Welcome to FM Chalkboard.

In here, you can expect regular updates from me, Dovizu, on Japanese language lessons.

This is by no means a replacement of any textbook. You are not going to receive vocabulary lists, practice sheets, and those stuff you expect from an ordinary textbook.

So what is the point of Chalkboard? There is a unique aspect about it. During my study of Japanese language, I discovered tons of little things and facts that are so interesting and so important, but textbooks never mention them. This process still continues as I keep learning Japanese (as an intermediate learner). These little things, usually related to cultural aspects and linguistic history, are not just “nice to know” but also vital to understanding the key intricacies of this language. You can think of this as a “learner’s notebook, publicized to aid your study”, and yet it’s all true, because everything here comes from my own brain-storming and research during my own study. And that’s why I decided to create Chalkboard section on FM. Hopefully, my experiences will help a lot of the puzzled you.

To sum things up, Chalkboard is going to be a place where you expect things that are not mentioned in textbooks, things that are interesting, cultural, and vital to your future study of Japanese. (Expect yourself to say “Oh that’s why!” and not “Dang that’s a lot vocab for this session.”)

(Banner image source)

Table of Contents

1 – The Japanese Language

Introduction to this interesting language

2 – Those Cute Little Kanas

Hiragana, Katakana, memorization tips

3 – Kanji? What’s That?

A detailed explanation including everything you need to know about Kanji symbols for studying Japanese.

4 – Onyomi and Kunyomi – More About Kanji Reading

Establishes the connection between Kanji and Kana, a guide on how to pronounce Kanji.

5 – は (wa), だ (da), か (ka), の (no) Explained

First four basic grammar points.

6 –  Let’s Not Be Rude – だ (da)’s Polite Form です (desu)

Introduction to polite form of “da” – widely used “desu.”

7 – KoSoADo – Demonstration, Attribution, Location, and Direction

A collective guide on directional particles: Ko So A Do. Helps solve many mysteries.

8 – Say No

A dip into the negative forms of “da” and “desu.”

9 – Expressions Somatome

First expressions somatome post. Explains pronouns, name suffixes, subject omission, common expressions, and confusion between kaishainn and shainn.

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Contact: dovizu@fm1397.com