Japanese Grammar Education Using Music (8) "Masu-form Song"

Abstract

publisher[Abstract] The masu-form is a verb form in the Japanese language used in polite situations. It is widely employed in conversations with unknown people, elderly people, superiors, and other situations where politeness is warranted. The masu-form, therefore, is very important and is taught in the first stages of Japanese study. This paper explains the "Masu-form Song" (lyrics and composition) which wascreated in August 2014 as music teaching material for Japanese language education. Verse 1 demonstrates the present- tense forms of the masu-form. The affirmative present form, the negative present form, and the interrogative present form of each verb group (I, II, III) are included. Examples of a group-I verb are as follows: "matimasu" [wait], "matimasen" [do not wait], "matimasu-ka" [do you wait?]. Verse 2 demonstrates the past-tense forms of the masu-form. It includes the affirmative past form, the negative past form, and the interrogative past form of the masu-form of each verb group (I, II, III). Examples of a group-II verb in this verse are as follows: "mimasita" [saw / looked / watched], "mimasendesita" [did not see], "mimasita-ka" [did you see?]. In these teaching materials, a worksheet of the "Masu-form Song" has also been prepared; It can be used to teach the masu-form, or be used as a quiz to check student mastery of the material