Marugoto is a coursebook for adult learners of Japanese that is based on the JF Standard* for Japanese Language-Education. Learners at Elementary2 level (A2) can accurately express their own ideas and participate in an exchange of information within a range of familiar, everyday topics. Based on the philosophy of “Japanese for mutual understanding," each topic features people from a variety of cultural backgrounds interacting in Japanese. Hints about cross-cultural understanding, such as in dialog content, photos, and illustrations, can be found throughout the book. Marugoto also places importance on audio input for language learning, with many classroom activities for listening to natural conversation.
Elementary2 level (A2) is composed of two volumes, Katsudoo (Coursebook for communicative language activities) and Rikai (Coursebook for communicative language competences). In Katsudoo the aim is to develop practical communicative ability through listening to a variety of Japanese and through speaking practice. In Rikai you are able to systematically study the language system needed for communication. Both Katsudoo and Rikai can be main teaching materials, and the topics are the same. Depending on one's study goals, either book can be used independently, or both together to improve overall Japanese ability.
*JF Standard is based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). This CEFR scale makes the content of Marugoto easy to compare with other language resources.
Merits of Marugoto
★Lush photos and illustrations to bring enjoyment to studying
★Plenty of audio resources to connect language input with output
★Portfolio system to manage your own learning progress
Recommended course length: 40 to 60 hours
Audio and other materials to be used together with Marugoto can be downloaded for free from website ≪https://www.marugoto.org/en/download/≫. Please note that you will be required to register on the publisher's Marugoto website.
Topic 1. New Friends
Lesson 1. That’s a good name
Lesson 2. She is the person wearing glasses
Topic 2. Eating Out
Lesson 3. What do you recommend?
Lesson 4. How do you eat this?
Topic 3. Okinawa Trip
Lesson 5. You’d better take a hat
Lesson 6. You can watch a dolphin show
Topic 4. Japan Festival
Lesson 7. What do we do if it rains?
Lesson 8. Has the concert started already?
Topic 5. Special Days
Lesson 9. What did you do during your New Year’s holidays?
Lesson 10. Wishing for good things to happen
Test and Reflection 1
Topic 6. Online Shopping
Lesson 11. My vacuum cleaner has broken
Lesson 12. This one is cheaper
Topic 7. A Town Rich in History and Culture
Lesson 13. This temple was built in the 14th century
Lesson 14. I hear that this painting is very famous
Topic 8. Life and Eco-friendly Activities
Lesson 15. The light has been left on
Lesson 16. I’ll sell it at the flea market
Topic 9. People’s Lives
Lesson 17. Do you know this person?
Lesson 18. What kind of child were you?
Test and Reflection 2
