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Parents' Q & A
Question 1: Is Japanese Hard to Learn?
According to the Foreign Service Institute of the Department (FSI) of State and other research, Japanese is placed as a Category III language (as well as Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Korean), and considered a difficult language for native English speakers. Research has also shown that learning Japanese takes almost four times longer than Spanish and French to reach a certain level of understanding and fluency.
As a teacher, I try to facilitate student learning as much as possible, and I tell my students that Japanese is simply different, not difficult. Learning Japanese is not a scary undertaking, but it does require time and effort.
Please encourage your child by emphasizing that he/she is learning a challenging, but rewarding language. Please understand that your child will not be learning at the same pace as they would if taking other languages such as Spanish or French.
As a teacher, I try to facilitate student learning as much as possible, and I tell my students that Japanese is simply different, not difficult. Learning Japanese is not a scary undertaking, but it does require time and effort.
Please encourage your child by emphasizing that he/she is learning a challenging, but rewarding language. Please understand that your child will not be learning at the same pace as they would if taking other languages such as Spanish or French.
Question 2: What are the benefits of learning Japanese?
Below are some examples of the benefits of learning Japanese!
- Cultural Understanding: Learning Japanese introduces students to the rich and diverse culture of Japan. They can explore traditions, customs, art, literature, and history, fostering cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Linguistic Skills: Japanese has a unique writing system that includes three scripts: Kanji (characters borrowed from Chinese), Hiragana, and Katakana. Learning these scripts enhances students' understanding of language structure and strengthens their memory and cognitive skills.
- Global Perspective: Japan is a major global player in industries such as technology, automotive, and entertainment. Learning Japanese can provide middle school students with a broader perspective on international relations, economics, and global trends.
- Career Opportunities: As globalization continues, companies seek individuals who are proficient in multiple languages. Proficiency in Japanese can open doors to job opportunities in various fields, including international business, translation, tourism, and more.
- Enhanced Problem-Solving: Learning a new language requires understanding and deciphering complex patterns and structures. This can improve students' problem-solving and analytical skills as they grapple with new grammar rules and vocabulary. Incorporating Japanese language learning into middle school curriculum can provide students with a wide range of benefits that extend beyond just language proficiency. It can enrich their personal and academic lives while preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world. Click here for more!
QUESTION 3: I DON'T KNOW ANY JAPANESE...HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD?
Studying Japanese is the same as studying any other subject. Please encourage your child to establish good study habits at home (sometimes taking as little as 5-10 minutes per day to help emphasize that Japanese is very helpful). Organizing the handouts and other materials are also important steps towards easier review of materials later. There are also online practice that are posted in the Teams.
Assessments are based on the following:
Daily Activities:
For Formative assessments:
For Summative assessments:
As for the speaking section, your child can record the question first and then record the correct answer directly afterwards. After that, your child can pause after each question, say the answer out loud, and see if he/she is correct or not by comparing the responses.
Assessments are based on the following:
- 2 or 3 formative assessments (vocabulary-based)
- 1 summative assessment based on listening and reading comprehension
- 1-2 performance-based assessments in speaking and writing
Daily Activities:
- Ask your child to teach you what he/she learned that day. Not only can your child review and remember the materials better, he/she will enjoy learning if the parents show interest in the subject matter.
- If applicable, check to make sure that he/she completed all homework assignments
For Formative assessments:
- Use Flashcards
For Summative assessments:
- Study guide
As for the speaking section, your child can record the question first and then record the correct answer directly afterwards. After that, your child can pause after each question, say the answer out loud, and see if he/she is correct or not by comparing the responses.
QUESTION 4: What Can I Do to HELP MY CHILD?
10 Things You Can Do To Help Your Child Succeed In Japanese Class
Resource from: Mike Jaffe (2005), “Involvement & Advocacy,” Japan Foundation.
You as a parent are the greatest influence in your child’s life. Your attitude and approach to your child’s education can have a great impact on their success. Below is some advice on how you can positively impact your child’s performance in Japanese.
1. SHOW INTEREST
Show interest in your child’s work and schooling. Ask them what they learned that day, and have them teach it to you. It shows your child that you are genuinely interested in their school life, and that what they are learning is interesting. Doing this also engages them in thought, and forces them to reprocess the information in an active rather than passive way.
2. MORAL SUPPORT
You may not be able to experience what your child is in their Japanese program alongside them, but offering moral support when they feel challenged can help them through more difficult aspects of the language. Let them know that you are there for them, and that it is ok to make mistakes.
3. Be INVOLVED
Be involved in both their Japanese language program and peripheral/extracurricular programs. Especially at younger ages there is often a need for volunteers in the classroom, and in clubs. Sometimes it means carpooling to an event, or sometimes it means helping fundraisers. Being involved shows you care and encourages your child to take their education more seriously.
4. EXPOSED THEM TO CULTURE
One of the most positive things you can do to spur your child’s interest in Japanese is to expose them to Japanese culture. This can be taking them to a Japanese restaurant, renting a Japanese movie, taking them to the Japanese section of town or to a Japanese art exhibit (if there are any nearby), or introduce them to Japanese people. The possibilities are numerous, and you may be surprised what ends up making a lasting impression on their mind. This is also a good opportunity to bond with your child.
5. VALUE JAPANESE AS AN ASSET FOR YOUR CHILD
Knowing any foreign language opens a child’s mind and gives him/her a broader perspective on life. Japanese can open doors for your child in countless ways. Realizing that learning Japanese is a valuable asset for your child is vital. As your child’s most important rod model expressing this makes your child understand the value of their Japanese education.
6. ENCOURAGE THEM TO SPEAK
Most people are naturally shy about speaking a foreign language at first. Encouraging your child to try using their Japanese as often as possible can help them break through their shell. Getting over their shyness of speaking is crucial to the development of their linguistic abilities. Let them know that there is nothing wrong with making mistakes. Also keep in mind that Japanese speakers living in the United States are often quite happy to speak with someone who wants to practice their Japanese.
7. MAKE SURE THEY STUDY REGULARLY
Studying regularly is one of the key elements in becoming skilled in any foreign language. If your child has trouble motivating in their studies, help them structure their study habits. This can not only improve their performance in Japanese, but in other areas of study as well.
8. CHECK UP ON THEIR PROGRESS
Check your child’s test, quiz, or assignment grade. If your child is having a difficult time, make sure that he/she doesn’t lag behind. Encourage him/her to attend study sessions or study with a classmate (find study buddy). Contact your child’s teacher to find out what is happening with your child’s study.
9. LET THEM GO TO JAPAN
Consider letting your child go on a class trip to Japan, or to be an exchange student in Japan at some point. Not only will the promise of going motivate them to study, but the stimulation of being immersed in the culture can inspire and drive them to succeed in Japanese. This is perhaps the most powerful tool in driving a student’s desire and ability to speak Japanese. For many this can be prohibitively expensive. Parents can help organize various fundraisers.
10. HOST A JAPANESE STUDENT
Hosting a Japanese exchange student is something you can do to strengthen your child’s bond with Japanese culture and their interest with Japanese. Not only will they have a fantastic opportunity to practice their Japanese, but they can establish long lasting friendships.