The Nature of Japanese

Japanese is the official language of the nation of Japan.  Although there are many dialects spoken throughout the various regions of Japan, the language taught is the standard dialect of Tokyo.

The distinguishing feature of Japanese is that it is a script-based language.  The writing system of Japanese makes use of three scripts:  Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji, a pictographic script borrowed from the Chinese writing system, consists of a large number of characters representing words or ideas.  Hiragana and katakana are syllabic systems, each symbol representing a single sound.  All of the 46 Hiragana have corresponding Katakana symbols.

Students undertaking Japanese studies learn all three scripts, with an increasing emphasis on Kanji from Year 10.  However, language learning is fostered through all four of the macroskills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.  These four macroskills will be developed interdependently, integrating the themes, topics, language functions, grammar and cultural aspects outlined in the syllabus.  The emphasis throughout the course is on communication, i.e. using Japanese for communicative purposes in realistic settings.

The Value of Studying Japanese

Language learning is a vital part of education.  While no longer necessary for university entrance as it was in the past, knowledge of a second language is increasingly recognised as one of the benchmarks of a well-rounded education.  Learning a language other than English fosters the growth of independent thought, enriching the educational, intellectual, personal, social and cultural development of learners.  It has the potential to enhance the quality of students’ participation in a dynamic modern society.

Recent years have seen a growth in the study of Asian languages in Australia, reflecting an increasing awareness of the importance of Asia in our cultural, economic and political life.  The importance of Japan, in particular, as a major economic power of the Asia-Pacific region is mirrored in the status of the Japanese language as one of the most widely studied in Queensland in recent times.  A knowledge of Japanese will facilitate entry into the Asia-Pacific region in such areas as business, trade, tourism and education.  When combined with other skills, then Japanese may greatly enhance employment opportunities.

Students who elect to study Japanese will have a rewarding experience.  The learning of a script-based language, which is quite different from English, is a unique opportunity.  In meeting the challenge of communicating ideas in a new language as well as through learning to understand a different worldview, students should develop greater empathy with second-language speakers in our society.

For further information, please contact Mrs R Stannard, Head of Department, or you can download a copy of the course outline here.