Web based material for self-studying the Kansai dialect

Grant Details

Amount: $7,667

Project Start Date: 05/31/06

Status: In Progress (under development)

Project Type:
Campus Based

Languages: Japanese

Project Level:
Intermediate

Project Skills:
Cultural Awareness
Listening

Institutions Involved:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Primary Contact:
Ikue Shingu (ikue@mit.edu)

77 Massachusetts Ave.
Rm.14N-232
Cambridge , MA 02139
Phone: 617-253-3543

The purpose of this project is to develop web-based self-study material related to the Kansai dialect, a regional dialect spoken by over 20 million people in Japan. This proposed product aims to 1) assist students who wish to communicate with local Kansai people at work or in daily life, to 2) help students learn to appreciate diversity in Japan; through the understanding of the Kansai local culture and local identity of Kansai people. The proposed product targets English speakers who have studied college-level Japanese for two or more years or those of intermediate to advanced level proficiency. The website will consist of 1) the basic factual information about the Kansai culture and characteristics of the Kansai dialect, followed by 2) the linguistic-focused chapters for the purpose of the acquisition of the basic grammar and functional expressions that are essential for survival level communication, and 3) situational/thematic chapters for the exploration of cultural aspects of Kansai through their communication. In the situational/thematic chapters, users will be exposed, through video clips taped in Kansai, to unscripted conversations among local people in various settings and interviews and debates on various topics. Linguistic chapters will contain not only descriptive texts, but audio resources attached to the sentences and drills, and video-clips from interviews with local people for the purpose of comprehensive exercises.

Project Materials