tsurara

Lesson 4: Hiragana は-も

Lesson filepack: http://www.aragami.org/japanese/Japa...ic_Lesson4.zip
Quiz: Japanese Lesson #4 Quiz
Master Thread: Free Weekly Japanese Lessons

Material covered in this lesson
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1. Genji Monogatari
2. hiragana - は　ひ　ふ　へ　ほ　ま　み　む　め　も
3. vocabulary/pronunciation


1. Genji Monogatari

Considered by many to be the world's first "novel", "The Tale of Genji" is one of the great classics of Japanese literature. It was also written entirely in hiragana!

In the Heian period (794-1192) Chinese characters were taught only to men. Even women of wealth and status were only taught hiragana with which to write "trivial" things like diaries and poetry. Because hiragana was most widely used by women, it was often called "onnade" or "women's hand".

Murasaki Shikibu, a noblewoman began to write the romantic exploits of the titular hero for the amusement of other ladies in the court. Her story was so popular that 54 episodes now exist in print. So famous is the work that it's featured on the 2,000 yen bill.

The Tale of Genji is available in multiple translations. Anime, manga, television drama and film adaptations are also available in Japan.

UNESCO has done all of us a tremendous service in making an English translation of the work, along with accompanying woodblock print illustrations available to the public free of charge.

UNESCO - Tale of Genji - Home

HEADS UP -- If you plan on taking any Japanese history or literature courses, chances are, you'll eventually be required to read Genji in one form or another. If you plan to pursue any coursework in Japanese literature or history: you may as well get a head start.

Excersize: Read at least one chapter of Genji Monogatari and write a 50-200 word impression of what you've read. (25 credits added to your course completion bonus)


2. Hiragana は-も

Now for your next set of hiragana ~ this week you'll be learning 10 characters.

は - ha
ひ - hi
ふ - hu (usually romanized as "fu")
へ - he
ほ - ho

ま - ma
み - mi
む - mu
め - me
も - mo

Please note that each character actually contains a vowel sound from the first week's set (a i u e o).

Excersizes:

- worksheets 18-23


3. Basic Vocabulary

This week's vocabulary list consists entirely of words that can be constructed from the 35 hiragana you've already learned.

はち - hachi - eight (number)
ひ　- hi - fire (the element, noun)
ふく - fuku - clothing (noun)
へそ　- heso - bellybutton (noun)
ほうき　- houki - broom (noun)

まめ　- mame - bean (noun)
みそ　- miso - miso (Japanese ingredient/food)
さむい　- samui - cold (adjective)
め　- me - eye (noun)
ひも　- himo - shoelace, drawstring (noun)


Excersizes:

- write each word 5 times in hiragana


Recommended Study Regimen:
----------------------------

Day 1: read the lesson and complete all activities
Day 2-5: repeat worksheets 12-23 and pronunciation drills for the last two weeks
Day 6: test yourself with flashcards, review for quiz
Day 7: Quiz (week 3 and 4 material)


Fun Semi-Relevant Media of the Week:
A scene from the famous all-female theatre troupe Takarazuka's take on "Genji Monogatari" -
YouTube - 源氏物語
"Hikari Genji", one of the first Johnny's Idol groups and the only "roller skating pop stars" I can think of off the top of my head ^^; They're named after the lead character of "Genji Monogatari". 80's Jpop goodness and terminally skinny underage boys stripping to their short-shorts O-o; Apparently Japan has always had a wee pedophilia problem:
YouTube - 光GENJI - ガラスの十代
Genji Monogatari tv drama clips interspersed with bad 80s Shiseido commercials:
YouTube - 沢田研二　源氏物語

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