Description
While I normally make sure younger students have everything available to help them to learn, as adults, you know how much support you need when picking up something new. You get to choose what works best for you.
We'll be starting at the beginning and studying the basic Japanese writing system.
If you already know these characters, then take Japanese for Adults I.
This class is for adults. You must be 18 or older.
Frequently asked questions
What if I'm a total beginner? I've never studied a language before.
Then this is the class you should be in! You'll practice enough to recognize 75 - 85% of the kana characters—worksheets in the other courses are in Japanese—and even be able to write a little.
What if I've been studying on my own and/or have taken Japanese classes?
It's awesome that you're really into learning Japanese! How well do you know hiragana and katakana? If you can't recognize at least half of the 92 characters, then you should take Beginner Japanese for Adults: Kana first.
If you're good on the characters, which course would be next for you based on what you've already learned? Skim the course topics and take the placement test at your level.
Are the classes live?
Yes, Beginner Japanese for Adults courses are taught both live, online and in person.
You can request classes at locations where I hold in-person lessons if the current offerings aren't in your area.
What's the class size?
There are no more than 10 students present at once online and no more than 8 students present at once in person.
How do I know if this class is right for me?
I'm happy to refund the remaining classes if you take the first class in a course and don't enjoy it.
When can I start?
See the session dates at the top of the page. There are 6 sessions offered every year (so about every 2 months or less).
If you miss the first class of a session, you can probably still catch up if you come to office hours, do the worksheets and send them to me for feedback. I wouldn't recommend joining in the middle unless your placement test shows you have a good grasp of the things we've already covered.
If there isn't one set up currently, contact me and we may be able to start as soon as the next week.
What if I can't attend some of the classes?
If you need to miss certain days, there are so many ways for you to stay on top of the material:
- Come to Office Hours.
- Drop questions in Discord.
- Watch the video.
- Do the worksheet(s) from the missed lesson.
- Read through the class notes, if there are any, sent to you. (Class notes are usually only provided for the online courses.)
- Keep an eye out in class. Everything we learn builds on top of things from previous classes so definitely plenty of review.
You might be able to attend the in-person class if you're in the online class and the online class if you're in the in-person class. It might not be possible if the classes are moving at different speeds. But, please reach out as soon as you know which class you will be missing so you can join on the right day.
If you need to stop half way through the session you're signed up to take, please let me know as soon as you know so you can continue from where you left off in a different session.
I do not offer make-up classes or allow classes to be moved. There are just too many classes and I only have so much time each week to fit everyone in, create materials and review homework. On occasion, I may agree to move or hold an additional class but more than likely I won't be able. So, please sign up for the classes that fit in your schedule.
Is there a textbook? Is there homework?
There isn't a textbook but there is the workbook I designed specifically for this course. The workbook pages are linked through the Course Curriculum you get access to when you sign up.
We'll try to do most of the worksheets in class but you may have a little bit of homework.
How long do I have access to the videos?
You get lifetime access for the lifetime of the video course. All updates are free.
How can I get the most out of the classes?
- Repeat what you hear me say.
- Read the words out loud as you practice your writing.
- Practice what you've learned in class by finishing the worksheets outside of class and sending them to me for feedback.
I've seen a huge difference between how well and how fast students pick up the Japanese when you do the worksheets and ask me to look at them versus when you don't. If you're asking questions, figuring out the things that confuse you, then it gets easier and easier because Japanese has a lot of rules and patterns that repeat across the different grammar.
I'm really shy. Do I have to participate in class?
If you mean, do you have to have your mic on? Then the answer is no, you can be muted.
But, yes, you should participate by
- repeating the Japanese on your side of the screen.
- copying what I'm writing or at least practicing what you can while we work on the worksheets together.
- answering my questions on your side of the screen to see if you know it.
And, in a physical class, you can opt out of answering out loud but if you're taking the class so you can have conversations with people, use every chance you get!
Is there an age limit?
This class is for adults. You must be 18 or older.
