#  Japanese 106a. Classical Japanese 

 



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[Prof. David Atherton](/people/david-atherton) This class teaches students how to read classical Japanese, the standard written form of the Japanese language from ancient times into the 20th century. It is the language of classical poetry, great works of prose like the *Tale of Genji*, and dramatic forms like the noh and kabuki theaters. It is the language in which the emperor announced Japan’s surrender in 1945, and it is even used by many Japanese poets to this day. By the end of the semester, students will have learned the fundamental grammar, usage, and vocabulary of the classical language, enabling them to read any of the texts above—and many more—with the aid of a dictionary. We will also read together through portions of canonical classical texts throughout the course. Because modern Japanese evolved from classical Japanese, students will deeply enrich their understanding of the modern language along the way.

 [Course website](https://locator.tlt.harvard.edu/course/colgsas-110782/2022/fall/14180)

 

  [   ![medieval Japanese painting depicting travelers on a road](/sites/g/files/omnuum3106/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/ealc/files/106a_2022_poster.png?itok=xuVivBa4) 

 ](https://locator.tlt.harvard.edu/course/colgsas-110782/2022/fall/14180)