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.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Yukari Amos and Joshua Nelson

Department/Program

Education

Additional Mentoring Department

https://cwu.studentopportunitycenter.com/2020/04/kanji-acquisition-techniques-for-l1-and-l2-japanese-speakers/

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May 18th, 12:00 PM

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