scholarly journals Learning Japanese: Voices of Experience by Belinda Kennett and Yuriko Nagata

2017 ◽  
pp. 358-361
Author(s):  
Michael Lin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Japanese Learners

Learning Japanese: Voices of Experience, written and edited by Belinda Kennett and Yuriko Nagata, published by Candlin & Mynard ePublishing, is an e-book specially designed for students and teachers of the Japanese language. By utilizing the power of narrative and open sharing to inspire its readers, the book offers many helpful ideas and suggestions on how one can improve their Japanese proficiency. With their wide array of backgrounds and experiences, contributing authors share genuinely about their joys, struggles, and victories. The book is excellent not only for Japanese learners but Japanese teachers as well, because the collected stories demonstrate the importance of social factors in furthering a student’s language learning. They also serve as a poignant reminder of the need to pedagogically and strategically address student apprehension of language learning. Particularly insightful is the book’s emphasis on how students can always make tangible progress no matter one’s background or proficiency level.

scholarly journals Emotional factors in senior L2 acquisition: A case study of Japanese speakers learning Spanish

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 353-369
Author(s):  
Emi Shibuya
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Mood State ◽  
L2 Acquisition ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Level Transition ◽  
Japanese Learners

Aim. This research tries to explore whether a training course on tour guiding in a foreign language designed for senior learners could maximize their life experience, knowledge, and motivation (Author, 2018, 2019). The discussion argues that language learning for older adults is to be considered not only from cognitive aspects, but also from emotional and social aspects, since these are malleable and susceptible of being changed by the teaching method and the teacher's skills. Method. We discuss the case of senior Japanese learners of L2 Spanish through their questionnaires, class observations and introspective materials. Literature regarding emotional factors such as tolerance to ambiguity is reviewed. Also, we further focus on the social factors including gender divide, a major issue in Japanese society that affects the older generation in particular. Results. We used the Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire (MDMQ questionnaire, English version of Der Mehrdimensionale Befindlichkeitsfragebogen MDBF; Steyer, Schwenkmezger, Notz, and Eid, 1997) to determine their mood before and after the course 5 times in total. We also introduce 4 learners’ cases (2 female and 2 male learners) including introspective materials results from senior learners showing their Spanish level transition. Conclusion. A content-based course linked to practical occasions to be a volunteer tour guide seems not simple for the students and some learners felt ambiguous with regards to contents; however, independently of their Spanish level, they tried to find simple and alternative ways to manage the conversations or explanations. Some typical cultural and social factors in Japan, learners’ language level, experience, knowledge, and emotional factors seem more important elements for the creation of class atmosphere in this content-based L2 learning.

An Errors Analysis in Using Diathesis (態) in Written Text of Japanese Language Department Senior Students at Universities in Medan

IZUMI ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 362-371
Author(s):  
Murniati Br. Barus ◽  
Mhd. Pujiono
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Written Text ◽  
Japanese Students ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Japanese Learners ◽  
Errors Analysis ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The City ◽  
Senior Students

The grammatical category that shows the relationship between the subject is diathesis. From the researcher’s observations, it was found that Japanese students used diathesis errors in the city of Medan. Therefore, this study discusses what forms of errors are and how Japanese universities students in Medan make the error in using diathesis forms. The specific purpose of this study is to analyze and determine the forms and patterns of errors in using the diathesis (態/tai) that it becomes a consideration for Japanese language lecturers to provide more effective teaching for Japanese learners, especially universities students in Medan. The types of diathesis sentences analyzed are judoutai (passive diathesis), Shieki (causative), kiboubun (wish form), and jujubun (expression of give-take). This research is descriptive qualitative research with error analysis. The data were sentences using diathesis (tai), sourced from written text made by 30 senior students of the Japanese department at the Universitas Sumatera Utara and the Universitas Harapan Medan. In conclusion, the form of error has been found in passive (受 身), a causative (使役), and the expression of the give-take action (授受表現) diathesis, which is realized grammatically and lexically. Errors include changing verbs, using particles (joshi), and assigning word unit functions to sentences. This study concludes that understanding and practice on the ukemi, shieki, and jujubun diathesis is needed in Japanese language learning among university students in Medan to improve student skills

scholarly journals Second Language Interference towards First Language Use of Japanese Learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Zulfadli Abdul Aziz ◽  
Bukhari Daud ◽  
Syafira Yunidar
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Use ◽  
First Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Language Effects ◽  
Japanese Learners

