Beyond Words
― Read Japanese texts, feel the culture, and express yourself in your own words ―
About this course
"I can read Japanese. But I'm a bit unsure about speaking my thoughts in Japanese." This course is designed for those at the N2 level, featuring practical lessons that focus on "reading, listening, thinking, and speaking." The materials include carefully selected texts about Japan and Japanese culture, which we will read aloud and reflect on to understand Japanese culture and the Japanese way of thinking. "Why do Japanese people often say 'sumimasen'?" "What values are associated with 'mottainai'?" "What significance do gifts hold for Japanese people?" We will gradually convey our thoughts in Japanese on these relatable and intriguing themes. The important thing is not to speak perfect Japanese. "I think this..." "In my country..." "Compared to Japan..." "The reason is..." By using each expression, we will accumulate small successes of feeling like, 'I spoke!' Throughout the 10 lessons, we will transform the Japanese learned for the JLPT into Japanese that we can use in our own words.
What you'll be able to do after this course
◆ Be able to explain Japanese culture in your own words ◆ Discuss and compare Japanese culture with your own ◆ Convey opinions with "opinion + reason + specific example" on a theme ◆ Use N2 level vocabulary and expressions in actual speech ◆ Read aloud while being conscious of the rhythm and expressions of Japanese ◆ Expand conversations on a single theme ◆ Present briefly on Japanese culture that interests you
Recommended for
◆JLPT N２を合格 CEFRがC1、しかし、会話に自信がない ◆N2レベルの文法・語彙を「知っている」だけでなく、実際に使えるようになりたい ◆会話になると「何を話せばいいかわからない」「間違えるのが心配」と感じる ◆自分の意見を理由や具体例とともに伝えられるようになりたい ◆日本語の文章を読むことが好き、または一般書・エッセイなどに挑戦してみたい ◆日本語だけでなく、日本人の考え方や日本文化をもっと深く知りたい ◆日本と自分の国の文化を比較しながら、日本について考えてみたい ◆JLPTの勉強だけでは得られない、「生きた日本語」や「考える日本語」を学びたい ◆将来的にはN1レベルや、より高度な日本語でのコミュニケーションを目指したい
Syllabus (10 lessons)
More than 'speaking well', it's about 'speaking in your own words'
Talk～Have you ever thought, 'I want to speak Japanese better before I start talking'?
Reading the Atmosphere
Talk - Does your country have a culture similar to 'reading the atmosphere'?
"Sumimasen" - Is it a word for apology?
Do you feel that "sumimasen" is used often in Japan?
Who do we say 'Itadakimasu' to?
Talk～Does your country have a custom of saying special words before and after meals?
What does 'mottainai' mean?
Talk - When do you feel that something is 'mottainai'?
Is silence a time of 'nothingness'?
Talk – How do you feel about silence in conversation?
Is a souvenir a 'thing' or a 'feeling'?
Talk～Do you buy souvenirs when you return from a trip in your country?
Why do people work?
Talk - What is the most important thing for you in your job?
What does 'Japanese-ness' mean?
Talk - What does 'Japanese-ness' feel like to you?
What I Found in Japan
Final Talk - The last part is 3 minutes. Discuss 'What I Found in Japan' including the following 5 points: ① The theme that interested me the most ② The reason ③ The differences with my country ④ My thoughts ⑤ What I want to learn more about