Variation and Change in Japanese (In English) What can linguistic change tell us about human cognition and behavior? How does the notion of “politeness” vary across communities? How do speakers of Japanese perform gender and other social identities?  In this course we will address linguistic diversity and dynamism by examining the Japanese language. Topics include workplace discourse and change in honorific systems. Employing classic works in linguistics and addressing contemporary cultural materials such as manga and J-drama we will apply theoretical frameworks from (socio-)pragmatics, historical linguistics and linguistic typology to gain a deeper understanding of how and why Japanese has developed to its present forms and uses. Students with an interest in linguistics, or in teaching and learning language, or science in general, may also enjoy the analytical approach. (No prerequisites. JAPN0103 above or equivalent recommended). Heritage speakers are also welcome.

Advanced Japanese In this course we will read, analyze, and discuss advanced Japanese materials from a variety of modern and contemporary sources.

Introduction to Japanese Linguistics (in English) This course will provide an introduction to linguistics theories as applied to the study of Japanese. Through the exploration of a language that is very different from Indo-European languages, students will gain a better understanding of how human languages work and are structured. The relationship of language to culture will be a central theme in the course. Topics covered will include key concepts in linguistics, Japanese linguistics, culture, and pedagogy. This course will be taught in English; no Japanese language or linguistics knowledge required.

Third-Year Japanese This course is a continuation of JAPN 0301.

First-Year Japanese   This course is an intensive continuation of JAPN 0101.  This course is required for those students wishing to take JAPN 0103 in the Spring.

Third-Year Japanese This advanced course aims to increase the student's proficiency in modern standard Japanese, both spoken and written. A variety of written and audiovisual materials will be used to consolidate and expand mastery of more advanced grammatical points and vocabulary. Oral presentation, discussion, and composition in Japanese are also important components of the course.

First-Year Japanese This course is a continuation of the fall and winter terms with the introduction of more advanced grammatical structures, vocabulary, and characters. The continuing emphasis of the beginning Japanese course will be upon acquisition of well-balanced language skills based on an understanding of the actual use of the language in the Japanese sociocultural context.

First-Year Japanese This course is an introduction to the modern Japanese language aimed at acquisition of the four basic skills speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. The emphasis is on thorough mastery of the basic structures of Japanese through intensive oral-aural practice and extensive use of audiovisual materials. The two kana syllabaries and kanji (characters) will be introduced toward the goals of developing reading skills and reinforcing grammar and vocabulary acquisition.

Sayaka Abe

Reviews and ratings for Sayaka Abe at Middlebury College.Sayaka Abe teaches Variation & Change in Japanese, Advanced Japanese, Intro Japanese Linguistics and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Sayaka Abe good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

Professor Abe’s lectures are very engaging and thought-provoking.  　Although the main focus of the class is on the Japanese language, we also have opportunities to learn about Japanese cultural context. 

You don't need any previous experience with Japanese speakers and my class section was a mix of Japanese speakers with limited linguistics knowledge and linguistics nerds with little to no experience with Japanese. The difference between the cw and non cw versions of the course is one short paper, so its worth taking if you need that second cw and the material seems interesting. Abe-sensei is a super kind professor and often brings treats to class!

The professor is super nice and patient to answer questions. The workload of this class is high and the content is challenging, but it is not difficult to get good grades as long as you review well. I will similar course again.