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Naoko Kinoshita
A younger student has entered Andy’s dormitory. Andy feels like he wants to help the new student by teaching him what he knows about life in Japan. Unfortunately, the new student does not seem to need Andy’s help and seems to like doing things in his own way.
What you'll learn
・To respond depending on the situation and person
・To know expressions necessary for natural disasters
・To know expressions used in job interviews
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5jrlog/steps
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Meant for absolute beginners who are seeking an introduction to Japanese culture for students who may not be looking for intensive study prior to a trip to Japan or during their early days in Japan
Features common scenarios that individuals may possibly experience while traveling in Japan
Teaches survival Japanese skills such as introducing oneself, asking for directions, and ordering food
Useful for intermediate learners to supplement and enhance their conversational skills
Provides insights into Japanese culture and etiquette
Taught by Naoko Kinoshita, who has experience teaching Japanese language and culture
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Reviews summary
Practical japanese for real-world scenarios
According to students, this course is a highly valuable resource for learning practical, real-world Japanese. Learners particularly praise its unique modules on natural disasters and job interviews, finding them invaluable for real-life situations and living in Japan. The situational dialogues are often highlighted as helping to build confidence in communication and bridge the gap from textbook learning. While many appreciate the clear explanations and relatable scenarios, some advanced beginners found the pace slow or wished for more grammatical depth for a 'Beginners 3' level, suggesting it excels in conversational fluency rather than complex grammar progression.
Material is presented clearly with relatable scenarios.
"The explanations were clear."
"The instructors present the material clearly, and the scenarios are relatable."
"The instructors are clear, but I would love to see updated content or more engagement in the discussion forums."
Covers crucial, often overlooked, real-world Japanese scenarios.
"I loved the focus on daily conversations and job interview phrases."
"I appreciated the specific modules on natural disasters and job interviews – very unique and useful content not typically found in beginner courses."
"Absolutely essential for anyone planning to live or work in Japan. The job interview section alone is worth it."
Focuses on applying Japanese in real-world contexts.
"This course is fantastic for solidifying beginner Japanese knowledge, especially for practical scenarios."
"Learning how to respond appropriately in different contexts (like an interview or during an emergency) is invaluable."
"I feel much more confident using Japanese in real-life situations now. It complements my previous studies perfectly."
Could benefit from more interactive exercises and forum engagement.
"I wish there were more interactive exercises or opportunities for speaking practice. It's largely passive learning..."
"I would love to see updated content or more engagement in the discussion forums."
Some learners found it too basic for its level, lacking deeper grammar.
"My main feedback would be that sometimes the pace felt a bit slow for someone who's already completed 'Beginners 1 & 2'."
"I found some of the dialogue-heavy lessons a bit repetitive, and for 'Beginners 3', I expected a bit more grammatical depth."
"As a 'Beginners 3', I expected it to build more on grammatical complexity, not just conversational phrases."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 with these
activities:
Review Japanese vocabulary
Show steps
Prepare for success in this course by reviewing common Japanese vocabulary.
Browse courses on
Japanese Vocabulary
Show steps
-
Compile a list of common Japanese words and phrases.
-
Use flashcards or a spaced repetition system to memorize the words and phrases.
-
Practice using the words and phrases in conversation with a native speaker or language partner.
Read a book on Japanese customs
Show steps
Gain insight into the Japanese culture and way of life.
View
The Japanese a Cultural Portrait
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book.
-
Read the book in its entirety.
Watch videos on Japanese culture
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and traditions.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
-
Find a documentary or video series about Japanese culture.
-
Watch the videos and take notes on key points.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Practice Japanese phrases
Show steps
Improve pronunciation and fluency in Japanese.
Browse courses on
Japanese Language
Show steps
-
Find a language learning app or website.
-
Practice speaking Japanese phrases daily.
Practice speaking Japanese
Show steps
Improve your speaking skills by practicing with a native speaker or language partner.
Show steps
-
Find a native Japanese speaker or language partner to practice with.
-
Set up regular practice sessions.
-
Prepare conversation topics or role-playing scenarios in advance.
-
Practice speaking Japanese as much as possible during your practice sessions.
-
Ask your practice partner for feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.
Join a Japanese language exchange group
Show steps
Practice speaking and listening to Japanese with native speakers.
Browse courses on
Japanese Language
Show steps
-
Find a language exchange group in your area or online.
-
Attend meetings and participate in conversations.
Write a blog post about Japanese culture
Show steps
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of Japanese culture.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
-
Choose a topic related to Japanese culture.
-
Research the topic and gather information.
-
Write a blog post sharing your insights and findings.
Volunteer at a Japanese cultural event
Show steps
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and make meaningful connections.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
-
Find a Japanese cultural event in your area.
-
Contact the organizers and offer your volunteer services.
Develop a presentation on Japanese culture
Show steps
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Japanese culture.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
-
Choose a specific aspect of Japanese culture to focus on.
-
Research the topic and gather information.
-
Create a presentation that is both informative and engaging.
Contribute to a Japanese language learning project
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the Japanese learning community.
Browse courses on
Japanese Language
Show steps
-
Find a Japanese language learning project on GitHub or other open source platforms.
-
Identify an area where you can contribute.
