The Philosophers House

Mandarin Language Class
2026-09-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-09-29 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-27 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-10 18:00 - 19:00 UTC and 7 more dates
Description: Mandarin Chinese is the single largest first language in the world, with over 941 million native speakers, and has become an invaluable language for anyone to learn, whether they’re interested in engaging with Chinese business, learning more about Chinese politics, wanting to study deeper into Chinese culture, or just fascinated by language! This course will function as an absolute beginner course in Mandarin Chinese. Learning objectives will be to be able to read and pronounce pinyin, to learn very basic grammatical structures, very basic day-to-day vocabulary, begin to recognize and reproduce some characters, and be able to hold simple, introductory conversations. No prior Mandarin knowledge is necessary. If there are more advanced learners who would be interested in more advanced material, please contact the instructor.
How to register: Advanced registration is greatly preferred as class does have limited seating. See instructor contact for registration.
Cost: Food and drink purchases encouraged OR 5.00 donation at tea counter to support our nonprofit.
Location: Parlor, 2nd floor
Materials needed: A notetaking device (laptop, tablet, notebook, etc.) . We will be using Integrated Chinese Level 1; Part 1, 4th edition, which is available in print and eBook formats from several sources. You can also use a previous edition, as those are readily available and less expensive. We will use Simplified characters in the class, as that is used in Mainland China and elsewhere. As that series has both textbooks and workbooks, be sure to select the textbook. If you have questions about the suitability of a version, feel free to contact the instructor.
Instructor Contact Information: Please text Heather at (208)215-6738

Adult Beginner Japanese Language Class
2026-09-22 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-10-13 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-12-08 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
This class is for people who want to start to learn Japanese or just started learning Japanese. It’s a five-part series on 9/8, 9/22, 10/13, 11/10, and 12/8.
You will learn useful Japanese phrases and basic Japanese conversation. We will also talk about Japanese culture.Join Maki and Eri to start learning Japanese in the 5 week beginner series!
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor.
Materials Required: All materials provided
Cost: 25.00 for 5 week series (5.00 per person, per class)
How to register: Register at following link https://square.link/u/xYwKbJMI
Instructor Contact Information: Maki: makibuta1120@gmail.comor Eri: lcinjc@gmail.com

This series will take place the same months as our Japanese and German culture tables (Cultures-n-crafts) series if you’re interested in doing both/all. More information and links for registration on house calendar and FB events.

Children's Beginning Japanese Language class (ages 6-10, registration required)
2026-09-29 16:30 - 17:30, 2026-10-06 16:30 - 17:30 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
*NOTE: Please come early to get food/beverages for children in the class, as to avoid distractions during class. Thank you!*

Join Junko Arnold for a wonderful 6-week series designed to introduce young people to the Japanese Language. Learning another language helps children make new neural connections, increases empathy, and enhances cultural understanding. This low cost series is designed to reduce barriers to learning Japanese and also supports the teahouse nonprofit.
For young people age 6-10 years of age (parent welcome to attend with child). If you are unsure about whether your child might be able to attend outside of that age range, please email instructor.
Please contact Junko if you have any questions about this class. Reserve your space soon as there is limited seating.
Cost: 40.00 for entire 6 week series starting March 3rd.
How to register: Purchase at the following link reserves your child’s space in class https://square.link/u/qsrW5S9w

Materials needed: Please bring a blank notebook and pencils or a pen to write.
Instructor: Junko Arnold TEZUKA@mail.etsu.edu
Junko was born and raised in Japan and is the Master Lecturer of Japanese/ Program Leader of Japanese Major & Minor and Adviser of Japanese Cultural Society at ETSU. She is a PhD candidate at ETSU, currently researching the cognitive benefits of second language education. Junko also leads the ETSU Japanese Language Table here at The Philosopher’s House monthly.

Advanced Level Japanese Language Table
2026-10-01 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-11-05 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-12-03 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Come practice Japanese! This immersive group includes native English-speaking community members, native Japanese-speaking community members, and ETSU students in the Japanese language program. No expectations, just a relaxed time to practice your Japanese! While group members have varying levels of Japanese proficiency, all conversation will be in Japanese only, no English allowed!

Location: The Meditation Room, 2nd floor
Materials Required: None, conversation-level proficiency in Japanese
Time: First Thursday each month, 5-6pm
Cost: $5 suggested donation at tea counter or support with drink/food purchase.
How to register: Drop-in only. No registration.
Instructor contact information: Junko Arnold, tezuka@etsu.edu

Cultures-n-Crafts: Germany
2026-10-06 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-12-01 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join the ETSU German students for this fun and informative series all about German Culture. All materials are provided.
Series of 4 culture tables includes:
9/1/26: Schultüte: Learn about German back to school traditions and make a gift full of little treats for yourself or someone else in your life.
10/6/26: Oktoberfest and Alpine Hats: Learn about Oktoberfest and the kinds of traditional clothing worn during celebrations.
11/3/26: Karneval and Karneval Hats: Learn about how Germany celebrates Karneval and how their masks differ from traditional Karneval masks.
12/1/26: Christmas in Germany and paper Lebkuchen: Learn about Christmas in Germany and make paper Lebkuchen, celebrating the good things in your life.
How to register: Please email instructor to save a seat and help them plan materials.
Cost: 5.00 per person, per class OR food/beverage purchase to support teahouse nonprofit.
Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor
Organizer contact: Alexis JAQUEZA@MAIL.ETSU.EDU

Cultures-n-Crafts: Japanese
2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-11-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-12-15 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave., Johnson City, 37604
Join the ETSU Japanese students for this fun and informative series all about Japanese Culture. All materials are provided.
Series of 4 culture tables includes:
9/15/26: Chigiri-e (torn paper art): Learn about Japanese torn paper art and take home a coaster preserving your work.
10/20/26: Yokai and Yuzen dyeing: Learn about the history of yuzen dyeing and practice on small bags or cloths with yokai designs.
11/18/26: Kokeshi dolls: Learn about Culture Day and kokeshi dolls before painting one of your own.
12/15/26: Christmas in Japan and Origami: Learn about Christmas in Japan and use origami to decorate greeting cards for friends and loved ones.

How to register: Please email instructor to save a seat and help them plan materials.

Cost: 5.00 per person, per class OR food/beverage purchase to support teahouse nonprofit.Location: Classroom/meditation space, 2nd floor
Organizer contact: Ella Gruhne GRUHNE@mail.etsu.edu
