Chi e Journal of Japanese Learning and Teaching
CHI’E: JURNAL PENDIDIKAN BAHASA JEPANG, (E-ISSN: 2685-6662, P-ISSN:2252-6250) starting in 2024 migrates from OJS 2 to OJS 3 to better secure from various unwanted things, including journal hacking and so on. To submit, the author please visit the new website page of our journal at the link https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/chie MIGRATION OFFICIAL STATEMENT HERE CHI’E: JURNAL PENDIDIKAN BAHASA JEPANG, (E-ISSN: 2685-6662, P-ISSN:2252-6250) is an Open Access, Peer-reviewed, has the perspectives of japanese languages, literature and language teachings. This journal has the Focus and Scope of presenting and discussing some outstanding contemporary issues dealing with Japanese Language Teaching, Japanese Literature & Japanese Linguistics. This journal is published every March and October by Prodi Pendidikan Bahasa Jepang, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, and accredited by the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education (RistekDikti) of the Republic of Indonesia in SINTA (Achieving Sinta 3) since Volume 9 (2) 2021 Until Volume 14 (1) 2026. The recognition was published in Director Decree (SK No. 204/E/KPT/2022).
ICT-Mediated Kaiwa Learning for Intercultural Communication: A Literature Review
As Japanese is increasingly used a medium of communication among non-native speakers, often referred to as Japanese as a Lingua Franca (JLF), Japanese language education must respond to the growing need for both linguistic and intercultural competence. This is particularly relevant in Southeast Asian contexts, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, where Japanese is learned as a foreign language rather than used as an official language. This article presents a literature review of ICT-based kaiwa (conversation) learning in intercultural exchange settings. By examining previous studies on telecollaboration and other forms of ICT-mediated interaction, the review identifies the pedagogical potential of combining synchronous web conferencing with asynchronous digital platforms. The findings suggest that such practices can strengthen learner motivation, foster cultural awareness, and support the negotiation of meaning in intercultural communication. Moreover, ICT enables authentic interactional opportunities that transcend geographical limitations. These findings offer an important basis for designing Japanese language instruction that integrates intercultural understanding and promotes more effective communication among learners in Southeast Asia.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chi e Journal of Japanese Learning and Teaching http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Features of Language Exploration in Japanese Dokkai Authentic Materials: SFL-based Analysis
This study examines the linguistic features of Japanese product packaging texts, focusing on beverages, medicines, and instant noodles. Using a qualitative case study design, it analyzes 30 authentic Japanese labels to identify naturally occurring language features relevant to beginner-level Japanese learners. The analysis reveals eight linguistic features in beverage labels and ten features each in medicine and instant noodle packaging. Across all categories, packaging texts rely on nominalization, technical labels, scientific terminologu, numerical data, and dense noun-based structures to convey precise and regulated information. Interpersonally, polite imperatives, evaluative expressions, honorific forms, and cosumer-oriented phrases reflect Japanese communicative norms. Textually, list structures, discourse markers, and parallel formatting contribute to clarity and efficient information processing. At the same time, each category shows distinct rhetorical tendencies: beverage packaging employs persuasive and hybrid Japanese English expressions, medicine packaging foregrounds safety and scientific neutrality, and instant noodle packaging combines instructional sequencing with promotional language. The findings show that Japanese packaging texts function as hybrid genres integrating descriptive, procedural, and persuasive meanings. Their linguistic density, functional organization, and cultural relevance indicate strong potential as authentic dokkai materials in genre-based pedagogy for beginner-level Japanese reading and writing instruction.
Public Image and Private Life of Ai Hoshino in Oshi no Ko: A Dramaturgical Analysis
The idol phenomenon is a prominent aspect of modern popular culture, in which individuals are expected to present an idealized image that conforms to social expectations. In this context, impression management plays a central role in shaping an idol’s public identity. This phenomenon is also represented in popular media, including the anime Oshi no Ko. This study examines the construction of public image and private life in the character Ai Hoshino through her performances in the front stage and backstage. Using a qualitative descriptive approach and non-participant observation, the data were collected from dialogues, monologues, and relevant scenes in the anime. The analysis draws on Erving Goffman’s dramaturgical theory, particularly the concepts of performance, front stage, and backstage. The findings show that the boundary between public image and private life is not simply blurred but actively constructed through complex social mechanisms. Through face-work, sign vehicles, and team performance, Ai Hoshino consistently maintains her public image as an idol. Overall, Oshi no Ko represents dramaturgical practices in Japanese idol culture through the deliberate construction and management of image.
