The Center for Community Engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo offers multiple levels of non-credit Japanese language classes with longtime instructor Hiroko Igarashi. All classes will be held in UH Hilo’s College Hall Room 6.
Japanese Conversation, Beginners Level 1 covers basic language skills. Conversation practice is included, as well as reading and writing hiragana. This class is designed for ages 12 and up. The Genki 1 textbook and workbook, 2nd edition, are required. Classes will be held Thursdays, July 11 – August 8, from 4-6 p.m. Cost is $85.
Japanese Conversation, Beginners Level 1A covers the same material as Level 1, but students must already be familiar with hiragana. Classes will be held Thursdays, July 11-August 8, 4:30 -6 p.m. Cost is $65.
Japanese Conversation, Beginners Level 2 focuses on progressing students’ practical Japanese language skills. Students must be familiar with hiragana and a few basic greetings. This class is designed for students age 12 and up. The Genki 1 textbook and workbook, 2nd edition, are required. Classes will be held Wednesdays, June 26-August 7, 4:30 -6 p.m. Cost is $90.
Japanese Conversation, Beginners Level 3 is for students who know hiragana, katakana, and beginner's level conversation, including introductions and explaining simple daily activities. The focus will be on increasing vocabulary, understanding sentence structure and advancing conversation skills. The Genki 1 textbook and workbook, 2nd edition, are required. Classes will be held Tuesdays, June 25-August 6, 5-6:30 p.m. Cost is $90.
Japanese Language: Advanced is for students who can easily understand basic conversational Japanese and know fundamental kanji. Classes are taught primarily in Japanese for an immersion experience. The Kanken Level 9 is required. Classes will be held Mondays, June 24-August 5, 5-6:30 p.m. Cost is $120 for continuing students and $130 for new students.
Igarashi has a BS in Mathematics, BA in Communication, and an MA in China-US Relations. She has many years of experience teaching Japanese to children and adults in the community, and as a UH Hilo Lecturer.
For more information and to register, contact CCE at 932-7830 or visit https://hilo.hawaii.edu/cce/.