Learning Japanese: Voice of Experience by Belinda Kennett and Yuriko Nagata [purchase here]
(Autonomous Language Learning Series)
Learning Japanese: Voices of Experience is a book 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.
The book contains tips on learning Japanese from the perspectives of teachers, learners and users of Japanese. The editors 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?’. They share knowledge and advice about learning Japanese that will help learners to shape their own learning activities and experiences in a positive way. The emotional side to learning is also included and also the ins-and-outs of interacting using Japanese. This volume is essential reading for teachers of Japanese. The stories show teachers how Japanese is drawn into the lives of learners. The book highlights the enthusiasm and apprehensions of learners, and connects 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. |
Chapters
- Introduction by Belinda Kennett and Yuriko Nagata
- Chapter 1: Lockie’s Story. Getting Serious about Learning by Lachlan Jackson
- Chapter 2: Jared’s Story. Rainstorm by Jared Denman
- Chapter 3: Terry’s Story. Ringo o Niko Kudasai by Terry Martin
- Chapter 4: Mitchell’s Story. From Learner to Language Professional by Mitchell Curtis
- Chapter 5: Bill’s Story. Love of Literature as a Motivation for Learning Japanese by Bill Fryer
- Chapter 6: Belinda’s Story. Listen Carefully by Belinda Kennett
- Chapter 7: Claudette’s Story. Intermediate Blues by Oi Yee Claudette Chan
- Chapter 8: Hulya’s Story. In-country Learning by Hulya Park
- Chapter 9: William’s Story. All is Not Lost by William Bishop
- Chapter 10: Jackson’s Story. Doing Humour in Japanese by Jackson de Laat
- Chapter 11: Lucy’s Story. Girly? Atashi? by Lucy Fraser
- Chapter 12: Navarone’s Story. Talking About Me… by Navarone Feekery
- Chapter 13: Moeko’s Story. Having Mixed Heritage by Moeko Reilly
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Publication detailsPublication date: 2017
Series: Autonomous Language Learning ISBN: 9781370629985 (ebook) / 7981973329 (print) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47908/6 Series editor: Jo Mynard Series advisors: Sally Candlin, Satoko Kato and Hisako Yamashita Artwork: © Shin Koyama purchase here or any online print/ebook retailer |
About the authors / editors
Belinda Kennett
I began learning Japanese informally as a 17-year-old during a high school exchange year in Mie and then later studied the language and how to teach it at university in Australia and Japan. I have been a teacher in primary and secondary schools in Australia for nine years and taught Japanese at the University of Queensland, Australia, for 25 years. I am interested in long term motivation for learning Japanese, informal and independent learning and language edutainment. I am currently researching the development of listening behaviour in oral narratives in classroom learners and am an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Queensland. |
Yuriko Nagata
I have taught Japanese in Australia and Taiwan over 40 years and conducted research into the teaching and learning of Japanese as a foreign language. My Japanese language textbook, Voices from Japan, published by Kuroshio Publishers, Tokyo is used widely by learners of Japanese in English speaking countries and in Taiwan. I am currently an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Queensland and research and publish locally and internationally on the history of Japanese settlement in Australia, including the Japanese internment during WW2. |
Recommendation
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.
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.
Review
"...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.
Read the full review here: https://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec17/lin/
Michael Lin, instructor at Kobe Shoin Women’s University, Konan University and Konan Women’s University, Japan.
Read the full review here: https://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec17/lin/