Kanji Acquisition Techniques for L1 and L2 Japanese Speakers
Document Type
Poster
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
18-5-2020
Abstract
Kanji are ideograms, a morphographic system borrowed from Chinese and used in Japanese writing. 2136 kanji are used in the average Japanese newspaper, required for job placement, and academic certification. A qualitative study was conducted to observe the optimum methods to learn kanji. Japanese native speakers who were educated by the Japanese school system grades 1 through 12 are classified as L1 or first language speakers. American students, L2 or second language speakers must have been educated in the American education system grades 1-12. L1 speakers were students attending Central Washington University (CWU) study abroad programs and L2 students were Japanese Major or Minor degree seeking CWU students. A comparison between L1 and L2 speakers was observed by interviewing 10 students from each group on acquisition strategies. Both groups of participants were asked what methods and techniques aided them in passing standardized tests for Japanese kanji. Students described drilling repetition of kanji ideograms for memorization, combined with reading for real time comprehension as the best method for kanji retention. The results of this research are discussed via Vygotsky’s social-constructivist theory.
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Amber, "Kanji Acquisition Techniques for L1 and L2 Japanese Speakers" (2020). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 5.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/CEPS/5
Department/Program
Education
Additional Mentoring Department
https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/kanji-acquisition-techniques-for-l1-and-l2-japanese-speakers/
Kanji Acquisition Techniques for L1 and L2 Japanese Speakers
Ellensburg
Kanji are ideograms, a morphographic system borrowed from Chinese and used in Japanese writing. 2136 kanji are used in the average Japanese newspaper, required for job placement, and academic certification. A qualitative study was conducted to observe the optimum methods to learn kanji. Japanese native speakers who were educated by the Japanese school system grades 1 through 12 are classified as L1 or first language speakers. American students, L2 or second language speakers must have been educated in the American education system grades 1-12. L1 speakers were students attending Central Washington University (CWU) study abroad programs and L2 students were Japanese Major or Minor degree seeking CWU students. A comparison between L1 and L2 speakers was observed by interviewing 10 students from each group on acquisition strategies. Both groups of participants were asked what methods and techniques aided them in passing standardized tests for Japanese kanji. Students described drilling repetition of kanji ideograms for memorization, combined with reading for real time comprehension as the best method for kanji retention. The results of this research are discussed via Vygotsky’s social-constructivist theory.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2020/CEPS/5
Faculty Mentor(s)
Yukari Amos and Joshua Nelson