Glossary

イングリッシュキャンプイン神出
カンデキャンプ

"English Camp in Kande" for elementary school students in the Ibukidai area, hosted at Kobe City Kande Nature Education Garden (神戸市立神出自然教育園).

漢字
かんじ

Kanji (漢字) are an essential component of Japanese writing. They are logographic characters used in the modern Japanese writing system, alongside hiragana and katakana. Originating from Chinese characters, kanji have been adapted to fit the Japanese language, often carrying multiple readings and meanings. For international teachers of English in Japan, understanding kanji can significantly enhance their integration into Japanese culture and improve communication.

Historical Background: Kanji were introduced to Japan around the 5th century via Chinese cultural influence. Initially used by scholars and monks, kanji gradually became integral to Japanese writing. Each kanji character represents a word or a meaningful part of a word, with some characters symbolizing concrete objects while others represent abstract concepts.

Structure and Usage: Kanji characters are composed of radicals, which are smaller components that often give clues to the character's meaning or pronunciation. There are over 2,000 commonly used kanji, known as Joyo Kanji, which are taught throughout compulsory education in Japan.

Each kanji has at least one kunyomi (native Japanese reading) and onyomi (Chinese reading). For example, the kanji 学 (study, learn) can be read as "gaku" (onyomi) or "manabu" (kunyomi).

Importance for English Teachers:

1. Daily Life: Basic knowledge of kanji is crucial for navigating daily life in Japan. From reading signs and menus to understanding official documents and forms, kanji literacy can significantly ease everyday tasks.
2. Cultural Integration: Understanding kanji can enhance teachers' appreciation of Japanese culture and history. Many cultural and historical references are embedded in kanji, providing deeper insights into traditions and practices.
3. Classroom Relevance: Familiarity with kanji can improve communication with students and colleagues. It allows teachers to better understand students' learning materials and support their English language acquisition by drawing parallels between the writing systems.

Learning Tips:

1. Start with Radicals: Learning the basic radicals can make it easier to recognize and memorize complex characters.
2. Use Mnemonics: Associating stories or images with kanji can aid in remembering their meanings and pronunciations.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, including writing and reading kanji, helps reinforce memory. Flashcards, apps, and daily reading materials are effective tools.
4. Immerse Yourself: Engage with kanji in context by reading Japanese books, watching shows, and interacting with native speakers.

Resources:

• Online Dictionaries: Websites like Jisho.org provide comprehensive kanji dictionaries with stroke order, meanings, and example sentences.
• Apps: Mobile apps such as WaniKani and Anki offer structured learning paths and spaced repetition for efficient memorization.
• Textbooks: Books like "Remembering the Kanji" by James Heisig and "Kanji Look and Learn" by the Japan Times are highly recommended.

By investing time in learning kanji, international teachers can enhance their professional and personal experiences in Japan, leading to a more fulfilling and enriched stay.

日本語漢字能力検定
にほんごかんじのうりょくけんてい

Also referred to as Kanken, this exam is designed for native speakers of Japanese, as opposed to the JLPT, which is primarily for people who are studying Japanese as a foreign language.

As its name implies, the Kanken tests various aspects of kanji, their readings, stroke order, radicals, etc.

There are twelve levels; 10 is the lowest and 1 is the highest. Levels 10 through 5 cover the kanji learned in elementary school grades 1 through 6, respectively. Levels 4 and 3 are roughly equivalent to junior high school material. Levels Pre-2 and 2 include the kanji learned in high school and are often taken by adults seeking college admission or employment. Levels Pre-1 and 1 cover more complex characters and compounds that only a scholar (or at least avid reader?) would be expected to know.

In Japan, the Kanken is offered in paper form three times per year, and as a computer-based test (CBT) even more frequently depending on location and availability of testing locations.

