Marugoto is a coursebook for adult learners of Japanese that is based on the JF Standard* for Japanese Language-Education. Learners at Starter level (A1) can understand the basic phrases and expressions used in everyday life. 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.

Starter level (A1) 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 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.  Japanese

Lesson 1.  Hiragana

Lesson 2.  Katakana

 

Topic 2.  Myself

Lesson 3.  Nice to meet you

Lesson 4.  There are three people in my family

 

Topic 3.  Food

Lesson 5.  What kind of food do you like?

Lesson 6.  Where are you going to have lunch?

 

Topic 4.  Home

Lesson 7.  There are three rooms in my home

Lesson 8.  It’s a nice room

 

Topic 5.  Daily Life

Lesson 9.  What time do you get up?

Lesson 10.  When is convenient for you?

 

Test and Reflection 1

 

Topic 6.  Holidays and Days off 1

Lesson 11.  What’s your hobby?

Lesson 12.  Shall we go together?

 

Topic 7.  Towns

Lesson 13.  How are you going to get there?

Lesson 14.  It’s a famous temple

 

Topic 8.  Shopping

Lesson 15.  Cute!

Lesson 16.  I’ll take this

 

Topic 9.  Holidays and Days off 2

Lesson 17.  It was fun

Lesson 18.  I would like to visit Kyoto next time

 

Test and Reflection 2