Start with something you care about
A fictional family, drawn in code. Each step below uses something Sathi does today.
Monday
It starts from something they already do together.
I want to speak Japanese with my grandson.
Sathi:What do you two like doing together? We can start there.
We cook together. Teach me things I can use.
A short lesson, and a recording to practise with.
Sathi:Three things to say while you cook:
- Kō yatte? Like this?
- Mō sukoshi A little more
- Oishii ne! Tastes good!
I’ve recorded each one twice, so you can listen while you cook.
Cooking words · practice · Audio · 0:38
They set the pace, and the next step gets smaller.
That was too fast.
Sathi:Then just one for now. Here it is three times, with a pause after each. Try it as you fold the next one.
- Kō yatte? Like this?
Kō yatte? · three times · Audio · 0:09
Thursday
Days later, the same conversation picks up where it left off.
Can we practise again? We’re making dumplings together on Sunday.
Sathi:Yes. Last time we slowed down to one phrase. We’ll start there, then add the next.
- Kō yatte? Like this?
- Mō sukoshi A little more
For Sunday · practice · Audio · 0:24
Sunday · a family video call
On the call, it’s the two of them.
“Kō yatte?”Like this?
After the call
They choose what comes next.
Next time, help me ask about his school.
Sathi:We’ll start there next time.