There have been many studies on first language interference towards learners’ second or foreign language learning, but not many on the otherwise. This study investigates the effects of learning Japanese as a foreign language towards learners’ first language use, Indonesian. The data for this qualitative study were obtained from five Japanese learners who had different backgrounds of Japanese learning. Observation and interview were used as the research instruments to collect the data in this study. The results were found that the learners showed foreign language effects; grammatical aspects and borrowing. In short, learning a foreign language (FL) influences learners’ first language (L1), which means that learning Japanese language had affected the learners’ first language, Indonesian. It can be concluded that learning a second or foreign language may interfere a learner’s first language.

scholarly journals Study in Japan and the Motivation of Japanese Language Learners in Higher Educational Institutions in Indonesia

IZUMI ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-120
Author(s):  
Fatmawati Djafri ◽  
Lufi Wahidati
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Higher Educational Institutions ◽  
Native Japanese Speakers ◽  
Study Programs ◽  
Higher Educational ◽  
Japanese Learners

The number of Japanese learners in Indonesia ranks the second largest in the world after China. In addition to great interest in Japanese popular culture products, such as anime and manga, the enthusiasm of Japanese learners to study in Japan has become one of the main motivations for learning the Japanese language. The changing in educational policy implemented by the Japanese government has also offered a new possibility for study in Japan. This study aims to explain how the motivation to study in Japan was cultivated through the process of Japanese language learning in higher educational institutions in Indonesia. Researchers collected data using a set of a questionnaire distributed to Japanese language learners at designated universities and interviews with some of the respondents. This study focused on three issues: factors that motivate students to choose Japanese language study programs in university, language skills that learners want to develop in university, and their interest in studying in Japan. The result showed that interest in the Japanese language was the primary motivation for many learners to continue their study in higher educational institutions. The ability to communicate with native Japanese speakers was a significant achievement for a Japanese learner, but at the same time, it was a difficult task to achieve. Study in Japan provided an opportunity for learners to improve their Japanese language skills and to gain experience in Japan. These things were expected to increase the value of learners’ cultural capital and access to previously unobtainable resources.

scholarly journals EMPLOYING WEBSITE IN JAPANESE LEARNING AS AN INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA FOR PEDAGOGICAL PURPOSE

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Herniwati Herniwati ◽  
Noviyanti Aneros ◽  
Melia Dewi Judiasri
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Instructional Media ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Process Learning ◽  
Japanese Learners ◽  
Historical Sites ◽  
Search For Information ◽  
The City

Industrial revolution 4.0 in the development of instructional media for Japanese  language learning is one of the demands of the era that cannot be avoided anymore. Devices that cannot be released from the students' hands make it seems like it's the only source to search for information or answer in the learning process. Learning Japanese is not only through textbooks, but students are able to develop the teaching materials in the form of narratives of tourism and cultural destinations in the city of Bandung using Japanese. Those narratives about the information of destinations are packaged into a website that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, as an interactive instructional media that can increase motivation and interest about the city of Bandung in Japanese. The development of this website is not only for Japanese learners, but also useful as a source of information for Japanese people who will visit the city of Bandung. The latest information about the city of Bandung using Japanese consists of historical sites, tourist attractions, museums, and culinary. Japanese learners can access them at any time and can be used as a medium for discussion, and learners can explain it again about the city of Bandung to their friends. This innovation of learning media is a solution in the era of industrial revolution 4.0 to improve Japanese language skills both orally and in writing.

scholarly journals PERCEPTION OF JAPANESE LEARNERS TOWARDS ONLINE PEER RESPONSE ACTIVITIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-57
Author(s):  
Arianty Visiaty
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Survey Research ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Peer Response ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Learning Techniques ◽  
Japanese Learners

Technological advances have led to developments in language learning techniques; one of the techniques is the online peer response. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of Japanese language learners of Indonesia towards online peer response activities. This research is survey research. The respondents of this study are 22 Indonesian intermediate level Japanese language learners. The result of this study is the students' perception of peer response activities that cannot be said to be positive. However, learners still feel the benefits of this activity.

