Japanese Lower Intermediate (part 3)

Part 3 will examine scenarios you already know with more depth and nuances. Topics include discussing physical appearances and personality or expressing gratitude. Should you need a haircut on your travels, we’ll teach you how to ask for a particular style from a photo.

You’ll start using causative verbs and learn new respectful and humble expressions. We will introduce you to another 50 kanji to build on your previous knowledge.

Aiming for more than simply getting by, you’ll practice everyday conversations and uncover aspects of Japanese culture, such as manga comics, anime and J-Pop songs.

On completion of this course, you will have reached JLPT N4 level, so you are well prepared to sit an exam or simply try out your new skills with Japanese locals.

Who is it for?

Can you communicate at JLPT N5? Have you studied part 2 of our lower intermediate syllabus? Perhaps you have studied Japanese elsewhere for at least 160 hours. If so, this course is a good step forward. See the eligibility section to find out more.

Timetable

This course takes place once a week for 10 weeks.

Benefits

• Complete the lower intermediate syllabus and communicate at JLPT N4 level
• Learn skills to speak with confidence in real-world situations
• Take part in interactive activities, group and pair work to practice your skills and learn more about Japanese culture

By the end of this course, you will be able to

• describe physical features and personality
• talk about what others have done
• express gratitude
• ask someone to convey a message on your behalf
• talk about imminent actions
• ask for a haircut
• understand 50 more kanji.

Grammatical structures including

• Causative verbs
  先生は、生徒に自由に意見を言わせました。
  The teacher let students freely voice their opinions.
• V causative て-form いただけませんか
  友だちの結婚式があるので、早退させていただけませんか。
  As I am going to attend my friend’s wedding, would you please let me leave earlier?
• 尊敬語 (respectful expressions)
  社長は、お寿司を召し上がります。
  The president eats sushi.
• 謙譲語 (humble expressions)
  明日、社長にお目にかかります。
  I will see the president tomorrow.

You will be awarded an official City St George’s, University of London certificate on completion of the course if you attend over 70 per cent of the classes. The course is not formally accredited.

Assessment

You won’t need to sit an exam at the end of the course, but you will be required to complete around two hours of homework each week.

Teaching

A variety of teaching methods are used – some are led directly by the tutor, while for others you will work in pairs. You will share short scripts you’ve written for homework with your classmates– such as writing simple notes to friends and memos to colleagues.

Audio and video clips will support your learning, so you can see how the language is used in everyday Japanese, while gaining cultural insight.

You will also develop your own independent learning style, with support from your tutor, to help you learn more effectively outside of the class.

It is the right level if one of the following applies:

• you have completed part 2 of the lower intermediate syllabus, or equivalent
• you have studied formally for 160 hours
• you are conformable communicating at JLPT N5 level.

You should already be able to:

• talk about your daily routine, including exercise and meals
• express worries and concerns
• ask someone to look after something for you
• enquire about someone’s personal circumstances
• use the passive verbs and quantifiers.

We have a range of courses available at other levels, so if this isn’t right for you take a look at what else we offer.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.