-
Submit a pull request with your contribution.
Review Japanese vocabulary
Show steps
Prepare for success in this course by reviewing common Japanese vocabulary.
Browse courses on
Japanese Vocabulary
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Compile a list of common Japanese words and phrases.
- Use flashcards or a spaced repetition system to memorize the words and phrases.
- Practice using the words and phrases in conversation with a native speaker or language partner.
Read a book on Japanese customs
Show steps
Gain insight into the Japanese culture and way of life.
View
The Japanese a Cultural Portrait
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book.
- Read the book in its entirety.
Watch videos on Japanese culture
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and traditions.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a documentary or video series about Japanese culture.
- Watch the videos and take notes on key points.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Practice Japanese phrases
Show steps
Improve pronunciation and fluency in Japanese.
Browse courses on
Japanese Language
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a language learning app or website.
- Practice speaking Japanese phrases daily.
Practice speaking Japanese
Show steps
Improve your speaking skills by practicing with a native speaker or language partner.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a native Japanese speaker or language partner to practice with.
- Set up regular practice sessions.
- Prepare conversation topics or role-playing scenarios in advance.
- Practice speaking Japanese as much as possible during your practice sessions.
- Ask your practice partner for feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.
Join a Japanese language exchange group
Show steps
Practice speaking and listening to Japanese with native speakers.
Browse courses on
Japanese Language
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a language exchange group in your area or online.
- Attend meetings and participate in conversations.
Write a blog post about Japanese culture
Show steps
Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of Japanese culture.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic related to Japanese culture.
- Research the topic and gather information.
- Write a blog post sharing your insights and findings.
Volunteer at a Japanese cultural event
Show steps
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and make meaningful connections.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a Japanese cultural event in your area.
- Contact the organizers and offer your volunteer services.
Develop a presentation on Japanese culture
Show steps
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Japanese culture.
Browse courses on
Japanese Culture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific aspect of Japanese culture to focus on.
- Research the topic and gather information.
- Create a presentation that is both informative and engaging.
Contribute to a Japanese language learning project
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the Japanese learning community.
Browse courses on
Japanese Language
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a Japanese language learning project on GitHub or other open source platforms.
- Identify an area where you can contribute.
- Submit a pull request with your contribution.
Career center
Learners who complete Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Japanese Teacher
Japanese Teacher
Japanese Teachers communicate and work with students to help them understand Japanese language and culture. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 can directly help a teacher create a strong foundation in Japanese for their students.
Japanese Language Specialist
Japanese Language Specialist
Japanese Language Specialists are experts in the Japanese language who work in a variety of fields. Many Japanese Language Specialists work as translators, teachers, or writers. No matter the sector, a strong grasp of Japanese is required, and Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be especially useful to those who are not native Japanese speakers.
Japanese Interpreter
Japanese Interpreter
Japanese Interpreters help people who speak different languages communicate with each other. They may work in a variety of settings, such as business meetings, legal proceedings, or medical appointments. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 can directly help an interpreter learn more Japanese language and culture.
Japanese Translator
Japanese Translator
Japanese Translators help turn written or spoken Japanese into English and vice-versa while working with Japanese language source materials. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 can directly help a translator learn more about the kinds of situations and even disasters that one might have to translate about. This course may be useful to a translator who hopes to work with Japanese language source materials.
International Relations Specialist
International Relations Specialist
International Relations Specialists work with governments, businesses, and other organizations to promote cooperation and understanding between countries. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be very useful for Specialists who hope to build relations with Japanese partners.
Diplomat
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their countries abroad and work to build relationships with other countries' governments and people. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be very useful for Diplomats who hope to work in Japanese-speaking countries or with Japanese diplomats.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers represent the United States abroad and work to promote American interests and values. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be very useful for Foreign Service Officers who hope to work in Japanese-speaking countries or with Japanese diplomats.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers develop and implement strategies to grow sales and revenue for their companies. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Business Development Managers who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue targets. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Sales Managers who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote their companies' products or services. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Sales Managers who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers build and maintain relationships with the media and the public. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Public Relations Managers who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Event Planner
Event Planner
Event Planners plan and coordinate events such as weddings, conferences, and parties. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Event Planners who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Travel Agent
Travel Agent
Travel Agents help people plan and book their travel arrangements. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Travel Agents who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide support to customers by phone, email, or chat. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Customer Service Representatives who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 may be useful for Technical Writers who wish to work with clients or partners who speak Japanese.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5jrlog/steps
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1.
Save
Provides a practical guide to Japanese conversation. It includes dialogues, exercises, and tips on how to improve your speaking skills.
Provides an overview of Japanese culture and traditions. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese culture and society.
Provides a concise overview of Japanese history. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese history and culture.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese art. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese culture and society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese literature. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese culture and society.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese cinema. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese culture and society.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese music. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese culture and society.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Japanese religion. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about Japanese culture and society.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5jrlog/steps
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Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
Waseda University
Instructor
Naoko Kinoshita
Language
English
Transcripts
English
日本語
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Steps in Japanese for Beginners 3. It's comprised of three courses:
- Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part2
- Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part1 (viewing)
- Steps in Japanese for Beginners3 Part3
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