カラオケ

Definition: Karaoke (カラオケ, literally "empty orchestra") is a popular form of entertainment in Japan where individuals sing along to recorded music using a microphone. The music usually has the vocal track removed, and lyrics are displayed on a screen to guide the singer.

Cultural Significance: Karaoke is a beloved pastime in Japan, enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a common activity for social gatherings, celebrations, and even business outings. Karaoke boxes (カラオケボックス, karaoke bokkusu) are private rooms equipped with karaoke machines and are a popular venue for friends, families, and colleagues to gather and sing in a more intimate setting.

Experience:

• Karaoke Boxes: Typically rented by the hour, these rooms offer a private space where groups can sing and enjoy themselves without worrying about strangers. Rooms often come with comfortable seating, food and drink service, and sometimes even themed decorations.
• Karaoke Lounges: These are more public settings, often found in bars and clubs, where individuals or groups can take turns singing in front of an audience.
• Song Selection: Most karaoke machines in Japan offer an extensive selection of songs, including Japanese pop (J-pop), enka (traditional Japanese ballads), Western pop, rock, and more. Many systems also provide songs in multiple languages, catering to a diverse audience.

Tips for Enjoying Karaoke:

1. Song Choice: Choose songs you are comfortable with and enjoy singing. Don’t hesitate to try Japanese songs, as it can be a fun way to practice the language.
2. Respect: Be supportive of others' performances. Applaud after each song and encourage your friends.
3. Etiquette: Follow the rules of the karaoke box or lounge. This includes respecting the time limits, not being too loud in shared spaces, and treating the equipment with care.

Resources:

• Karaoke Kan (カラオケ館): A popular chain of karaoke boxes found throughout Japan.
• Big Echo (ビッグエコー): Another major karaoke chain offering a wide range of songs and services.
• JoySound: A brand of karaoke machines known for their extensive song libraries and user-friendly interfaces.

Conclusion: Karaoke is not just about singing; it’s a social activity that brings people together and creates memorable experiences. For international English teachers in Japan, karaoke can be a great way to bond with colleagues, make new friends, and immerse oneself in Japanese culture.

ケイト

Kobe Assistant Teacher of English - participants in the former English teaching program in Kobe before the city adopted the JET Program.

History: KATEs won a suit against the city following the great earthquake of 1995, which allowed them to extend their contracts indefinitely. 

The Kobe Education Center that hosts many important JET-related events, including new ALT/CIR welcome orientations and exit interviews, Spring Seminars, SDC, and Job Training among others.

警報
けいほう

A warning, usually used in the context of extreme weather conditions or natural disasters. Due to keihou, schools may experience closings or delays.

Note: Be sure to call your school, and they will tell you what you need to do.

You can sign up for email alerts from bosai.net.

The English version can be found at bosai.net/e/en/index.do.

Refer to the Kobe International Caravan Program.

Kobe ALTs and CIR(s) use this acronym to refer to both individual events and the program itself. The program involves Junior High or Senior High schools around Kobe City hosting activities focused on English communication and cultural exchange instead of regular classes. Host schools invite ALT volunteers to help organize these activities and interact with students in English.

Popular themes for KICPs include “International Day,” which introduces ALTs from different countries, and “Immersion Lesson,” where ALTs conduct a class entirely in English on a subject other than the English language.

キーフ

Kobe International IT Fellowship

KIIF stands for Kobe International IT Fellowship. This program provides computers and laptops to schools in Kobe City to support educational activities and enhance digital literacy among students and staff. The program aims to ensure that all students have access to necessary technology for learning, and it includes regular maintenance and updates of the provided devices.

KIIF is an essential part of Kobe City's initiative to integrate modern technology into the education system, promoting a tech-savvy environment for both teaching and learning.

神戸電鉄
こうべでんてつ

The train company that operates mainly in Kita Ward. Consists of the following lines:

• Arima Line (Minatogawa - Arima Onsen)
• Sanda Line (Arimaguchi - Sanda)
• Kōen-Toshi Line (Yokoyama - Woody Town Chuo)
• Ao Line (Suzurandai - Ao)
• Kobe Kosoku Line (Shinkaichi - Minatogawa)

Thanks, Wikipedia.

