Perceptions of kanji learning by non-native learners of Japanese as a foreign language: Data from Sri Lankan learners

The present study examines the attitudes of learning kanji outside Japan based on the data from Sri Lankan learners of Japanese. This study also provides empirical evidence concerning perceived difficulties of reading and writing kanji by these learners. This was examined by a questionnaire, which was analyzed in terms of learners and Institution. The questionnaire revealed that the majority of learners had positive attitudes for learning kanji. However, they lacked the motivation for independent, self-directed learning. Learners in private institutions were significantly more enthusiastic in learning kanji than learners of secondary or tertiary institutions. The results also revealed that positive attitudes towards kanji gradually reduced with the increase in number of kanji being learnt. Differences in attitudes towards learning kanji outside Japan were identified suggesting that there are important cognitive aspects to learning kanji among non-native learners of Japanese

Issues in Strategy Classifications in Language Learning: A Framework for Kanji Learning Strategy Research

A significant amount of research has contributed to our understanding of language learning strategies in the past decade. Orthography-specific characteristics of kanji (Chinese characters used in Japanese language) have seen the development of a growing interest in kanji learning strategy research. This paper examines recent trends in language learning strategies in general and identifies unresolved issues related to research in kanji learning strategies. A conceptual framework for further research is discussed in order to assist approaches to kanji learning strategies and research conducted within the area

Cognitive considerations for effective methods of learning Kanji for non-native learners of Japanese

The learning of Chinese characters (Kanji) is one of the most difficult problems for learners from non-Kanji backgrounds．In this study, the difficulties are examined from a cognitive perspective and several promising proposals for learning Kanji are offered with respect to (1) problems originating in the Kanji characters themselves, and　(2) problems associated with learning environments

Perceptions of kanji learning strategies: Do they differ among Chinese character and alphabetic background learners

This study investigates three important issues in kanji learning strategies; namely, strategy use, effectiveness of strategy and orthographic background. A questionnaire on kanji learning strategy use and perceived effectiveness was administered to 116 beginner level, undergraduate students of Japanese from alphabetic and character backgrounds in Australia. Both descriptive and statistical analyses of the questionnaire responses revealed that the strategies used most often are the most helpful. Repeated writing was reported as the most used strategy type although alphabetic background learners reported using repeated writing strategies significantly more often than character background learners. The importance of strategy training and explicit instruction of fundamental differences between character and alphabetic background learners of Japanese is discussed in relation to teaching strategies. [Author abstract