This course is an introduction to the study of the modern Japanese vocabulary; it examines the various ways in which Japanese words are inter- related and will be of practical help to students in their acquisition of Japanese vocabulary. Topics discussed will include: word classes (nouns/verbs/ adjectives/adverbs), lexical strata (native words/Sino-Japanese and Western loanwords/ mimetic words), word formation (compounds/ derived words), lexical meaning (Japanese-English contrastive semantics/semantic fields), lexical style (colloquial and bookish vocabulary/male and female usage).

At the end of the course students should have an extended knowledge of the various topics of Japanese lexicon.

Assignments (20%), Mid-term exam (20%), Final exam (30%), and a 3000 word essay (30%), to be confirmed at first lecture.

Three contact hours per week.

The successful completion of Spoken Japanese 4 (JPNS2013), Written Japanese B (JPNS1015) and normally Introduction to the Study of Language (LING1001/2001), or permission of the coordinator.

Miura, A., Japanese Words and their Uses, Tuttle, 1983

Other prerequisites: permission of the Program convener.