Also nicknamed Shintetsu (神鉄) or referred to as the "Kobe Dentist Line" by the automated announcements at Tanigami Station.

神戸国際人育成プログラム
ケイアイシーピー

Kobe International Caravan Program (KICP) - a program through which various Junior High or Senior High schools around Kobe City host activities that focus on English communication and/or cultural exchange, in place of regular classes.

神戸JET Tシャツコンテスト
こうべJET Tシャツコンテスト

Held almost every year in the fall/winter, Kobe JET(s) of the artistic persuasion submit t-shirt designs pertaining to living in Kobe (as a JET). In the spring, the Kobe JET community votes on the best design, and the winning design is used as the official design for t-shirts, polos, and hoodies!

Check out some of the sample winners and entries from past years!

神戸市営地下鉄
こうべしえいちかてつ

Consists of two lines:

• Seishin-Yamate Line - The continuation of the Hokushin Kyuukou Electric Railway past Shin-Kobe. Runs to Seishin Chuo. Technically Tanigami is still considered the terminal stop on the other side.
• Kaigan Line - Runs from Sannomiya Hanadokei-mae, through Harborland to Shin-Nagata, where it joins back with Seishin-Yamate Line.

甲南チャット
こうなんチャット

Konan Chat is a program run by JET ALTs at Konan University in Kobe.

This program provides an opportunity for university students to converse and practice their English skills with native speakers. JET ALTs facilitate these sessions, creating an engaging and supportive environment for language learning. The program aims to enhance students' fluency and confidence in English through regular, informal conversations on various topics.

Konan Chat is a valuable resource for students looking to improve their English communication skills in a relaxed and interactive setting.

校長
こうちょうせんせい

Kouchou-sensei is the principal and boss of the school. Kouchou-sensei spends most of his time doing important things and talking to important people, so you may not see him much and the day-to-day running of the school is done by the Kyoto-sensei. Kouchou-sensei is sometimes required to sign things such as a form for sick leave, but you can generally ask your OTE or Kyoto-sensei to get him to sign for you.

When handing out omiyage, it is generally considered polite to give Kouchou-sensei his portion first (and often extra), even if you never speak to him.

後輩
こうはい

"Kouhai" refers to a junior, particularly in the context of schools, sports teams, or workplaces. It is used to describe individuals who are less experienced, in a lower grade, or have been in an organization for a shorter period of time compared to oneself. The term is often used in contrast to "sempai" (先輩), highlighting the hierarchical relationship based on experience or tenure.

A younger or inexperienced member of a group.

Also known as "chumpai."

教頭先生
きょうとうせんせい

Your Kyoto ("head teacher") Sensei is the vice-principal of the school, in charge of looking after teacher's affairs and administering the daily running of your school. The Kyoto Sensei of each school is also in charge of looking after the ALT(s), along with the OTE. When you want to take leave or attend a KICP, your Kyoto sensei is one of the people you will need to clear it with.

給食
きゅうしょく

Kyushoku is school lunch. It comes in two varieties:

1. Elementary school kyushoku. Cooked every day on site at your elementary school. Hot and delicious, although may feature foods some people are uncomfortable with (eg. tiny fishes).
2. Junior high school kyushoku. Kobe's junior high school kyushoku comes in the signature orange plastic containers (seen right).

Junior high kyushoku is different every day, but has a few main features:

• hot rice
• cold everything else
• milk carton.

You can sign up for kyushoku if you haven't already by talking to your Kyoto-Sensei at your base school. There is an online registration system that allows you to preview the upcoming menu and reserve kyushoku for the days you want it. The school should also have a monthly paper menu available which lists ingredients, to help with managing allergies and dietary restrictions.