The Japanese lessons in this section will be useful to those who plan to learn the basics of the Japanese language on their own. If you have already sufficiently mastered the Japanese writing systems and phonetics presented in the sectionIntroduction to linguistics - you can proceed to get acquainted with the materials of this section.
The course "Fundamentals of Linguistics" includes basic lessons (block 1,2 and block 3), designed for 6-8 academic hours of independent study each, as well as a number of additional exercises on the main topics of the course - block 4 (6 more additional lessons, calculated for 24-30 academic hours). These materials will provide a general understanding of the structure of the Japanese language. Each lesson includes several paragraphs: vocabulary, grammar, exercises and tasks with answers, hieroglyphics, and listening ("listening"). To learn more about the structure of the lessons, go to the area of \u200b\u200bblock 1 at the end of the page. The final stage of the "Fundamentals of Linguistics" section is an on-line (interactive) test. With its help, the user will be able to assess how successfully he mastered this or that volume of material. The procedure for opening access to site materials is described in detail in the Help section. Lesson materials are posted on the site in blocks, in accordance with the curriculum.
Materials available for study:
Lesson block number 1. Fundamentals of linguistics. Part # 1.
Lesson description:
Working with a flash simulator as one of the options for the successful mastering of lexical material and hieroglyphics
Lesson description:
Nouns. Nominative... Personal pronouns. Simple sentence with nominal predicate... Affirmation and denial. Interrogative sentence. General concepts of hieroglyphs, the rules for their writing. Information table with prescriptions - the main features of hieroglyphic signs.
Lesson description:
Demonstrative pronouns. Genitive nouns. Possessive pronouns Interrogative sentences Reading hieroglyphs Information table with prescriptions for hieroglyphs
Lesson block number 2. Fundamentals of linguistics. Part number 2.
Lesson description:
Japanese verbs. Simple sentences with verbal predicate... Interrogative sentences with a verb as predicate. Accusative case of nouns. Common sentences with a verb predicate. Graphic elements of hieroglyphs Concept of hieroglyphic key Table of key characters Information table with words for hieroglyphs 日 、 月 、 女 、 子 、 木.
Lesson description:
Numerals in Japanese. Counting system. Initial and limiting cases of nouns. Conjoint case. Information table with prescriptions for hieroglyphs 三 、 四 、 五 、 十 、 百.
Lesson description:
The most common noun cases. Common sentences with a verb predicate. Information table with prescriptions for hieroglyphs 六 、 七 、 八 、 九 、 万.
Japan. About the Nihongo Noreku Shiken (JLPT) exam
What is the Nihongo Noreku Shiken (日本語 能力 試 験) exam?
Nihongo Noryoku Shiken (English, or JLPT) is an official examination to determine the level of knowledge of the Japanese language, conducted with 1984 year for non-native Japanese speakers. Outside Japan, the exam is organized by Japan Foundation (The Japan Foundation) through its representatives - embassies, consulates, Japanese centers, schools and everyone to whom the Foundation delegates the authority to conduct the exam JLPT in different countries. AT Japan Noryoku Shiken hosted by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).
Goals of the people taking the exam Nihongo Noryoku Shiken differ depending on the level for which the examinees are applying. AT JLPT to the initial level ( N5) usually the largest number of applicants participate. These are schoolchildren studying Japanese, students initial courses... Teachers usually recommend that students take the exam Noryoku Shiken beginner levels in order to get to know first-hand the system of this exam.
Among those who surrender JLPT high level ( N2 or N1) a lot of people who intend to tie their professional activity from Japan and Japanese, enroll in Japanese University (although there is a special exam for admission to Japanese universities Ryugaku Shiken), apply for a job in a Japanese company, or take part in a professional internship program at Japan... In such cases, a certificate of successful delivery Noryoku Shiken is completely useful.
How often and where is the exam held?
Noryoku Shiken Nihongo held twice a year: in first Sunday of July and in first Sunday in December... but july exam JLPT is not held everywhere (in Russia only in Vladivostok and Moscow). Below in the table you can find out the nearest exam location (in Russia and the CIS). You can find a complete list of exam locations.
What does the exam include?
Exam JLPT defines " the level of communicative competencies required to perform certain tasks", namely: (1) knowledge of the Japanese language, including vocabulary and grammar, and (2) the ability to apply this knowledge in practical communication.
