Lesson 6: Regions
I can’t speak Kansai dialect.

I can listen to and understand an explanation of a region.

INTRODUCE

It helps to know the differences of a country’s regions so that you can better experience the places when you visit them.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

I. Go over the expressions with your tutor.

    1. Use be known for something to say that a place, person, or business is famous for that thing.

     

    Kobe is known for its beef.

     

     

    2. Use somewhere dialect to refer to a certain region’s variation of a language.

     

    Yui speaks Kansai dialect because she’s from Osaka.

     

     

    3. Use someone’s/somewhere’s bread and butter to say that something is a person’s or region’s source of income.

     

    Seafood is Hokkaido’s bread and butter.

     

    II. Which region are you from? Use the expressions above to talk about your region.

     

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When two words are connected by and, the word and is often pronounced as /n/.
Phrase Example

bread and butter

/bred n’ buh-ter/

It’s our / bred n’ buh-ter /.

UNDERSTAND

LISTENING

Yuko and Charlie are back in Japan. They’re chatting at a café.

TRIVIA

In Japan, there’s one famous noodle manufacturer that sells different broth for East Japan and West Japan. The seasoning for their East Japan broth is a little spicier, while the one for their West Japan broth has a lighter flavor. The color of the seasoning packet is also different.

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Complete the photo captions using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

be known for something
somewhere dialect
someone’s/somewhere’s bread and butter

1.

@AnthonyParker: It’s a perfect time to visit Hokkaido! Many people come here in winter because it __________.

 

2.

@HitomiSuzuki: Harvest time! Most of my city’s income is from agriculture. It’s _____.

 

3.

@SakuraShimomata: Visiting Aomori. I just asked a local for directions but had no idea what he said! Does anyone have an app that can translate _____ to standard Japanese? lol

STEP B EXERCISE

Rephrase the underlined sentences using the expressions from the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

somewhere dialect
be known for something
someone's/somewhere's bread and butter

Hi! I’m Michiko. I live in Toyama. It’s famous for its traditional festivals and historic villages. You’ve heard of Shirakawa-go, right? Well, that’s in Gifu, but we have a village like it too! Toyama’s main income comes from agriculture and manufacturing. Our rice and fish are kitokito! Do you know that word? It means “fresh and delicious” in the Hokuriku style of Japanese.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your foreign friend is going to Kyushu. He/She wanted to know about it before going there, so he/she asked you for some information. Watch a video on a travel blog. Then, tell your friend about it.

Today's Expressions

  • be known for something
  • somewhere dialect
  • someone’s/somewhere’s bread and butter

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

DIALECTS
2

REGIONS OF JAPAN
3

EAST VS WEST
1

DIALECTS

  1. How many dialects do you think there are in Japan?
  2. Which dialects of Japanese can you speak?
  3. Which dialect do you think is the most difficult to understand? Which is the easiest?
  4. What do you think of a foreigner who speaks in Kansai dialect?

2REGIONS OF JAPAN

  1. Which region has the best ramen?
  2. Which region has the best onsen?
  3. Which region do you want to live in?
  4. Which region do you NOT want to live in?

3EAST VS WEST

  1. Where do you prefer to live, East or West Japan?
  2. What are some cultural differences between East and West Japan?
  3. How are people different from East and West Japan?
  4. What are some other differences between East and West Japan?

FEEDBACK

I can listen to and understand an explanation of a region.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK