Acknowledgments
I would like to thank Rick Sutton of the BOR of the USG, who entrusted Nattsu Kitamura of Darton College and me with the collaborative NSEP grant project in 2002, as well as Phil McKnight, School Chair, whose continuous support has enabled me to sustain and further develop this online course project. This textbook would not have been possible without the dedication and support of my colleagues in the School of Modern Languages at the Georgia Institute of Technology—Rumiko Shinzato, Kyoko Masuda, Satomi Suzuki, Kimiaki Yamaguchi and Aki Matsushima. I would also like to acknowledge the following free sound-effects websites for allowing me to incorporate audio effects into the content of this textbook.
- http://www.freesfx.co.uk
- http://taira-komori.jpn.org/
- https://www.irasutoya.com/
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Preface to the Second EditionThis second edition reflects substantial revisions undertaken to improve the accessibility of the course materials used in Japanese language courses at the Georgia Institute of Technology. These revisions were prompted by guidance from the Institute emphasizing compliance with federal Title II accessibility requirements, particularly as they apply to online instructional materials. In response, the textbook has been carefully revised to ensure that all components—including text, images, audio, and other digital content—are accessible to all learners. Particular attention has been paid to clarity of presentation, compatibility with assistive technologies, and the equitable delivery of instructional content in online and hybrid learning environments. These changes are intended not only to meet accessibility standards but also to enhance the overall usability and pedagogical effectiveness of the materials for a diverse student population. |
2026
Masato Kikuchi, Ph.D.
Georgia Institute of Technology |
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