Language Other Than English - Japanese

Consistent with Education Queensland’s policy, Japanese as a key learning area is taught to students in years 5, 6 and 7.

The aim of Japanese language learning at Ironside State School is not to produce fluent second language speakers. While it is hoped that students will accurately retain grammar and vocabulary taught in class and become increasingly confident with one Japanese script, it is hoped that they will acquire a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, have opportunities to reflect on their own ways of doing and seeing and thus benefit from developing a world view that values all languages and cultures.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.

If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. (Nelson Mandela)

Links for Parents and Caregivers

Click here if you have ever asked yourself the questions:

1. Why should my child learn another language?
2. What can I do to help my child learn a language that I don’t know?

Language claims are just plain wrong, The Australian, 2/9/09 [Which is the easiest language to learn?]

Critical assessment too close to call, The Australian, 2/9/09 [**interesting]

Speak, and ye shall find knowledge, The Australian, 2/9/09 [** interesting]

Don't say no to a new idiom, The Australian, 22/7/09 [**highly recommended]

The dynamic of need, The Australian, 15/7/09 [**highly recommended]

Future depends on Asian languages, The Australian, 10/6/09

Teaching Foreign Languages, ABC Radio National, Australia Talks, 7/05/09 [**highly recommended]

Study of Asia fails our need to know, The Australian, 6/05/09

When Fortune Fades, The Age, 6/05/09

Why push for greater Asian literacy makes sense, SBS World View, 5/05/09

Asian language study lagging in Australia, ABC Radio National PM, 5/05/09

"What does research show about the benefits of language learning?", American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Links for Students

Click here if you have ever asked yourself the questions: Why do I have to learn Japanese?

Another reason to learn another language..... (Youtube video)

Other reasons to learn another language....

Click on the link to find out how to say "hello" in over 800 different languages! How many ways are listed for Japanese? Why?

The following links provide learners opportunities to learn and practise their Japanese online.

Sugoi! Let's play sports & games. Three learning objects are available here. The first two practise expressing likes & dislikes. The third is a little difficult but 'have a go'.

Train a Sumo Wrestler. This site is in English but you can learn heaps about the sport.

Sugoi! Family Members. Listen to Tomoko introduce members of her family. Play a listening game to test your understanding.

My Family. Listen to someone introduce their family. Click & drag vocabulary on a family tree to test your comprehension.

Hiragana Practice. Click and drag the characters to their correct spot in the alphabet.

Ultimate Kana Challenge. Click the floating kana in the correct order. Start with あ　い　う　え　お (a i u e o). The order is worth remembering "a ka sa ta na ha ma ya ra wa n".

Kana Invaders (like space invaders).

Hiragana Picture Matching Game

Sugoi! 1, 2, 3: counting 1 ~ 10 [Note: learners may need to use LP username & password to access.]

Sugoi! 1, 2, 3: counting 11 ~ 100 [Note: learners may need to use LP username & password to access.]

Sugoi! 1, 2, 3: how much things cost [Note: learners may need to use LP username & password to access.]

Sugoi! Animals: Japanese Horoscope [Note: learners may need to use LP username & password to access.]

Sugoi! My body: parts of the body [Note: learners may need to use LP username & password to access.]

Scenario 1: Kasajizo [created by Department of Education, Science and Training]

Kasajizo is a fairytale about an old couple in ancient Japan who have nothing to eat at New Year. Language items you will learn/practise in this scenario include numbers, dates, weather, food, likes & dislikes.

Scenario 2: Ninja to the Rescue [created by Department of Education, Science and Training]

Ninja story engages use of Japanese language in the context of a ninja adventure in the samurai era. Language items you will learn/practise in this scenario include colours, adjectives, directions, simple kanji and past tense.

Scenario 3: Makeover Camp [created by Department of Education, Science and Training]

Scenario 4: Homestay (Big Brother Swap) [created by Department of Education, Science and Training]

Scenario 5: The Honeymooners [created by Department of Education, Science and Training]

Scenario 6: Speed Dating [created by Department of Education, Science and Training]

What's happening in and around Brisbane?

Highlights of Japanese Architecture. Free lecture by Robert Day at QUT Art Museum. Thursday 24 September, 5:30pm. Bookings recommended.

Japan Week 19th~26th September. Festivities include sumo, martial arts, dance, music, cooking classes, sake tasting (adults only!), traditional kids games etc...Click here and here for details.

For fans of Japanese 'anime' the Animania Festival will be in Brisbane 19 September 2009. Click here for details.

You live a new life for every new language you speak.

If you know only one language, you live only once. (Czech proverb)