Why learn Japanese?

Japan is one of the largest economies in the world. Learning the Japanese language can help you broaden your opportunities for a global profession as well as creating a gateway into other Asian cultures and languages. Japanese is also a major language used for online content and other modes of digital media. Why not study Japanese and enter the world of Japan’s unique language, modern society and culture? You will find that the journey will be easy and enjoyable! 

Course Name Course Description and Syllabus

Japanese Fundamentals 1, 2, 3

We are very excited to collaborate with the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth to offer beginning Japanese courses!

JASDFW offers three beginning level courses that help build foundations of learning the Japanese language. All three classes focus on conversational Japanese and will cover familiar topics regularly encountered in daily life and friendly social situations.  Students will learn some basic Japanese grammar and sentence structures as they learn how to introduce themselves, share personal details, daily routines, and future plans in Japanese. They will also learn familiar and basic expressions, and a variety of greetings useful in daily conversations. The goal is to have a basic understanding of how the language is used in different social circumstances while learning some essential Japanese language structures and cultural values.

While this course is focused on conversational Japanese, by the end of the course, students will be able to recognize Hiragana and its differences between the other writing systems. 

The courses are offered throughout the year and will have 8 sessions in the evening for 1 hour. Click on the following link for more details about the JASDFW course schedule

  • JASDFW Member*: $160
  • Non-member: $210
  • Membership Bundle: $190

* Friends of the UTD Center for Asian Studies are eligible for the member discount. This course is offered in collaboration with Japan-America Society of Dallas-Fort Worth (JASDFW). If you are interested, please contact ikuko@jasdfw.org for instructions to register.

This Japanese class will be conducted via Zoom. Attendees must have a device with audio and video capabilities, as well as an internet connection. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth reserves the right to cancel the class if it does not meet the minimum attendance number. Please contact us at ikuko@jasdfw.org  if you have questions.

About the lead instructor

Ikuko Fujiwara’s academic and professional background is in TESOL and Composition, which began with earning a Master’s degree in TESOL from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her career has been devoted to instruction and supporting student success while promoting diversity and respect in educational spaces. She has experience teaching Japanese, ESOL and college composition at various colleges in the United States. She is committed to creating inclusive and meaningful learning spaces where people engage in cross-cultural/intercultural understanding and learn to use language in empowering ways.

Click for the Course Schedule