Japanese language level and language study contents
Students progress in language study as they review the previous days’ lessons and take tests. Improvement is a given, as students understand daily class-work, do homework, review and prepare for class. Classes are divided by level at the time of admission. Students are re-assessed at the end of each semester.
Beginner
This level is targeted for students who are relatively unfamiliar with the Japanese language (have completed roughly 150 hours of Japanese study). In this class students will learn to communicate freely in everyday Japanese. Students will learn approximately 400 kanji characters, be able to read and compose simple sentences.
| Text | Nihongo Shoho by Japan Foundation published by Bonjinsha |
|---|---|
| Term | 6 months |
| Target Level | Level 3 Certification for Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
Intermediate
Students will learn to read and write compositions of moderate length and, given a particular topic, students will be able to compile and present their thoughts. For example, students will be able to talk in detail about their lives, countries of origin, and culture. They are able to communicate freely with little difficulty and can use some Japanese at the workplace.
| Text | Topic-based / Studying Japanese as an intermediate learner by Hiroshi Matsuda, Ryosuke Nagata published by Kenkyusha |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 months |
| Target Level | Level 2 Certification for Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
Advanced
Students will be able to read a newspaper while using their dictionaries. As vocabulary increases, students will be able to understand television and radio. Additionally, will be able to write and present their own thoughts about what they have heard.
| Text | Studying Japanese as an intermediate learner by Hiroshi Matsuda, Ryosuke Nagata published by Kenkyusha |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 months |
| Target Level | Level 1 Certification for Japanese Language Proficiency Test |
Superior
Students of this level will be able to understand university and college level classes, lectures, assignments, write and present research reports. At this level of language ability, a student will have no trouble with life in Japan.
| Materials | Original audiovisual materials |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 months |