Japanese Speaking Anxiety in Kaiwa Classes: A Cross-Cohort Study of Japanese Language Education Students at UMY
This study examines speaking anxiety in Japanese kaiwa classes among students in a Japanese Language Education program at a private University in Yogyakarta. Since speaking is a central component of foreign language learning and is often associated with high levels of anxiety, the study investigates whether anxiety differs across student cohorts and identifies the factors contributing to it. Using a quantitative design, data were collected from 70 students drawn from four cohorts within a population of 113 students. The study employed a questionnaire adapted from the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) developed by Horwitz et al., and the data were analyzed using SPSS. The findings indicate that students across all cohorts experienced a moderate level of speaking anxiety. However, the ANOVA results showed no statistically significant differences among cohorts, suggesting that academic level was not a determining factor in students’ speaking anxiwty. These findings indicate that speaking anxiety in Japanese language learning is shaped less by cohort membership than by individual and classroom-related factors, such as self-confidence, speaking experience, and perceived evaluation in classroom interaction.
Autonomous Shadowing Practice and Prosodic Development in Intermediate Learners of Japanese: A Mixed-Methods Study
Autonomous oral practice is widely encouraged in Japanese language learning, but its pronunciation benefits are not always explained in ways that link measurable speech change with native-speaker perception. This mixed-methods study examined how repeated shadowing practice supported prosodic development in three intermediate learners of Japanese. Over seven weeks, participants completed two shadowing sessions per week using textbook audio recordings as model input. The analysis combined two approaches: acoustic inspection of fundamental frequency (FO) contours and timing patterns using PRAAT, and perceptual evaluation by two native Japanese speakers focusing on accent, intonation, word rhythm and overall improvement. Across learners, second attempts on the same material generally showed smoother pitch movement, more stable rhythmic organization, and higher perceptual ratings. Indicating improvement in prosodic naturalness even within a short practice cycle. At the same time, development was not uniform. Some learners improved mainly through more coherent intonation, while others showed faster delivery that sometimes coincided with reduced segmental precision, such as shortened long vowels. These findings suggest that autonomous shadowing can effectively support prosodic development, while also highlighting the need for pacing and feedback to maintain accuracy as fluency increases.
N3 Kanji Learning Patterns Among Japanese Language Education Students at UMY
This study examines N3-level Kanji learning patterns among students in the Japanese Language Education Program at Muhammadiyah Universitas of Yogyakarta. Using a descriptive qualitative design, the study involved 16 students who had passed the JLPT N3, selected through a mini-survey and purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed to identify dominant learning strategies and the internal factors shaping kanji learning at the intermediate level. The findings show that students adopt multimodal learning patterns that combine writing practice, flashcards, digital applications, and audiovisual exposure. These patterns are shaped by both intrinsic and instrumental motivation, as well as by authentic learning experiences. The study also found that students demonstrated higher self-efficacy in kanji Reading tan in writing, with Reading skills developing more readily through contextual exposure, while structured learning patterns tended to produce more stable outcomes tan flexible ones. By focusing on intermediate learners, a group that has received relatively limited attention in previous studies, this study highlights the interaction between multimodal learning strategies and self-efficacy in kanji learning and offers practical implications for designing more effective kanji instruction in Japanese language education at the tertiary level.
The Evaluative Language of HIV/AIDS Campaigns Texts: A Case Study in Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare
This study examines the evaluation language of HIV/AIDS campaign texts published on the official website of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Drawing on Martin and White’s appraisal framework, it analyzes how attitude, engagement, and graduation are deployed to construct public understandings of HIV/AIDS. Using a qualitative case study design, the study examines campaign materials collected from January to March 2025 through purposive sampling and document-based analysis. The findings show that the texts rely on a dual evaluative strategy. On the one hand, affect is dominated by insecurity, dissatisfaction, and unhappiness, foregrounding fear, stigma, uncertainty, and the continuing social burden of HIV/AIDS. On the other hand, positive evaluations are also salient, particularly in references to medical progress, early detection, treatment access, and institutional support. In the judgement system. The text endorses responsible, informed, and preventive behaviour while condemning ngegligence, discrimination, and stigmatizing practices. In appreciation, positive valuation is attached mainly to advances in treatment and public health services, although systemic limitations and persistent prejudice are also critically represented. Overall, the discourse frames HIV/AIDS simultaneously as a medical, social, and moral issue. The study contributes to appraisal-based discourse analysis and offers insights for more inclusive and effective health communication.
