Basic Japanese Writing: Katakana

Introduction

• The lecture focuses on learning katakana, a key component of the Japanese writing system.
• Katakana is used for writing foreign words, onomatopoeia, scientific and technical terms, and for emphasis.
• It is the equivalent of hiragana when it comes to pronunciation but differs in appearance.

Katakana Characters and Pronunciation

• Katakana characters are more angular than hiragana.
• Few katakana characters resemble their hiragana counterparts.
• Vowels in Katakana: 'ア (a)', 'イ (i)', 'ウ (u)', 'エ (e)', 'オ (o)'.
• Special uses include the dakten ("), which signifies voiced consonants, and handakuten (°), which makes consonants plosive.

Differences and Uses

• Katakana vs. Hiragana:
  • Hiragana is used for native Japanese words.
  • Katakana spells out foreign words, indicates pronunciations, and is used for emphasis.
• Unique Features:
  • Daktan added to 'ウ' creates a 'ヴ (vu)' sound, though 'v' is often pronounced as 'b'.

Learning Katakana Characters

• First Katakana Group:
  • 'ア (a)': Resembles an axe.
  • 'イ (i)': Looks like an easel.
  • 'ウ (u)': Angular version of hiragana 'u'.
  • 'エ (e)': Like elevator doors.
  • 'オ (o)': Think opera.
• Second Katakana Group:
  • 'カ (ka)', 'キ (ki)', 'ク (ku)', 'ケ (ke)', 'コ (ko)': Daktan usage.
• Notable Digraphs:
  • 'イェ (ye)', 'ウィ (wi)', accommodating more sounds.

Practice and Application

• Recognizing Words: Practice with words like 'ケーキ (cake)', 'コーヒー (coffee)', etc.
• Katakana for Emphasis and Sound Effects: Used in manga and scientific terms.
• Common Mistakes: Ensuring correct pronunciation with Japanese syllabary rather than English phonetics.

Advanced Katakana Usage

• H Column & Digraphs:
  • 'ハ (ha)', 'ヒ (hi)', 'フ (fu)', 'ヘ (he)', 'ホ (ho)' with daktan and handakuten.
• R Column Characters:
  • 'ラ (ra)', 'リ (ri)', 'ル (ru)', 'レ (re)', 'ロ (ro)'.
• Y Column Characters:
  • 'ヤ (ya)', 'ユ (yu)', 'ヨ (yo)' and related digraphs.

Final Katakana Characters

• Last three characters: 'ワ (wa)', 'ヲ (wo)', 'ン (n)' and their specific uses.

Tips for Mastery

• Flashcards and Games: Use karaoke to practice reading and singing.
• Practical Application: Write your name in katakana, explore common phrases.
• Comprehensive Understanding: Learn how katakana complements hiragana and kanji.

Conclusion

• Mastery of 92 characters includes both hiragana and katakana.
• Importance of continued practice and exposure to Japanese language contexts.
• Encouragement to proceed with learning kanji for advanced proficiency.