Himself Noryoku Shiken divided into several sections: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading and Listening.
The content of the exam is governed by the Exam Content Specification (出 題 基準 Shutsudai kijun?), First published in 1994 year and partially revised in 2002 year... This document, with the exception of the English-language introduction, is written entirely in Japanese and contains lists of words, characters, expressions, and grammar for each level of the exam. According to the Specification, the exam is conducted in the form of a test, in which the applicant only needs to choose one option out of several possible ones; the applicant is not required to write anything in Japanese.
Regardless of the level, the exam consists of three parts:
1.Vocabulary and hieroglyphics
2. listening and understanding
3. reading and understanding - grammar.
The maximum number of points is fixed, only the time allotted for each section is different.
Vocabulary and hieroglyphics
This part of the exam includes an average of 35-45 questions, in which the applicant is required to determine the correct hieroglyph, select the appropriate katakana or hiragana notation, and also choose the most appropriate word for a given sentence.
Listening and understanding
It consists of two parts, in one of which the applicant, when answering each question, must choose the correct picture from the four proposed, using the information obtained from the dialogue, the recording of which is played during the exam. The second part is similar to the first, except that there are no pictures, and the answer options are read out along with the dialogue. The recording with tasks is played once and under no circumstances can be returned to the previous questions.
Reading and understanding - grammar
Contains 20-30 questions on Japanese grammar and the same number of questions based on the understanding of sentences and texts. This could include activities where you need to fill in gaps in dialogue, or answer content-related questions.
What are the requirements for each level of Noryoku Shiken?
Nihongo Noryoku Shiken divided into 5 levels from N5 before N1, and N1 - the most difficult. Before 2010 year there were 4 levels, but due to the too large gap between levels 3 and 2, it was decided to introduce an additional intermediate level. To distinguish between old and new levels, new ones are added " N", the first letter from New and Nihongo.
Below are the requirements for each level. New Noryoku Shiken.
CRITERIA FOR NEW LEVELS NIHONGO NORYOKU SHIKEN
Fifth level (N5, former 4th kyu)
Despite the popular belief that obtaining a level certificate N5 does not make sense, a lot of people who study Japanese begin their ascent to the top Nihongo Noryoku Shiken from him. Indeed, for serious practical application, in most cases, neither level N5nor even N4, but this does not detract from the value of the exam itself. Controlling activities are one of essential elements training, stimulating the learner, adjusting him to the result and allowing him to reveal in time previously unnoticed gaps in knowledge. So, for example, many applicants who come to the exam for the first time face great difficulties in listening and often receive a low score for this section. Obviously, it is much better to realize and solve this problem during the academic stage than to suffer from its consequences during the competition for higher-level certificates, when obtaining a promising position may be at stake.
The first and most important requirement for an applicant for a level certificate N5 - the ability to read hiragana fluently, since without this skill it is impossible to meet the allotted time frame. As for words, hieroglyphs and grammar, you can find numerous lists on the Internet that allow you to easily navigate the requirements for knowledge of the material.
Speaking about domestic textbooks, it can be noted that knowledge and skills sufficient to obtain the fourth level are mostly achieved after studying the 1st and 2nd volumes of the Japanese language textbook edited by I. V. Golovnina or the 1st volume of the textbook "Japanese for Beginners" L. T. Nechaeva... The material contained in these books does not fully cover all the sections presented in the exam, therefore, in the preparation process, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the content of the tests and work out unclear points with the involvement of third-party literature.
Fourth level (N4, former 3-kyu)
Usually easily surrendered one year after receiving the level certificate N5, subject to regular classes. It is not uncommon for people who have just begun to learn Japanese to successfully pass the level exam N4 after just one year of classes. The volume of the material in the first approximation corresponds to the 3rd and 4th volumes of the Japanese textbook, edited by I. V. Golovnina or the 2nd volume of the textbook "Japanese for Beginners" L. T. Nechaeva.
Third level (N3)
It occupies an intermediate position between the former levels of 3-kyu and 2-kyu (in a new way N4 and N2). Introduced to compensate for the too serious gap in complexity between the two.
Second level (N2)
This level is already incomparably more complicated than the previous one, and the topics covered in it are so diverse that it is very difficult to recommend literature, at least to some extent corresponding to its requirements. In the case of regular and sufficiently intensive classes, it is possible to achieve the second level certificate two years after the third level, although many Japanese language learners often take longer.
In most cases, the requirements for employment related to knowledge of the Japanese language begin precisely at the level N2.
First level (N1)
Assumes fluency language. To get it without constant language practice associated with regular communication with native speakers is a very difficult task.
Nihongo Noreku Shiken Certificate
Certificate of passing the international exam The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is reviewed by all employers Japan and many Universityami (excluding those who take Nihongo Ryugaku Shiken). When applying for a job in Japan the first thing that the overwhelming majority of companies require is to provide a certificate of delivery The Japanese Language Proficiency Test first level. This is the minimum requirement for a foreign job seeker. Certificate Nihongo Noryoku cannot be falsified: all forms contain an individual number, which can be checked against international registers.
Organization of the exam
Nihongo Noryoku Shiken held twice a year on the first Sunday in July and on the first Sunday in December; in the territory Russian Federation it can be taken in Moscow, St. Petersburg (since 2008), Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Perm, Khabarovsk and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. It is necessary to register for participation in the exam in September 10-20, and those applicants who cannot personally appear at the registration point and plan to send documents by mail should do this even earlier. In order not to be late with the submission of documents, it is recommended to follow the information on the embassy website Japanstarting in late August. For full-time registration, you must have a passport and two 3x3 photographs.
The exam is paid, in Russia in 2010 the cost of the questionnaire was 100 rubles. The fee for the fifth level exam is 300 rubles, the fourth - 500, the third - 700 rubles, the second - 900 rubles, the first - 1100 rubles. (prices today, due to inflation, may increase)
On the day of the exam, it is strongly recommended to come to the venue in advance, since due to the large number of applicants, problems with the registration procedure may arise and, as a result, long queues in which you can spend significant time. Nevertheless, the participants of the exam do not need to worry in any case, since each applicant has a personal seat prepared in advance, marked with a number that matches the number of his voucher. During the exam, you are allowed to have only two simple pencils for filling out the exam questionnaires and an eraser.
The exam results are sent by mail and usually reach applicants in late February - early March next year.
How to behave on the exam
During the exam, you must follow the rules set by the organizer. First, do not be late in any way. Second, respond quickly and accurately. But this, rather, refers to the rules of good form. It is hopeless to dream about what can be written off or spied on a cheat sheet, such attempts are ruthlessly suppressed and minimized in advance: for example, all bags are folded at the entrance, and on the table there can only be a pencil and an eraser. The answer options indicated by circles must be carefully painted over with a pencil. All forms are collected immediately after the allotted time for each part of the exam. 
The Japanese lessons in this section will be useful to those who plan to learn the basics of the Japanese language on their own. If you have already sufficiently mastered the Japanese writing systems and phonetics presented in the sectionIntroduction to linguistics - you can proceed to get acquainted with the materials of this section.
The course "Fundamentals of Linguistics" includes basic lessons (block 1,2 and block 3), designed for 6-8 academic hours of independent study each, as well as a number of additional exercises on the main topics of the course - block 4 (6 more additional lessons, calculated for 24-30 academic hours). These materials will provide a general understanding of the structure of the Japanese language. Each lesson includes several paragraphs: vocabulary, grammar, exercises and tasks with answers, hieroglyphics, and listening ("listening"). To learn more about the structure of the lessons, go to the area of \u200b\u200bblock 1 at the end of the page. The final stage of the "Fundamentals of Linguistics" section is an on-line (interactive) test. With its help, the user will be able to assess how successfully he mastered this or that volume of material. The procedure for opening access to site materials is described in detail in the Help section. Lesson materials are posted on the site in blocks, in accordance with the curriculum.
Materials available for study:
Lesson block number 1. Fundamentals of linguistics. Part # 1.
Lesson description:
Working with a flash simulator as one of the options for the successful mastering of lexical material and hieroglyphics
Lesson description:
Nouns. Nominative. Personal pronouns. A simple sentence with a nominal predicate. Affirmation and denial. Interrogative sentence. General concepts of hieroglyphs, rules for their writing. Information table with prescriptions - the main features of hieroglyphic signs.
