JAPANESE

Why Japanese?

In recent years cultural, economic, educational, trade and tourism relations between Turkey and Japan have increased, as a result of which learning the Japanese language has gained importance. With its technology and economy, Japan is one of the most powerful countries of the world. Because of the fact that Turkey is close to Central Asian markets and European countries, Japanese investments in Turkey keep increasing and Japanese companies take active part in economic life in many Turkish cities, mainly in Istanbul. In addition, Turkey, as the cradle of civilizations, is a centre of attraction for Japanese people who highly esteem tourism. For this reason, there is a big demand in trade, education and tourism sectors who can speak Japanese.

Even though the Japanese language appears to be a difficult language because of its alphabet, its syntax, grammar patterns and speaking pattern shows similarities to Turkish. Once the writing system has been learned in a systematic way, Japanese becomes a language that is fun to learn. As a matter of fact, the fact that the alphabet is different makes the Japanese language all the more appealing.

The Japanese language is taught according to modern teaching methods by experienced teachers making use of a wealth of language material. Learners in TÖMER Japanese courses can also benefit from bursaries provided by the Japanese government.

Lessons

In TÖMER, all classrooms are furnished with a “U-type” seating system so that learners can communicate with the teacher as well as their peers comfortably. Each class features modern, electronic teaching equipment; in accordance with international language learning standards, each class can hold 5 to 16 learners. Language teachers at TÖMER are members of Ankara University. The medium of instruction is Japanese, as a result of which learners are exposed to the foreign language itself from the very start. 

Courses for General Purposes

Bulgarian courses consist of 14 levels: 8 basic levels, 4 intermediate levels, 2 advanced levels. In order to be successful at the final test given at the end of each term, learners need to prove proficient in each language skill tested (reading, listening, speaking, writing). If a learner fails to get a pass mark in any one of these skills, he or she is asked to take a second test for this skill only.

Coursebooks include Minna no Nihongo I and II in basic levels, Nihongo Chuukyuu 1 and 2 in intermediate levels, Nihongo Chuukyuu 2 and Donna Toki Dou Tsukau in advanced levels; there are also exercise books, listening and video material, and supplementary material designed by TÖMER Japanese Unit. In advanced levels, material compiled from documents on topics, news items and articles are used in order to help improve speaking skill. 

Courses for Specific Purposes

Courses for specific purposes include preparation classes for the Test of Proficiency in Japanese (Nouryoku Shiken), the Japanese Speaking Contest, various tests given by public and private institutions; there are also classes for translation-interpretation tests. These classes are organised upon request.

Final Tests

Normal courses cover 40 class hours and intensive courses cover 48 class hours; at the end of each semester, learners sit for a final test that includes sections on four basic language skills. Grading criterion is presented below. If a learner fails to meet the pass mark required for a skill, a second test is given for the skill concerned only. Yet, learners who fail in more than one skill are asked to repeat the level.