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Studying Japanese in Hawai'i

An Overview of Learning Japanese

Japanese Daily Life Workshop

NACOS in a Nutshell: Short Version

David visits Hiroko's home.
NACOS Japanese Daily Life Workshop

The Japanese program that NACOS has created is an exciting mix of traditional language basics (beginning Japanese lessons and Structure-Supported Free Conversation), dynamic personal interaction with native Japanese speakers (Personal Interaction Aspect), innovative language learning methods like the Self Portrait. At NACOS we only employ the talents of native speakers and our classes are very small. In fact, each class has a maximum of four students (don't worry, we have several classes). At the end of the program, all your hard work will be visualized in your Original Text Album, an attractive personal memory book that we create for you, with photos, journaling, and aspects of your Japanese lessons.

Traditional Language Basics:

Beginning Japanese is for people who have had little or no formal Japanese instruction before and need to accumulate language basics. Structure-Supported Japanese Free Conversation is for people who know Japanese to a certain extent but are still not completely confident in communicating with Japanese people. Free Conversation covers the much of the language, but stresses the pragmatic structure points (for example, one of the advanced grammar points is the difference between 'giving and receiving', which indirectly reveals your humbleness and appreciation through your speech).

David practicing his Japanese with Hiroko

Dynamic personal interaction with native Japanese speakers:

In the Personal Interaction aspect you have the opportunity to meet Japanese speakers through various mediums such as cooking, shopping, sports, music, etc. Your Japanese may still be limited, but this does not mean you are unable to communicate. As you work through the learning process, you will find your unique ability to communicate confidently.

Truong Quyen reading her Self Portrait in Japanese

Cutting edge, innovative language learning methods
The Self Portrait and the Personal Sketch are the Japanese versions of your original essay about yourself. While working on the first level of communication, introducing yourself to Japanese speaking friends, clients, etc., you will become familiar with the beauty and rythm of the Japanese language. We will also help you to overcome the language barrier so that you may be able to reveal yourself in an effective and attractive manner. Thus, your relationship with Japanese speakers will be enriched.

(Examples of original text albums.)