Blog assignment #2 by Mon Feb 5

こんにちは！

For this blog assignment, please do the following.

• Find a Japan-related video online (YouTube etc.) and write your brief comment, thoughts, and/or opinion in English.   

The video can be Japanese song(s), Japanese YouTuber's show, (part of) a Japanese film (or TV show, anime episode, etc), a travel vlog in Japan, a documentary on Japan (history, culture, people, nature, etc.). Try to find one in Japanese language with (or without) subtitles so that you get as much Japanese exposure as possible. One of the main goals of this assignment is for you to familiarize yourself with Japanese sounds, rhythm, intonation, cultural gestures, and mannerisms, rather than comprehending the meaning. The other goal, of course, is for you to explore things Japanese. So, have fun exploring!

Your First Blog Entry

 In your first blog post, please include the following in English. 

1.  Brief introduction of yourself

2.  Why you chose to study Japanese

Let's create your own blog!

 How to Create Your Blog Account

1. Go to http://www.blogger.com. Using the browser Google Chrome is recommended.　

• In order to receive comments from as many people as possible, please select "Settings," then "Comments," and choose either "Registered Users" or "Users with Google Accounts" under the "Who can comment?" section.

• If you want to know how to type Japanese, please click one of the links listed under "Typing in Japanese" on the left side of Class Blog.

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• If you have trouble opening a new account, please let the instructor know.
• If you already have a blog that you want to use for this course and you can use Japanese on it, you do not have to open a new account.

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Blog Project: Why?

 Purposes

Let’s start the Blog Project! For this class we would like you to keep a blog because it provides a place:

1. To share/express your happiness, surprise, excitement, and/or frustration, as well as any questions you might have, while learning the Japanese language (or any other topics).

• While studying new grammar and words is very important when learning a language, it is equally important to actually use the language in a real life context. You must not wait to express yourself only when you think you have mastered the language because language learning is basically an ongoing process. In the beginning you may use English or any languages to express yourself, but we recommend that you gradually switch to Japanese whenever you feel comfortable enough to express yourself in Japanese.

2. To communicate with your classmates and other people outside of class.

• Language learning is not limited to what you do for the course but also includes what you do and experience outside the class. We will create links to your classmates' blogs as well as blogs by students in other schools, so you can see what other people think and feel about Japanese language learning (as well as other topics). You are also strongly encouraged to leave comments on these blogs.

• We know that your Japanese language is very limited, but you can convey your intended meaning more effectively by utilizing other resources such as pictures and videos. Remember that people utilize not only language but also other resources such as tone of your voice, music, body language, picture, color, font style and size for communication.

3. To reflect (or evaluate) what you have achieved as you learn the language.

• Sometimes it is challenging to see our own progress or growth. Blogs help you to look back and see how you have changed through the course of your Japanese language learning.

• At the end of the semester your blog will be evaluated by the instructors of Japanese.