Basic Japanese Course (Volume 3)

Author: Zhu Chunyue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-07-01
Features:
The features of this book are as follows:
1. Given that adult learners of Japanese often lack a Japanese language environment, the teaching methodology adopted in this book focuses on grammar-based instruction, which has been highly successful in China. While grammar is prioritized, attention is also given to sentence patterns and communicative functions. This approach ensures students build a solid language foundation and have strong "endurance."
2. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation training, with comprehensive guidance provided throughout the book. Japanese pronunciation includes aspects such as final consonants, pitch accent in words, pitch accent in compound words, changes in pitch accent in verb conjugations, sentence stress, and intonation. The content is rich and highly practical. The book offers pronunciation guidance throughout all chapters of volumes 1–4.
3. In terms of grammar, the book primarily references the grammar theory of the Japan Educational Science Research Association · Japanese Language Department (Linguistic Society), represented by Mr. Okada Yasushi. It also incorporates reasonable elements from other grammatical theories, providing a more comprehensive understanding of Japanese grammar and a more refined grammar system, which is beneficial for learners.
4. The grammar content is mainly based on the "Teaching Syllabus for the Basic Stage of Japanese Majors in Higher Education" issued by the State Education Commission in 1990. However, in terms of organization, we have reasonably adjusted the sequence of grammar content based on actual Japanese usage.
5. From the beginning, students are introduced to both descriptive and conversational styles. In the conversational sections, we avoid "textbook Japanese" and emphasize both plain and polite forms, enabling students to master different expressions based on interpersonal relationships, thereby bridging the gap between textbook language and real-life language.
6. The textbook covers a wide range of topics, with lively and engaging language. The length and difficulty of the passages are well-balanced, diversity, knowledge, and practicality.
7. The passages and dialogues use standard notation, helping students develop an accurate understanding of the standard mixed writing system of Japanese (kanji + kana) from the start.
8. Considering the practical need for computers, learners are required to master "Romaji" proficiency.
9. In the first two volumes, each chapter includes "connecting words." This not only expands vocabulary but also serves as a categorized word list, making it convenient for users to look up similar words.
10. In line with practical needs, the textbook and exercises consciously strengthen the learning of "loanwords."
11. In volumes 3 and 4, we mimic the question-setting style of the Japan Foundation's "Japanese Language Proficiency Test" and, based on students' actual proficiency, include a "proficiency test" every five chapters to further enhance their ability to apply learned language knowledge comprehensively.
12. To facilitate use, the book includes practical appendices after the main text: an index of pronunciation items, an index of grammar items, an index of connecting words, a master vocabulary list, etc.