pad etc. The college will not accept responsibility if you have purchased the text book and the course is subsequently cancelled. You can contact us on phone (9970 1000) or email (enquiries@nbmc.nsw.edu.au) to see if the course is running or not.

About the Tutor

Mami Himura Cheng is a Japanese national, born, grew up, and was fully educated in Hokkaido, Japan. Mami immigrated to Australia in 2007, and has been living in Sydney as a permanent resident ever since. Mami worked as a librarian at a public library in Japan for 5 years, and has 10 years experience in an ongoing career as a ZUMBA Fitness instructor all around the Northern Beaches area, as well as teaching Japanese to children with a Japanese background at the local community language school.

Mami loves to create a fun, friendly and engaging atmosphere in the class. She is excited to share her aspects and knowledge with you all, and keen for you to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese language and it’s culture.