The Japanese Language Program at JASDFW offers beginning level Japanese classes to help learners build foundations of learning the Japanese language. The focus is on conversational Japanese and learning the language in social context. Classes will cover familiar topics regularly encountered in daily life and friendly social situations.  The goal is for learners to have a basic understanding of how the language is used in different social circumstances while learning some essential Japanese language structures and cultural/social values.

The program also offers several workshops throughout the year that focuses on specific themes (travel tips, tv shows, etc)  or particular structure of the language (the use of des, particles,  the writing characters, etc). 

These Japanese classes will be conducted via Zoom. Attendees must have a device with audio and video capabilities, as well as an internet connection. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth reserves the right to cancel the class if it does not meet the minimum attendance number. Please contact us at info@jasdfw.org if you have questions about this workshop and language classes.

*CLASS FULL*

Adults Class (Age 18 +)

Fee

Members: $150
Non-Members: $200
Membership Bundle: $180 (Save $15!)

Japanese class 2

This course is a continuation of Japanese Language Class 1 and designed for beginning level learners who have some knowledge of basic Japanese. The course focuses on practicing some common expressions used in personal conversations while also learning the basic Japanese sentence structures of noun and adjective sentences. This course also covers some basic particles that are essential to creating simple sentences. Learners will learn a variety of vocabulary related to family, pets, and occupations. Prior knowledge of Japanese characters (Hiragana, Katakata, & Kanji) is not required to take this course.  

Prerequisite:  

While taking Japanese Class 1 is highly recommended before taking Japanese Class 2, it is not a requirement. However, students should have some basic understanding of the following: 

• The function of desu (です) in a sentence. 
• The role of particles in Japanese sentences, especially some understanding of wa（は）ga （が）wo（を）mo（も）& to（と）.
• How to ask a simple question using nani and ka. e.g. Korewa nandesuka? （これは なんですか。） 
• Demonstrative Pronouns: Kore/Sore/Are（これ・それ・あれ）
• Plain form vs. Polite (です/ます) form

 Students will be able to:  

• Understand and use familiar and basic expressions and phrases.  
• Understand and use a variety of greetings useful in daily conversations. 
• Practice sharing personal details (occupation, family, hobbies, etc. ) 
• Review and practice some basic particles (はwa, がga, をwo, もmo, とto, のno, にni, でde, etc) 
• Understand Japanese sentence structures of noun and adjective sentences.
• Understand basic counters. 
• Learn how to ask questions.  
• Recognize Hiragana and understand how it is different from Katakana, and Kanji. 

Schedule

Session 1: Thursday, September 29, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Course Overview, self-introductions, greetings
Session 2: Thursday, October 6, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Talking about family and Counting Japanese
Session 3: Thursday, October 13, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Talking about family, friends and pets
Session 4: Thursday, October 20, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Talking about occupations
Session 5: Thursday, October 27, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Describing occupations with adjectives
Session 6: Thursday, November 3, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Talking about desires
Session 7: Thursday, November 10, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Review and asking questions
Session 8: Thursday, November 17, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (CDT)
Final presentation/Meet and greet with native Japanese speakers

*Topics are subjected to change

Instructors

Keiko Yokoyama
Her 20+ years of professional experience include teaching a variety of subjects at a Japanese school, providing one-on-one English language support to Japanese students to succeed in their local school learning, and tutoring non-native Japanese students in the Japanese language. Her dedication and attentive support to each student represents the fulfillment of the mission of language education in an increasingly globalized world, while serving the community as a bridge for cross-cultural communication.

Ikuko Fujiwara
Her academic and professional background is in TESOL and Composition which began with earning a Master’s degree in TESOL from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her career has been devoted to instruction and supporting student success while promoting diversity and inclusion in educational spaces. She has experience teaching Japanese, ESOL and college composition at various colleges in the United States. She is committed to creating inclusive and meaningful learning spaces where people engage in cross-cultural/intercultural understanding and learn to use language in empowering ways.