Lesson description:
Demonstrative pronouns. Genitive nouns. Possessive pronouns Interrogative sentences Reading hieroglyphs Information table with prescriptions for hieroglyphs
Lesson block number 2. Fundamentals of linguistics. Part number 2.
Lesson description:
Japanese verbs. Simple sentences with a verb predicate. Interrogative sentences with a verb as predicate. Accusative case of nouns. Common sentences with a verb predicate. Graphic elements of hieroglyphs Concept of hieroglyphic key Table of key characters Information table with words for hieroglyphs 日 、 月 、 女 、 子 、 木.
Lesson description:
Numerals in Japanese. Counting system. Initial and limiting cases of nouns. Conjoint case. Information table with prescriptions for hieroglyphs 三 、 四 、 五 、 十 、 百.
Lesson description:
The most common noun cases. Common sentences with a verb predicate. Information table with prescriptions for hieroglyphs 六 、 七 、 八 、 九 、 万.
At the basic, fifth level of Japanese language learning, students are introduced to the basics of grammar, vocabulary and writing. The teacher pays special attention to the development of basic speaking and grammatical skills. At the end of the level, students are familiar with two alphabets of the Japanese language (hiragana and katakana) and can use them when reading simple texts and writing, mastering more than a hundred hieroglyphic units. About 800 lexical units are mastered, which allows you to maintain a conversation on the topics studied. Much attention is paid to the formulation of pronunciation. After completing the course, students can take the Nihongo Noryoku Shiken Level 5 International Exam.
Jap 4 (A2)
Listeners can understand texts in which basic vocabulary and hieroglyphics (everyday Japanese) are used. Vocabulary increases to 1500 lexical units. Can understand spoken language and participate in dialogues if the other person speaks slowly and clearly. Upon completion of this course, one can take the Nihongo Noryoku Shiken International Exam for Level Four.
Jap 3 (B1)
The Japanese language is studied in depth. The main emphasis is on grammar, vocabulary and hieroglyphic material, written speech and listening comprehension of Japanese. Students can read texts of a high level of difficulty, can understand most of the dialogues on everyday topics, which are given at an almost natural pace. A large volume of new vocabulary is given, various aspects life of modern Japan. A complete understanding of everyday Japanese requires knowledge of approximately 600 kanji and 2500-3000 words. Upon completion of this level, one can take the Nihongo Noryoku Shiken international exam for the third level.
Jap 2 (B2)
Listeners perceive authentic materials - newspaper and magazine articles, media reports, audio and video materials. The grammar and vocabulary learned at the previous levels are skillfully used, thanks to which discussions are successfully conducted. The vocabulary is about 6000 lexical units and 1000 hieroglyphs. Upon completion of this level, one can take the Nihongo Noryoku Shiken international exam for the second level.
Jap 1 (C1)
At this stage, listeners are able to express themselves fluently and fluently in Japanese, read complex non-adapted texts (newspaper articles, literature). Comprehension of the interlocutor's speech at a natural pace is available. It is important to practice communicating directly with a native speaker. An acquaintance with the business sphere of the Japanese language takes place. About 2,000 hieroglyphs and up to 10,000 words are mastered. Upon completion of this level, one can take the Nihongo Noryoku Shiken international exam for the first level.
The duration of training is from 96 to 216 academic hours, depending on the level.
Subtitle
If you are studying Japanese or are just planning to embark on this difficult path, then most likely you have heard that there is an exam to determine the level of Japanese language proficiency Nihongo noryoku shiken.
In 1984, the need for official confirmation of knowledge of the Japanese language increased among foreigners when studying and hiring in Japanese companies, and it was decided to create a single exam that could do this. This is how Nihongo noryoku shiken appeared ( 日本語能力試験 | nihongo nouryoku shiken) is an exam aimed at determining the level of Japanese language proficiency among non-native Japanese speakers.
It is noteworthy that this exam can be taken in almost any country, not necessarily in Japan, and the certificate will be valid around the world. Usually Nihongo noryoku shiken is rented 2 times a year, on the first Sunday of June and December, but depending on the country or city of residence, it can be held only in summer or only in winter.
