scholarly journals Implementation of the course Practice Teaching of the Japanese Language and Culture

2021 ◽  
pp. 157-174
Author(s):  
Nagisa Moritoki Škof ◽  
Stefani Silli
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Practice Teaching ◽  
Global Increase ◽  
New Generation

Considering the global increase in the number of Japanese language learners, the need to establish educational institutions (primary, secondary, higher education, non-school education) for Japanese language learning also arose in Croatia and, subsequently, the necessity to foster a new generation of qualified teachers with sufficient theoretical and practical background in teaching Japanese as a foreign language. The purpose of this paper is to examine and describe the process of implementing the graduate course Practice Teaching of the Japanese Language and Culture, along with its challenges such as online classes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The paper discusses the role of teachers as facilitators, the role of students as trainees and the role of learners, i.e. the participants of an intensive two-week Japanese language course, which is part of the abovementioned graduate course. Furthermore, the paper discusses the learner survey and the trainee self-evaluation report with respect to the improvement of their knowledge.

The Involvement of Native Speakers in Teaching and Learning Japanese Language at UiTM

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Choong Pow Yean ◽  
Sarinah Bt Sharif ◽  
Normah Bt Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Japanese Culture ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Lexical Density

The Nihongo Partner Program or “Japanese Language Partner” is a program that sends native speakers to support the teaching and learning of Japanese overseas. The program is fully sponsored by The Japan Foundation. The aim of this program is to create an environment that motivates the students to learn Japanese. This study is based on a survey of the Nihongo Partner Program conducted on students and language lecturers at UiTM, Shah Alam. This study aims to investigate if there is a necessity for native speakers to be involved in the teaching and learning of Japanese among foreign language learners. Analysis of the results showed that both students and lecturers are in dire need of the Nihongo Partner Program to navigate the learning of the Japanese language through a variety of language learning activities. The involvement of native speaker increases students’ confidence and motivation to converse in Japanese. The program also provides opportunities for students to increase their Japanese language proficiency and lexical density. In addition, with the opportunity to interact with the native speakers, students and lecturers will have a better understanding of Japanese culture as they are able to observe and ask the native speakers. Involvement of native speakers is essential in teaching and learning of Japanese in UiTM.

scholarly journals The spread of computer-assisted language learning

2009 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol A. Chapelle
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Comparative Research ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Clear Distinction ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Culture Learning ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Research Perspectives

This paper argues that the vertical spread of computer-assisted language learning (CALL), i.e., a spread throughout language materials and curricula, makes it difficult to draw a clear distinction between CALL and other language materials. In view of the emphasis that teachers, researchers, and administrators have placed on evaluating CALL, I argue that some valuable lessons about materials evaluation can be drawn from reflection on issues in CALL evaluation. In particular, I discuss the opportunities for professionals to reconsider assumptions held about comparative research, draw upon research perspectives and methods from applied linguistics in materials evaluation, and include critical perspectives which examine the opportunities that materials offer language learners to engage in language and culture learning.

Seeking Explanatory Adequacy: A Dual Approach to Understanding the Term Heritage Language Learner

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Carreira
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Heritage Language ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Family Background ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Heritage Language Learner ◽  
Explanatory Adequacy

What is a heritage language learner (HLL)? We argue that a pedagogically valuable answer to this question must do more than describe all individuals who ought be considered HLLs; it should also offer a roadmap for meeting the needs of HLLs with regard to language learning. To achieve this goal, which we refer to as achieving “explanatory adequacy”, the answer to the above question must 1) differentiate HLLs from second-language learners (SLLs), 2) differentiate HLLs from first-language learners (L1Ls), and 3) differentiate between different types of HLLs. In reference to the first task, we propose that HLLs are students whose identity and/or linguistic needs differ from those of second language learners by virtue of having a family background in the heritage language (HL) or culture (HC). In reference to the second task, we argue that unlike L1L-s, HLLs do not receive sufficient exposure to their language and culture to fulfill basic identity and linguistic needs. Consequently, they pursue language learning to fulfill these needs. Finally, with regard to the third task, we map out four categories of HLLs, each with different identity and linguistic needs. Along the way, we advocate for endowing all language courses where HLLs are enrolled with a focus on identity and language issues, as these relate to family background.

Communication networks of Japanese language learners in their home country

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Kurata
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Language Play ◽  
The Relationship

This paper deals with communication networks of four upper-intermediate level Japanese language learners with in-country experience who are studying at an Australian university, and it also examines the relationship between the learners’ networks and language learning. Utilizing Boissevain’s criteria for network analysis, I compared the characteristics of the informants’ current networks with those that existed prior to their in-country experiences. In addition, this study applied the framework of communicative competence developed by Hymes and Neustupny to analyse the informants’ language learning that occurred within their networks. The study found that a number of characteristics of the informants’ networks, such as their multiplex social roles and the variety of backgrounds of their Japanese network interactants, were probably related to the raising of the learners’ non-linguistic as well as linguistic awareness. It therefore appears that learners’ out-of-class communication networks with native speakers of the target language play an important role in terms of language learning.

scholarly journals Absorbed Expectations About English Study of Adolescent Japanese Students: Insights to the Ought-to L2 Self

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Sampson
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
First Grade ◽  
L2 Motivational Self System ◽  
Language Learning Motivation ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Self System

