Achieve the ability to engage in natural, sustained conversations with Japanese speakers.
2
Secondary Goals
Acquire basic reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills to support conversation.
3
Contextual Inference
Develop the habit of inferring the meaning of unknown words from context during conversations and asking questions when unclear.
4
Sound Acclimation
Emphasize becoming accustomed to the sounds of Japanese from the beginning of the program.
Target Audience
Native Chinese Speakers
This program is tailored for learners who can quickly grasp kanji due to their familiarity with Chinese characters.
Conversation-Focused Learners
Ideal for those who prioritize conversational skills over JLPT certification, aiming for practical language use.
Program Structure: Month 1
1
Building Conversational Foundations
Focus on essential conversational phrases and getting used to Japanese sounds.
2
Initial Sound Familiarization
Daily practice of basic conversational phrases, listening exercises using original self-introductions, and simple role-play scenarios.
3
Self-Study
Regular listening to native Japanese conversations, focusing on rhythm and intonation.
Program Structure: Month 2
1
Deepening Conversational Skills
Introduction to contextual inference and developing the ability to infer the meaning of unknown words from context during conversations.
2
Activities
Engage in longer dialogues using original stories as conversation starters, encourage guessing the meaning of new words, and practice responding to unexpected questions or topics.
3
Self-Study
Daily conversation practice with a focus on context, and preparation for the first essay presentation.
Program Structure: Month 3
1
Mastering Conversation and Cultural Fluency
Understanding cultural contexts and refining inference skills.
2
Activities
Discuss cultural nuances found in original stories, practice conversations involving cultural contexts, and prepare for the second essay presentation with a focus on verbal discussion.
3
Self-Study
Engage with Japanese media to explore conversational contexts, focusing on cultural fluency and preparing for the final presentation.
Learning Materials and Tools
Core Materials
Original stories and self-introductions, focusing on conversational elements.
Audio Recordings
Natural Japanese conversations for listening practice.
Flashcards and Apps
Essential kanji/vocabulary relevant to conversation.
Program Progression: Weekly Sessions
Frequency
1-2 times per week
Content
Introduction of new conversational skills
Practice
Role-play and discussions to apply learned skills
Program Progression: Self-Study
Frequency
4 days per week
Activities
Daily listening and conversation practice
Preparation
Work on essay presentations
Program Progression: Essay Presentations
Frequency
Bi-Weekly
Purpose
Improve articulation and conversational skills
Format
Structured essay presentations with verbal discussion
Assessment and Feedback
1
Mid-Term Evaluation
After 1.5 months, assess progress in conversational fluency and contextual inference, adjusting the program as needed.
2
Final Evaluation
At the end of the program, evaluate the learner's ability to engage in fluent, natural conversations, culminating in a final presentation.
Month 1: Weeks 1-2 Focus
1
Basic Conversational Phrases
Introduce essential phrases for everyday communication.
2
Sound Acclimation
Get students comfortable with Japanese pronunciation and intonation.
3
Daily Practice
Emphasize regular practice of common phrases like greetings and introductions.
4
Listening Exercises
Use original self-introductions for authentic listening practice.
Month 1: Weeks 3-4 Focus
1
Essential Kanji & Vocabulary
Introduce kanji and vocabulary directly relevant to everyday conversation.
2
Original Stories
Use custom stories to identify and practice key conversational vocabulary.
3
Complex Role-Play
Introduce more advanced scenarios like shopping and ordering food.
4
Self-Study
Practice kanji recognition in conversational contexts and continue daily listening exercises.
Month 2: Weeks 5-6 Focus
1
Advanced Conversational Techniques
Develop skills for more complex conversations.
2
Inference Introduction
Begin practicing the ability to infer meaning from context.
3
Longer Dialogues
Engage in extended conversations using original stories as prompts.
4
Contextual Guessing
Encourage students to guess meanings of new words during conversations.
Month 2: Weeks 7-8 Focus
1
Listening Comprehension
Improve ability to understand native Japanese speakers.
2
Real-Life Conversation Practice
Participate in guided conversations with native speakers, in-person or online.
3
Natural Responses
Focus on understanding and responding naturally, even with unfamiliar words.
4
First Essay Presentation
Emphasize verbal explanation and discussion of the chosen topic.
Month 3: Weeks 9-10 Focus
1
Cultural Contexts in Conversation
Incorporate cultural understanding into daily conversations.
2
Refining Inference Skills
Further develop ability to infer meaning from context.
3
Cultural Discussions
Practice conversations involving cultural topics like festivals and customs.
4
Second Essay Presentation
Focus on a culturally relevant topic with emphasis on verbal discussion.
Month 3: Weeks 11-12 Focus
1
Final Conversations
Consolidate all skills in complex conversational exercises.
2
Inference Mastery
Demonstrate advanced ability to infer meaning in various contexts.
3
Story Presentation
Students present a retelling or creative adaptation of an original story.
4
Complex Role-Plays
Engage in scenarios that challenge inference skills and cultural understanding.
Preparation Plan
Materials
Original stories and self-introductions
Audio recordings of natural Japanese conversations
Flashcards and apps for essential kanji/vocabulary
Tools
Online platforms for regular speaking practice
Language exchange apps or services
Implementation Plan: Weeks 1-6
1
Week 1: Onboarding & Initial Assessment
Assess current conversational level and introduce program focus.
2
Weeks 2-6: Weekly Sessions
Prioritize conversational practice using original stories. Conduct role-plays, discussions, and spontaneous dialogues.
3
Weekly Assignments
Assign tasks involving speaking with native speakers and listening to real conversations.
Implementation Plan: Weeks 7-12
1
Bi-Weekly Essay Presentations
Focus on improving articulation of thoughts in Japanese through structured discussions.
2
Mid-Term Evaluation (End of Week 6)
Assess progress in conversational fluency and contextual inference. Adjust program if necessary.
3
Final Assessment (End of Week 12)
Conduct final conversational project demonstrating fluent and natural conversation skills.