Criminality and Social Structure in Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage: A Sociological Approach
This study examines the representation of criminality in Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage through a sociological approach to literature, drawing on Willem Adriaan Bonger’s theory of criminal forms. Using a descriptive qualitative method, data were collected through observation and documentation, focusing on dialogues and scenes that depict economic, sexual, aggressive, and political dimensions of crime. The analysis also explores the underlying social factors that drive these forms of criminality. The findings reveal that Outrage portrays not only physical and psychological violence within the yakuza hierarchy but also fraud, extortion, and manipulation as systemic features of organized crime. These criminal forms are interrelated and serve as reflections of broader social inequalities. Viewed through the lens of literary sociology, the film represents a critique of Japan’s hierarchical and profit-driven society, where criminal behavior emerges as a response to structural injustice and social competition. Overall, this research demonstrates that Outrage functions as a mirror of social reality depicting criminality as both a personal and institutional phenomenon rooted in unequal power relations and sustained cycles of retribution.
Copyright (c) 2025 Chi e Journal of Japanese Learning and Teaching http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Internal and External Factors Influencing Kanji Learning among Japanese language Students in Indonesia
This study investigates the factors influencing kanji learning among students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Class of 2022, at Darma Persada University. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, combining field observations, literature review, and questionnaire-based data collection. The analysis identifies two major dimensions, internal and external factors that affect students’ kanji learning. The average score for internal factors is 3.77, categorized as “high”, while external factors show a slightly higher average of 4.15, also in the “high” category. These results indicate that both dimensions significantly influence kanji learning, with external factors exerting a stronger impact. The most influential external indicators include parental support, peer support, study environment, teaching methods, teacher-student relationships, study time allocation, and the availability of learning materials and media. These findings suggest that successful kanji acquisition is shaped not only by students’ individual motivation and cognitive readiness but also by the surrounding social and instructional context. This study contributes to understanding how learning environments and interpersonal dynamics enhance kanji learning outcomes among Japanese language students in Indonesia.
The Representation of Magical Realism Elements in the Novel Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
This study explores the elements of magical realism and the social contexts underlying their emergence in Haruki Murakami’s Sputnik Sweetheart. Drawing on Wendy B. Faris’s theory of magical realism, the analysis employs structural and dialectical approaches. The findings reveal that Sputnik Sweetheart embodies all five defining elements of magical realism. This is exemplified in the mysterious disappearance of Sumire on a small island in Greece, an event unexplainable through realistic logic and instead framed as a transition into another dimension—blurring the boundary between reality and imagination. Similarly, the appearance of Miu’s doppelgänger in her Swiss apartment intensifies the novel’s unsettling magical atmosphere. These events evoke ambiguity about Sumire’s sudden disappearance and Miu’s overnight transformation, as the real and the imaginary intertwine. Beyond identifying these narrative elements, the study also uncovers the social context behind Murakami’s use of magical realism—specifically, the collective trauma and social injustices experienced by marginalized female characters, as well as implicit critiques of Japan’s socio-political relations with its neighboring countries.
Patriarchy and the Regulation of Feminity in Edo Japan: A Foucauldian Discourse Analysis
Literary works serve as cultural instruments that reflect and perpetuate dominant social ideologies, including those related to gender and power. This study investigates the construction of women’s discourse during the Edo period (1603–1868), a feudal era under Tokugawa rule, through a Foucauldian analysis of Shinjū Tenno Amijima, one of the most prominent plays of the time. Using Foucault’s theory of discourse and a qualitative discourse-analytical approach, the research examines how female subjectivity is represented, regulated, and disciplined within the text. The findings reveal that portrayals of women’s self-sacrifice, emotional restraint, and loyalty to men function as mechanisms of social control that reproduce patriarchal values. These depictions naturalize women’s subordination and reinforce gendered hierarchies within Edo society. The study further argues that discourse in Shinjū Tenno Amijima operates as a form of power—one that shapes gender norms and legitimizes women’s roles within the sociocultural structure of the period. By situating literary representation within the broader framework of Foucauldian discourse theory, this research contributes to understanding how literature not only mirrors but also sustains systems of power and patriarchy in premodern Japan.
