General English(Expert)_Culture and Language

PART A_1

We will read aloud the words below. Please repeat after me. I will check your pronunciation.

(Please send the mispronounced words and expressions to your student.)

PART A_2

originally	最初は、もともとは
feature	特徴、特性
simplicity	飾り気のないこと、簡素、単純さ
concept	概念、観念
reflect	反映する、映す

PART A_3

Now, let’s review some words from part A_2.

(Please review the mispronounced words and expressions from part A_2.)

PART A_4

PART A_5

Please look at the picture in part A_2. Give a maximum of three things that you see in the picture.

(If your student is having a hard time to answer, please move to the next activity.)

PART A_6

PART B_1

You will read aloud the passage below. I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

(Please send the mispronounced words and expressions to your student.)

PART B_2

Japanese is sometimes said to be a difficult language to learn. This is because it uses three different types of characters: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. Kanji are Chinese ideographs that were introduced around the 5th century. Hiragana was developed from kanji during the Heian period in the 9th century. Hiragana was originally a female-only character.

The Japanese language’s unique sensibility is also a feature of Japanese culture. For example, “wabi-sabi” is frequently introduced as a beautiful Japanese term. It means the beauty of simplicity, but it is a very abstract concept that is difficult to explain in concrete terms.

With its four seasons, Japan has many other words for seasons and weather. Rain, in particular, has over 400 different terms. This reflects a common feeling in Japan, where it rains a lot.

In this way, we can learn a lot about a country’s culture from its language.

PART B_3

Now, let’s review some words and sentences from part B_2.

(Please review the mispronounced words and sentences from part B_2.)

PART B_4

PART B_5

I will ask the following questions. Please answer based on the passage. I will check if your sentences are complete and if the grammar is correct.

PART B_6

1.	According to the passage, why is Japanese difficult to learn?
Answer:
2.	What is an example of a very abstract concept that is difficult to explain in concrete terms?
Answer:
3.	How many various terms does the word “rain” have in Japanese?
Answer:

PART B_7

Now, let’s review your answers.

(Please review your student’s answers by sending the correct answers in complete sentences. After that, ask your student to read aloud his or her corrected answers.)

PART B_8

PART C_1

Please construct sentences using each word below.

PART C_2

originally
feature
reflect

PART C_3

Now, let’s review your sentences.

(Please review your student’s sentences by sending them in complete sentences. After that, ask your student to read aloud his or her corrected sentences.)

PART C_4

PART D_1

Let’s study the example below. I will read the sample question, and you will read the sample answer.

PART D_2

Expression:	I believe…
Sample Question:	What is one way to learn Japanese?
Sample Answer:	I believe that finding a Japanese tutor is one way you can learn to communicate in everyday situations. By having daily conversations regularly, you can learn useful phrases or words that are often used in conversations.

PART D_3

You will defend your opinion using the displayed expressions. Your answer should have at least two sentences.

PART D_4

Expression:	I believe…
Question:	What is important when learning a foreign language? Explain in relation to culture.
Answer:

PART D_5

Now, let’s review your answer.

(Please review your student’s answers by sending the correct answers in complete sentences. After that, ask your student to read aloud his or her corrected answers.)

PART D_6

PART E_1

Now, let’s answer the following questions. Give at least two reasons to support your opinion.
I will check if your sentences are complete and if the grammar is correct.

PART E_2

1.	It is said that losing a language also means losing the culture of the people who speak it. How would you feel if the Japanese language and your unique culture were lost?
Answer:
2.	What do you think are the benefits of learning other languages?
Answer:

PART E_3

Now, let’s review your answers.

(Please review your student’s answers by sending the correct answers in complete sentences. After that, ask your student to read aloud his or her corrected answers.)

PART E_4

PART F_1

Let’s do a free talk about the following topic.

(Please do a free talk if you have time left.)

PART F_2

What do you think are the good and bad points of both Japanese and English?

PART F_3