Recognise that there are 19 distinct consonants
(k, g, s, sh, z, j, t, ch, ts, d, n, h, f, b, p, m, y, r, w) and five vowels (a, i, u, e, o)

Understand the system of basic Japanese sound combinations, that a vowel can be attached to most consonants to produce a hiragana character
(ACLJAU138)

Use a hiragana chart as a framework for reading and writing

Commence basic hiragana script writing

Begin to read and write words using hiragana
(ACLJAU139)

Notice and use context-related vocabulary and apply elements of grammar in simple spoken and written texts to generate language for a range of purposes, including:

• using verbs in ます and negative form ません
• describing actions using verb ます form, for example, すし　を　たべます
• understanding the rules of Japanese word order (subject + object + verb), the use of associated particles は/を/と/も/に, and the use of が in formulaic expressions, for example, noun がすきです
• understanding time words associated with days of the week, months of the year and seasons
• beginning to use general counters in Japanese, for example, ひとつ、ふたつ
• seeking information using question words なに/なん/いつ/どこ/ だれ and the sentence-ending particle か, for example, なに　が　すき　ですか；なんさい　ですか

Begin to develop a metalanguage in Japanese for talking about language, using terms similar to those used in English
(ACLJAU140)

Recognise the particular language features and textual conventions in simple, familiar, spoken, written and multimodal Japanese texts
(ACLJAU141)

Understand that different ways of using Japanese language reflect different regions, different relationships and different ways of making meaning
(ACLJAU142)

Understand that Japanese is the official language of Japan and one of the major languages of the
Asia-Pacific region, a world language and an Australian community language
(ACLJAU143)

Notice differences between Japanese, Australian and other cultures’ practices and how these are reflected in language
(ACLJAU144)