Location: Kansai Dialect Self-study Site /


Read First
Ch1. CharacteristicsThis chapter briefly explains the overall characteristics of the Kansai dialect in terms of sound, grammar and history. You will be able to establish an idea of what 'Kansai-ben' is by reading this page.
Ch2. ExpressionsThis chapter provides a list of common greetings, leave-takings and useful expressions in Kansai-ben along with the standard Japanese expressions. Audios and video greetings by locals are included.
Ch3. Basic GrammarThis chapter provides the basics of Kansai grammar that are vital to comprehending what local people are saying. Short video clips, grammar notes, aural/oral exercises are provided so that you can internalize the target structure.
Ch4. Functional GrammarThis chapter introduces the important functional structure patterns that you will encounter in daily life, and are distinct and different from the standard, such as the expressions of permission, prohibition, obligation, imperatives and honorifics/pejoratives. This is followed by comprehensive exercises.
Ch5. Talk in TownThis chapter contains a collection of video clips of interactions between local people in town, in locations such as local retail stores. All the video clips have comprehensive exercises to check your understanding. The video clips in this chapter enable you to observe the communication styles and strategies, and cultural practices in Kansai as well.
Ch6. Interviews to LocalsThis chapter consists of a collection of short video clips of interviews with a variety of local Kansai people. Clips can be sorted by interview questions or interviewees. These clips can be great tools for comprehensive exercises as well as for observing the diversity in the way local people talk and how they think of themselves as Kansai locals.
Ch7. Other ResourcesAll other video clips, photos, user-oriented information, Kansai-related information and links are introduced in this chapter.