Japanese Language Department
Language is a window to another world.Learning a second language is a good investment for future job opportunities.
Bilingual brain boost: Two tongues, two minds
Speaking a second language can change everything from problem-solving skills to personality –almost as if you are two people
Will language skills help you stand out in the job market?
Can I get a job if I major or minor in a foreign language?
Yes, of course.
Language skills set you apart from other workers, making you a better candidate for promotion and work on new projects.
Beyond that, there are a huge number of jobs that absolutely require that you speak a second language.Year 9
Students learn about greetings, self-introductions, talking about family and friends, their town or city and their daily and weekly activities. They also learn hiragana and some basic kanji and about Japanese culture, such as food and eating etiquette.
Year 10
Building on Year 9 skills, students learn about calendar months, dates and seasons, how to tell the time and how to talk about their daily routine, school life and school events. Describing physical appearance and holidays, talking about hobbies and sports, the past and transport are also topics at this level. Katakana and some more kanji are introduced, as well as cultural topics like special occasions, festivals and gift-giving.
Level 1
NCEA level 1 allows students to consolidate and extend their previous learning and continue to learn about life in Japan. Students learn about housing and locations, weather and activities, shopping and part-time work. They also learn how to give directions and to describe people and their clothing. More kanji is introduced, and students learn about homestays and invitations.
Level 2
Kanji and language features are extended at this level. Topics such as family and homestays, eating and drinking, school life and leisure activities are covered.
Level 3
Kanji and language features are further extended at this level. Students study topics such as family and friends, food, fun and fashion, our changing world, exchange to Japan, being healthy, city life and country life, working and learning, festivals and celebrations, travel, and social and environmental issues.
Japanese Language Department News