Learning Japanese: Voices of Experience (Autonomous Language Learning) - Softcover

Kennett, Belinda; Nagata, Yuriko

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1973329700 ISBN 13: 9781973329701

Publisher: Independently published, 2018

Synopsis

This book has been written for people who are learning Japanese in classes and independently, and for teachers of Japanese. It offers practical ideas on how to learn Japanese and what to learn through the experiences of those who have become users of the language. Many of the learning stories in the book are about the rich and enticing ways the various authors have learned and used Japanese at home and in Japan. The authors are diverse in age and background and have learned both in classrooms and while using the language. Some of the stories in the book span the learning histories of the authors. Others focus on an aspect of the language or the personal changes which took place through using it. You will also read tips on learning Japanese from our perspectives as teachers, learners and users of Japanese. We elaborate on topics raised in the stories and address questions such as, ‘What do you need to know that isn’t taught in class?’, ‘How do you keep up momentum?’, and ‘How do you use language in a way that expresses who you are as a person?’. We share knowledge and advice about learning Japanese that we believe will help learners to shape their own learning activities and experiences in a positive way. We talk about the emotional side to learning and the ins-and-outs of interacting using Japanese. This volume is also essential reading for teachers of Japanese. The stories show teachers how Japanese is drawn into the lives of learners. They detail the enthusiasm and apprehensions of learners, and connect the students that teachers know in the classroom with the people they are outside it. The stories also remind us that learning Japanese is highly individual, and that it is much more than the sum of the various parts that can be taught. The language, locations, the times and the social aspects of using Japanese give form to the unique lives of learners. These stories will cause teachers to reflect on their role in nurturing learning independence beyond the classroom. Each chapter in the book begins with the personal story of someone who has learned Japanese. This is followed by our ‘Sensei’s Tips’ (Teacher’s Tips) which take up a theme in the story and draw out the implications for learning. We invited Kristen and Todd to write as Guest Senseis for the chapters on gender and listening respectively as they have both researched these areas as well as having thought about them from a learner’s perspective. Finally, in ‘Points for Consideration’ we pose questions relating to one or more of the topics raised in the chapter. These are designed to get learners to reflect on their learning and use of Japanese and could form the basis of classroom discussion and extension activities using the accompanying downloadable worksheets.

About this title

Review:

I read and enjoyed Learning Japanese: Voices of Experience from two perspectives, both as a learner of Japanese and as a second language teacher/researcher. Firstly, as anyone who has tried to get a handle on Japanese will know, talking with someone who has gone before you and mastered it can be both awe-inspiring and very motivating. If you are lucky, your sempai will even share their experiences and knowledge with you, helping you to get there that little bit faster. In this book the authors have generously gathered thirteen such sempai from a diverse range of backgrounds. Through reading their stories and the concrete advice given by education experts at the end of each chapter, we can learn from their mistakes, find some great learning strategies and add their strengths to our own.
Secondly, as a teacher/researcher, I have seen the transformative power of providing opportunities for my students to listen to and learn from near-peer role models. Of particular note here is the inclusion of often under-represented voices discussing how learners of Japanese can negotiate gender and sexual identities in Japanese. I was particularly impressed by the accompanying worksheets that support students in identifying goals, trying new learning strategies and reflecting on the efficacy of their learning. This book would be a great addition to any course of study.
 
Ashley R. Moore, PhD candidate, Language and Literacy Education Department, University of British Columbia, Canada.

 

"...Learning Japanese: Voices of Experience is a must-read for both students and teachers seeking inspirational and practical advice in improving their Japanese language proficiency. Particularly poignant are the thirteen stories from contributing authors who share their deeply personal and moving experiences in overcoming their learning and teaching difficulties. The ‘Sensei’s Tips’ section at the end of each chapter draw out lessons from these stories to guide readers towards practical application, while the Points for Consideration sections contain well-thought-out questions that are beneficial for individual and group reflective learning" (Lin, 2017, p. 360).

Michael Lin, instructor at Kobe Shoin Women’s University, Konan University and  Konan Women’s University, Japan.

About this edition

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1973329700
• ISBN 13: 9781973329701
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 193