An interdisciplinary study for the development of integral Japanese textbooks for foreign-rooted children using Yasashii-Nihongo (Easy Japanese)

Abstract

The different aspects to learning the Japanese language vary in difficulty, with the syllabaries that form part of the Japanese writing system and pronunciation being seen as relatively straightforward elements. Learning Japanese grammar is also considered to be relatively straightforward, but learning the logographic Chinese characters is considered very difficult. Foreign people living in Japan may struggle with these different aspects of learning the Japanese language and, without at least a basic understanding of the Japanese language, will likely find life challenging. Professor Isao Iori, Center for Global Education and Exchange, Hitotsubashi University, Japan, is heading up a project to help long-term foreign residents (LFR) learn Japanese and adequately function in Japanese society. The project covers Japanese language education for children of LFRs and deaf children. A key concept for Iori and the team is Yasashii Nihongo, which refers to easy or plain Japanese and is designed to help LFRs express themselves. The concept involves LFRs learning an easier version of the Japanese language while native speakers of Japanese adjust their Japanese to a level that can easily be understood by LFRs. The researchers have created a realistic, ideal model for Yasashii Nihongo becoming a common language, that involves gradual implementation as well as making clear the necessity of a common language for native Japanese speakers and LFRs alike.