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.

The Generalization of Instruction on Genitive Relative Clause in the Acquisition of English as a Foreign Language

2006 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 99-113
Author(s):  
Akihiro Ito
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Relative Clause ◽  
Relative Clauses ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Japanese Learners Of English ◽  
Special Instruction ◽  
Japanese Learners

This study examines the generalization of instruction in foreign language learning. A group of Japanese learners of English served as participants and received special instruction in the structure of genitive relative clauses. The participants were given a pre-test on combining two sentences into one containing a genitive relative clause wherein the relativized noun phrase following the genitive marker "whose" is either the subject, direct object, or object of preposition. Based on the TOEFL and the pre-test results, four equal groups were formed; three of these served as experimental groups, and one as the control group. Each experimental group was given instruction on the formation of only one type of genitive relative clause. The participants were then given two post-tests. The results indicated that the generalization of learning begins from structures that are typologically more marked genitive relative clauses to those structures that are typologically less marked, and not vice versa.

Japanese Semiaspectual Forms -teshimau and -teoku as Discourse Markers

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Nandang Rachmat ◽  
Hiroko Otsuka
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Discourse Markers ◽  
Japanese Language ◽  
Rapport Management ◽  
Current Topic ◽  
Difficult Situations ◽  
Core Meaning

This paper discusses the Japanese semi aspectual forms -teshimau and -teoku function as discourse markers which serve as speaker’s intentions of utterances for rapport management. In general, the semantic function of the morphological semi aspectual forms such as -teshimau and -teoku are explained as expressions of feelings of remorse or regret as well as preparatory actions, respectively. Both of them derived from the explanation of “completion” as a core meaning. The meanings mentioned above are also learned in elementary and pre-intermediate levels of Japanese language learning as a second language. However, the results of this research, which derived from analysis using I-JAS corpus dialogue data, indicate that in interpersonal discourse, these aspectual forms are used to show self-deprecating and modest attitudes, sentimental mood, or inevitable and difficult situations. Additionally, as a discourse marker, they are used to express utterance intentions such as showing speaker’s responsible recognition for the situation occurred, respecting the opinion of the interlocutor, and avoiding current topic to be continued. They also function as act of politeness due to the effects of “down graders” and “upgraders” in Spencer-Oatey's theory of rapport management, while in this research indicates that improperly use of -teoku might sound impolite depending on the utterance situations. Furthermore, it was found that they work as discourse markers for rounding up dialogs or shifting topics, and there are differences between -teshimau and -teoku in whether it is the interlocutor’s topic or the speaker’s topic that was being rounded up. For these reasons, second language acquisition requires learning about indicative meanings of these forms that function in the contexts and utterance situations, and the findings of this research will also contribute to the research of Japanese language teaching materials.

Deployment of the formulaic utterance “how about∼” in task-based second language classroom discussions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-446
Author(s):  
David Aline ◽  
Yuri Hosoda
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Interaction Analysis ◽  
Classroom Interaction ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Japanese Learners Of English ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Alternative Procedures ◽  
Japanese Learners

Abstract Formulaic speech has long been of interest in studies of second language learning and pragmatic use as production and comprehension of formulaic utterances requires less processing and production effort and, therefore, allows for greater fluency. This study scrutinizes the sequential positions and actions of one formulaic utterance “how about∼” from the participants’ perspective. This conversation analytic study offers a fine-grained microanalysis of student interaction during classroom peer discussion activities. The data consist of over 54 h of video-recorded classroom interaction. Analysis revealed several positions and actions of “how about∼” as it occurs during peer discussions by Japanese learners of English. Emerging from analysis was a focus on how learners deploy this formulaic utterance to achieve various actions within sequences of interaction. Analysis revealed that participants used “how about∼” for (a) explicitly selecting next speaker, (b) shifting topics, (c) proposing a solution, and (d) suggesting alternative procedures. Although the formula was deployed to perform these four different actions, consistent throughout all instances was the disclosure of learner orientation to the progressivity of the task interaction. The findings show how language learners deploy this formulaic utterance in discussion tasks designed for language learning and highlights the pragmatic functions of this phrase.

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