5. Using Interactive Japanese 1 for self-study ·
Since Interactive Japanese 1 provides complete explanations of all the language introduced along
with a comprehensive vocabulary index and charts of Japanese script, it can be used for
independent self study or revision at home.
To use this textbook effectively we recommend you follow variations on the following
procedure:
1. Listen to the CD and practice saying the Japanese syllables. Reading the notes in sections 1.6,
1.9, and 1.10 will assist you. To ensure your pronunciation is good, it is worth recording
yourself on another tape and playing it back until you get it right.
2. Approach each lesson section by section, first reading the notes and then the new language
material.
3. play the conversation (kaiwa) section right through a few times so that you get used to the
sound of the language. Then do it again using the pause button so you can repeat it sentence by
sentence. The aim is to copy the sound and rhythm of the tape as best you can.
4. Using the CD you can practice taking one role in the conversation by using the volume control.
If you are taking part B, play the first part of the conversation (part A) then turn down the
volume while you say part B, then back up again so you hear the next part A and so on
throughout the conversation. Once you have done this a few times you will find you can judge
when the volume so you can have a smooth conversation with voice on the CD.
5. Imagine yourself in the same situation as in the conversation and work out how to substitute
appropriate words for those underlined in the conversation to make it relevant to you. Using a
blank tape record one part (part A) of the modified version of the conversation leaving pauses
where the B parts should be. Compare your pronunciation and rhythm with that on the
Interactive Japanese ı tapes and re-record
6. Play back what you have just recorded and fill in the other role (part B) This way you can
practice the modified conversation with yourself. You can also record the B part in the same
fashion so you will be able to practice both parts of the conversation.
you can keep this recording so you call practice it again later. Soon you will be able to memorize
and adapt both parts of the conversation and will be well on the way to fluency in Japanese.
When you are at home washing dishes or in the car it is a good idea to play the Interactive
Japanese ı tapes right through. It doesn’t matter whether you have covered all the lessons, the
aim is to get used to the sound of Japanese. At first it will all sound like gobbledygook but
gradually you will be able to pick out words and then sentences. The more you listen the faster
you will progress.
7. The practice sections (renshuu) aim to practice specific points and expand your vocabulary.
These are designed for use with a partner but you can also use them in the following fashion.
First, listen to the new vocabulary on the tape and repeat the words till you get the
pronunciation right. Look at part A of the renshuu and work out what information you need and
the questions you need to ask in order to get it. Say each question aloud then tum to table B and
say the answer. Finally you should complete both parts A and B by writing the answers in the
blanks using as much Japanese script as you have learned.
8. In some lessons there are listening comprehension exercises (kikitori renshuu). To use these
effectively you should first read the introduction and imagine the situation. Then read the
comprehension question so you know what information to listen for. After this play the CD a
number of times until you can answer the question. Then read through the passage and check
that you understand it. Finally, check the answers (kotae) at the end of the lesson.
9. Interactive Japanese ı will teach you to write all of the hiragana script as well as some kanji. It
is important that you put effort into learning the writing system as it will also aid your
understanding of the language. A few new characters are introduced in each lesson so by Lesson
15 you will be able to both read and write hiragana. This is a major step towards the mastery of
Japanese.
Since Interactive Japanese 1 provides complete explanations of all the language introduced along
with a comprehensive vocabulary index and charts of Japanese script, it can be used for
independent self study or revision at home.
To use this textbook effectively we recommend you follow variations on the following
procedure:
1. Listen to the CD and practice saying the Japanese syllables. Reading the notes in sections 1.6,
1.9, and 1.10 will assist you. To ensure your pronunciation is good, it is worth recording
yourself on another tape and playing it back until you get it right.
2. Approach each lesson section by section, first reading the notes and then the new language
material.
3. play the conversation (kaiwa) section right through a few times so that you get used to the
sound of the language. Then do it again using the pause button so you can repeat it sentence by
sentence. The aim is to copy the sound and rhythm of the tape as best you can.
4. Using the CD you can practice taking one role in the conversation by using the volume control.
If you are taking part B, play the first part of the conversation (part A) then turn down the
volume while you say part B, then back up again so you hear the next part A and so on
throughout the conversation. Once you have done this a few times you will find you can judge
when the volume so you can have a smooth conversation with voice on the CD.
5. Imagine yourself in the same situation as in the conversation and work out how to substitute
appropriate words for those underlined in the conversation to make it relevant to you. Using a
blank tape record one part (part A) of the modified version of the conversation leaving pauses
where the B parts should be. Compare your pronunciation and rhythm with that on the
Interactive Japanese ı tapes and re-record
6. Play back what you have just recorded and fill in the other role (part B) This way you can
practice the modified conversation with yourself. You can also record the B part in the same
fashion so you will be able to practice both parts of the conversation.
you can keep this recording so you call practice it again later. Soon you will be able to memorize
and adapt both parts of the conversation and will be well on the way to fluency in Japanese.
When you are at home washing dishes or in the car it is a good idea to play the Interactive
Japanese ı tapes right through. It doesn’t matter whether you have covered all the lessons, the
aim is to get used to the sound of Japanese. At first it will all sound like gobbledygook but
gradually you will be able to pick out words and then sentences. The more you listen the faster
you will progress.
7. The practice sections (renshuu) aim to practice specific points and expand your vocabulary.
These are designed for use with a partner but you can also use them in the following fashion.
First, listen to the new vocabulary on the tape and repeat the words till you get the
pronunciation right. Look at part A of the renshuu and work out what information you need and
the questions you need to ask in order to get it. Say each question aloud then tum to table B and
say the answer. Finally you should complete both parts A and B by writing the answers in the
blanks using as much Japanese script as you have learned.
8. In some lessons there are listening comprehension exercises (kikitori renshuu). To use these
effectively you should first read the introduction and imagine the situation. Then read the
comprehension question so you know what information to listen for. After this play the CD a
number of times until you can answer the question. Then read through the passage and check
that you understand it. Finally, check the answers (kotae) at the end of the lesson.
9. Interactive Japanese ı will teach you to write all of the hiragana script as well as some kanji. It
is important that you put effort into learning the writing system as it will also aid your
understanding of the language. A few new characters are introduced in each lesson so by Lesson
15 you will be able to both read and write hiragana. This is a major step towards the mastery of
Japanese.