Amicale

The first lesson will be held on Wednesday 17 September, from 12:00 to 13:00, at the Agora (room A1.08V).

This introductory course is designed for beginners and advanced beginners who want to make simple conversation with Japanese people. It is also recommended for those who plan to travel to Japan, and those who practise Japanese martial arts and want to better understand the Japanese mind.

The course is quite flexible and will depend on the participants' level of Japanese, as well as their specific requests.

1. Time and Place

Wednesdays during lunch break, one-hour weekly between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m. (times will be determined after the constitution of 1 or 2 groups) in Room A1.08V at the Agora.

- First Quarter: 17 September - mid-December 2014

- 2nd Quarter: January 2014 - March 2015

- 3rd Quarter: April-June 2015

* 12 hours per quarter. There will be no classes during school holidays.

2. Course content

The lessons consist of two parts: learning the language and presentation of Japanese culture.

* Japanese Language (9 hours / quarter)

- Explanation of the system of Japanese language (writing, pronunciation, basic grammar concepts)

- Writing practices of Hiragana and Katakana (syllabic)
* Hiragana / Katakana: two of the three forms of Japanese writing

- Basic conversation
* We will use the book « Le Japonais » Assimil, Collection Sans peine
(http://fr.assimil.com/methodes/le-japonais#livre)

I will also talk about culture, customs, politics of Japan and the Japanese way of thinking.

* Presentation of Japanese culture (3 hours / quarter)

I will present Japan also under its aspects of:
- culture
- geography
- cuisine

Some practical sessions are also planned (Origami, Furoshiki, Traditional Games , etc.).

* I will ask participants, at the beginning of the course, what their interests are.

3. Rates

- 85 EUR / quarter (12 hours in total); or 80 EUR for couples and families, OR

- 10 EUR / course (1 hour)

4. Contacts

Teacher: Mariko Watanabe / mariko.fr (a) mail.com

Section Officer: Marie-Rose Prevost / marie-rose.prevost@coe.int; tel. 3171