To sign up for the exam, you need to choose a level that suits you a few months before it takes place, submit documents to the Japan Foundation (in Moscow, this is the department of Japanese literature at the All-Russian State Library of Literature), pay a small fee and wait for the exam to start. You can find out more detailed information about the location of the exam in your city on the respective websites of your place of residence.
The exam tests the level of Japanese proficiency in several categories:
Vocabulary and hieroglyphics - on average 40 tasks, where the examinee needs to choose the correct hieroglyph from the proposed ones, determine correct writing hiragana or katakana, and arrange the parts of the sentence in the correct order.
Reading and grammar - in this part of the text, the examinee needs to answer 20-30 grammar questions, read several texts, after which you need to answer the questions correctly or insert missing words into sentences. It requires an almost complete understanding of what is written, therefore, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of the exam.
Listening - in some tasks it is necessary to listen to the recording and select the correct image or text answer, in other tasks you need to perceive everything only by ear, answering the questions asked or choosing the correct information from the text heard.
It is worth noting that the exam is a test, so in all tasks you need to choose either the correct answer or arrange the words in the correct order. Even if you don't know the answer 100%, you can find it out by elimination, which makes the exam a little easier.
Grading system:
For each part of the exam, you can score from 0 to 60 points (at some levels, parts of the exam are combined and you can score from 0 to 120 points). In total, for the entire exam, you can score up to 180 points, 60 in each of the parts. Each level of Japanese requires a specific minimum scoreto pass the exam successfully. For example, at level 4 you need to score at least 90/180 points, i.e. at least half. However, there is an important condition that in each of the three parts of the exam you need to score at least 19 points. In other words, if you have an overall score of 120, but only 10 points for listening, then the exam will fail. You need to try to score the maximum points in all three parts.
The Nihongo noryoku shiken exam has 5 difficulty levels:
Level 5 (N5):
This is the easiest level of Japanese language proficiency and includes only the very basics. You need to know only 105 hieroglyphs, about 800 words and dozens of simple grammatical constructions.
You need to dial 80/180 points.
Level 4 (N4):
The fourth level is a more detailed deepening into the Japanese language, which implies an acquaintance with 敬語 (Keigo) polite Japanese, knowledge of at least 300 characters and 1500 words. Grammatical constructions allow you to build complex sentences with turns.
You need to dial 90/180 points.
Level 3 (N3):
With the third level, you can already get a part-time job in Japan. It is understood that a person can already communicate on everyday topics, write essays and read simple books. At this level, you need to know about 670 hieroglyphs and 3500 words.
You need to dial 95/180 points.
Level 2 (N2):
The second level of Nihongo noryoku shiken allows you to enter some Japanese universities and colleges, as well as get some jobs in Japan. This implies a good command of the Japanese language and communication on almost any topic. For this level, you need to know at least 1000 hieroglyphs, more than 6000 words and almost all grammar used in everyday life and books.
You need to dial 90/180 points.
Level 1 (N1):
In order to find a job in a Japanese company and work on an equal footing with the Japanese, as well as to enter good universities In Japan, you must have a Level 1 Nihongo noryoku shiken certificate. The holder of such a certificate must have a good command of polite Japanese, conduct business correspondence, read books in the original, and know a lot of rarely used grammar. You need to know at least 2,000 hieroglyphs and more than 10,000 words. This is the most high level Nihongo noryoku shiken. When hiring a foreigner, they will most likely ask for a Level 1 certificate.
You need to dial 100/180 points.
From the outside it seems not easy, but in fact, not everything is so scary. If you want to learn Japanese, you can do this and get level 1. In addition, please note that the exam does not test spoken Japanese, which greatly simplifies the task.
A few months after passing the Nihongo noryoku shiken, each participant receives the exam results, which indicate the total score, the points scored in each of the categories and the test status. If written 合格 (goukaku), then you can celebrate - the exam is passed. If the inscription 不合格 (fugoukaku), it means that the exam has failed and you will need to try next time.
Do not rush to immediately pass on a high level, but test your strength. I am sure you will succeed.
If you want to start learning Japanese or find out something that you won't find in regular textbooks, you can go completely and subscribe to ours. All lessons are based on our own unique methodology, and all dialogues are voiced by a native Japanese speaker.
Never be afraid to learn something new.
See you in class and good luck on your exams!