Key facts
UNE unit code: JAPN215
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Japanese society has ancient tradition as its foundation. The many cultural rules and conventions that people follow in daily life are also implicit in the structure of the Japanese language.
This unit will increase your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with more people globally, whether for business or leisure.
You will be introduced to aspects of the Japanese language and system of communication that will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of social contexts.
Topics covered include linguistic variation in Japanese, rules for communication in certain social and cultural contexts in Japan, and issues surrounding cross-cultural communication between native speakers and non-native speakers of Japanese.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of sociolinguistic and socio-cultural aspects of the Japanese language;
- demonstrate an understanding of possible problems in communicating with native speakers of Japanese in contact situations (i.e. cross-cultural communication); and
- apply sociolinguistic and socio-cultural knowledge and skills appropriately to forestall or deal with problems in communicating with native speakers of Japanese.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Assessment 1 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 750 (equivalent) |
| Online Assessment 2 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 750 (equivalent) |
| Written assessment | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Written assessment in English and Japanese No. Words: 2500 (equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Routledge handbook of Japanese sociolinguistics
ISBN: 9781032177939
Heinrich, Patrick, editor.; Ōhara, Yumiko, editor., Routledge 1st 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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