Japanese Beginners Stage 1

This course is recommended for those with a little knowledge of Japanese language and culture and keen to learn more about it.

Students will learn to understand, express and read simple words and phrases and take part in straightforward conversation. Tutor requires students to self-study fundamental letters such as Hiragana and Katakana. Printed worksheets and study support documents will be provided by a tutor in accordance with class contents and needs.

The aim for this course 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, sentence structures, have some basic reading skills, be able to appreciate the Japanese culture and have confidence in using basic forms of the Japanese language.

Students will also learn how to converse using negatives and questions, exchange information in a variety of familiar situations 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/or pairs), which will enhance one’s confidence. Additional materials may be used in the classroom (Pictures from Google search, YouTube videos etc.) to help you understanding better and quicker.

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.

Please Bring:

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

This textbook is available at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Sydney CBD (online or actual store purchase – approx $50) please check the stock of item with them.

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

The College is no longer able to provide Stage 2 class from Term 4 2025 due to a tutor’s availability. 

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 over 10 years experience in an ongoing career as a ZUMBA Fitness instructor all around the Northern Beaches area, as well as taught  Japanese to local children with a Japanese background at the community language school in Killarney Heights.

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.