Dörnyei’s (2009) L2 Motivational Self System draws the notion of possible selves into understanding language learning motivation. Whilst one element of this system involves language learners’ perceptions of expectations from significant others, research has revealed inconsistent conclusions as to the role of these influences on motivation. Moreover, little research has uncovered a picture of the qualities of such absorbed expectations. This paper presents part of a qualitative study into the contextualized motivation of one class group of first-grade Japanese kosen students. Emergent from data collected over one year, the results reveal that these students held detailed, often conflicting perceptions of expectations absorbed from various sources in their social environment. The results suggest that further research is necessary to explore the development of such perceived expectations with students and to investigate the impact on motivation of conflicting detail in expectations. Dörnyei (2009)のL2 Motivational Self Systemは、第2言語学習者の動機を理解するためにpossible self概念を用いている。 第2言語学習者が感じる「他人の期待」が動機付けになるというのがこのシステムの一部だが、その動機への影響に関して今までの研究結果は一貫性に欠けている。その上、第2言語学習者が感じる「他人の期待」の質に関する研究も少ない。本論は、ある工業高等専門学校１年の学生の動機を質的に調べる研究の一部である。1年間に収集したデータの分析により、学生が社会環境の様々な情報源から得た、詳細だが時には矛盾する期待を感じていたという結果が導き出された。第2言語学習者への「他人から感じる期待」を考察し、矛盾する期待が動機へ及ぼす影響について、更なる研究が必要とされる。

scholarly journals THE ROLE OF THE AFFECTIVE DIMENSION IN SHAPING FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ CONCEPTUAL SYSTEM

Neofilolog ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 103-117
Author(s):  
Ariadna Strugielska
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Conceptual System ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Affective Factors ◽  
Foreign Language Learners

The role of affective factors in the process of foreign language learning and teaching is undeniable. Still, despite growing interest in the role of attitudinal variables in foreign language training, the problem has not been much researched from the perspective of multidimensional cognition. Thus, the focus of the article is the architecture of foreign language learners’ cognition situated within a multimodal framework and shaped by particular socio-linguistic experience. It is postulated that the conceptual system of a foreign language learner is unique in being highly susceptible to processing in terms of affective parameters. This hypothesis is corroborated by the results of a pilot study which show that concrete words in the conceptual systems of foreign language learners are associated with affect more than in the case of native speakers.

scholarly journals The semantic roles of ‘kaku-joshi’ in Japanese textbooks

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-558
Author(s):  
Dedi Sutedi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Semantic Roles ◽  
Instructional Process ◽  
Japanese Case ◽  
Case Particles ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
And Function ◽  
Meaning And Function

Case particles are an important Japanese language learning aspect that the learners should have learned since the beginner level, yet there are still many who still do not grasp the meaning and function of each particle. This is because in the instructional process, the elaboration of such articles is confined to the external structure, while the inner structure (semantic roles) is rather neglected in the textbooks. This study seeks to explain each semantic role of the particles 'kaku-joshi' contained in Japanese language teaching materials starting from elementary to secondary levels used in Indonesia. The method used is descriptive, with textual analysis employed as a data analysis technique. Findings reveal that all Japanese case particles have appeared in elementary level textbooks, namely particles GA, WO, NI, DE, TO, E, KARA, MADE, and YORI which are used to follow arguments or syntactic functions in the form of subject, object, complement, and adjunct. However, not all semantic roles appear in the textbook; 14 semantic roles are evidently not present. The findings of this study can be used as reference material for Japanese instructors in the teaching of Japanese case particles, so that the differences among the particles will be clearer and more easily understood by Japanese language learners in Indonesia.

scholarly journals Speaking Practice Outside the Classroom: A Literature Review of Asynchronous Multimedia-based Oral Communication in Language Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric H. Young ◽  
Rick E. West
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Oral Communication ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Technical Training ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Learner Perceptions ◽  
Speaking Skills

<p>Classroom instruction provides a limited amount of quality speaking practice for language learners. Asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication is one way to provide learners with quality speaking practice outside of class. Asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication helps learners develop presentational speaking skills and raise their linguistic self-awareness. Twenty-two peer-reviewed journal articles studying the use of asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication in language learning were reviewed, (1) to explore how asynchronous oral communication has been used to improve learner speaking skills, and (2) to investigate what methodologies are commonly used to measure and analyze language gains from using asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication to improve learner speaking skills. In this study we present three principal findings from the literature. First, asynchronous multimedia-based oral communication has been used in conjunction with a variety of instructional methods to promote language gains in terms of fluency, accuracy and pronunciation. Second, the methods found in this review were technical training, preparatory activities, project-based learning, and self-evaluation with revision activities. Third, the majority of previous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these methods have relied on learner perceptions of language gains rather than on recordings of learner speech.</p>

scholarly journals MOOCs in Language Education and Professional Teacher Development: Possibilities and Potential

2014 ◽  
pp. 294-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig Manning ◽  
Brian R. Morrison ◽  
Tara McIlroy
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teacher Development ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Short Article ◽  
Professional Teacher ◽  
Exciting Area

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) developed from the traditions of distance and self-access learning, and are growing in popularity. As a new and exciting area of education, the potential of MOOCs to transform education by allowing free access to courses for anyone with the access to technology and the internet has potential for teachers and learners to benefit from the courses offered. In this short article, three different perspectives on using MOOCs in educational contexts within Japan are discussed. The first describes a collaborative project in which one of the authors participated in a MOOC alongside a group of language learners. In the next, individual students pursuing self-directed language learning chose MOOCs to meet their various goals of knowledge and skill development as they prepared to study abroad. Finally, this article considers the role of MOOCs in professional teacher development through the reflections from a teacher participant. All three discussions relate their ideas to the themes of possibility and potential, while considering practical issues for language learners and educators.

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