As promised, I am compiling a web copy of the Level 1 Japanese Text I used during a summer course in Japan. I am currently working on the scans, however Lesson 1 could be typed and explained on it's own without the need of an image file, so here you go!

Lesson 1:


Classroom Instructions

Here are some useful expressions that you will hear and use frequently in class. Learn to understand your instructor's commands and to make the appropriate responses.

1. *kiite kudasai. - Please Listen.
2. Itte kudasai. - Please say (it).
3. **Moo ichido itte kudasai. - Please say (it) once more.
4. Kotaete kudasai. - Please answer.
5. Minna de itte kudasai. - Please say (it) all together.
6. Motto ookii koe de hanashite kudasai. - Please speak in a louder voice.
7. Suzuki-san ni kiite kudasai. - Please ask Mr/s. Suzuki
8. Yoku ***dekimashita. - Very good. You did a good job.
9. Wakarimasu ka? - Do you understand?
10. Hai, wakarimasu - Yes, I understand.
11. ****Iie, wakarimasen. - No I do not understand.
12. kuri kaeshite kudasia - Please repeat.

Natalie's Lecture:

Pronunciation Notes:
*kiite is pronounced much like "key"-"tay". Hold the vowel in "key" out just a tad bit longer than you normally would.
**For "moo", it isn't the sound a cow makes, but rather a long "o" sound held out just a split second longer than you normally would.
***When pronouncing "shita", the Japanese often run the consonants together, pronouncing this "shta".
**** When pronouncing "masen", drop the "n" at the end and give it a bit more of a nasal glottal.
When pronouncing "masu" one simply says "mas" making the "s" a bit stronger than normal. The "u" is there, but it is swollowed a bit. You will be able to hear and speak this with practice.
Remember that Japanese is a syllabic language. It is important to consider EVERY SINGLE SYLLABLE, EVEN THE VOWELS when you pronounce Japanese words. It is rare that vowels will run together to create one syllable. When this does happen, I will be sure to point it out ~.^


A quick note on verb conjugation! Look at numbers 9, 10 and 11. Notice how the verb is conjugated. To ask a question, one simply adds "ka" to the end of the verb "masu". To negate the statement one uses "masen", and to affirm the statement one uses "masu". To use it in the past one says "mashita". You will use this with other verbs as well, so start practicing now!

Questions?

Lesson 2 will be up in about an hour or so ^_^