Evaluating the Effect of Digital Media and Coginitive Styles on Kanji Learning: An Experimental Study Using Tanoshiijapanese.com
This study examines the effect of digital learning media and cognitive styles on kanji learning outcomes, focusing on the use of the tanoshiijapanese.com website as a learning platform. The research aims to determine how this website supports students with different cognitive styles—Field Dependent (FD) and Field Independent (FI)—in learning kanji. As online and blended learning continue to evolve, the integration of interactive web-based tools has become essential in language instruction, particularly for complex writing systems such as Japanese kanji. This study employed a one-group pretest–posttest experimental design involving students enrolled in a Kanji I course. Participants completed a pretest, underwent learning sessions using tanoshiijapanese.com, and then completed a posttest. Results indicated that both FD and FI learners experienced significant improvement after the intervention, confirming the positive impact of the digital platform on kanji acquisition. Furthermore, FD learners achieved slightly higher gains than FI learners, suggesting that the website’s guided and visually structured format aligns more closely with the cognitive tendencies of FD learners. These findings underscore the potential of web-based tools to enhance kanji instruction while addressing individual learning preferences.
Understanding Reading Themes and Question Types in JLPT N5: Insight from Practice Books
This qualitative study reports on the investigation of theme or topics and types of questions in the reading section of the JLPT N5. Drawing on 37 texts and 46 questions from three different book sources of JLPT N5 practices, this research reveals three main findings. First, apart from informational texts, which are realized in the forms of short notices such as announcements, timetables, food labels, and memos, most topics in the short and longer texts tend to be personal and descriptive. Second, all topics in the reading section are related to everyday life, involving 11 topics related to personal life and to the surroundings. Personal-related topics include activities (past, present, and future), family, future dreams, houses, friends, pets, and simple experiences, whereas surroundings-related topics are composed of announcements, timetables, instructions, and food labels. The most dominant topic is descriptions of activities (past, present, and future), while the second highest topic is related to the announcement content (including the name of the place, operational hours, contact numbers, lists of products, prices, discount information, and warnings about something). Third, the types of questions in the reading section of JLPT N5 involve three categories: easy, moderate, and difficult. Easy types of questions include locating certain information, such as names, objects, activities, and basic facts within a text and/or simple matching visuals with texts. Moderate questions cover matching texts and visuals, reasoning, and finding details. The difficult types of questions involve conclusion, prediction, and inference, in which the examinees are required to understand what is not explicitly stated to answer.
Paralinguistic Features in Cross-Cultural Communication: A Study of Indonesian-Japanese Married Couples in Vlogs
Paralinguistics forms an essential part of nonverbal communication and plays a crucial role in shaping meaning within intercultural contexts. Grounded in Poyatos’ (2002) framework of paralinguistic aspects, this study examines how paralinguistic features are realized in the interactions of an Indonesian Japanese married couple through their vlog. Using a qualitative descriptive approach with note-taking techniques, the research identifies and analyzes features such as voice volume, pitch, tempo, pauses, drawling, and clipping. The findings reveal distinct tendencies that reflect each speaker’s cultural background. The Indonesian speaker, Diera, often employs soft loudness, higher pitch, drawling, and frequent pauses, expressing warmth and enthusiasm characteristic of Indonesian communicative norms. Her Japanese husband, by contrast, displays a slower tempo, moderate volume, and subtle pitch variation—traits associated with calmness, politeness, and harmony in Japanese communication. These contrasting yet complementary paralinguistic patterns demonstrate how intercultural couples negotiate meaning and emotional expression through nonverbal cues. The study highlights the significance of understanding paralinguistic elements in cross-cultural communication, particularly for enhancing mutual comprehension, preventing misinterpretation, and fostering more effective interaction across cultural boundaries.
Morphopragmatic Features of Japanese Diminutives: A Literature Review
Diminutives play a significant role in communication directed toward infants and children, serving both linguistic and social functions. However, studies that specifically and comprehensively examine diminutives in the Japanese language remain limited. This literature review aims to describe the morphological forms and semantic meanings of Japanese diminutives based on previous research. The study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach using a narrative literature review method. In Japanese, diminutives appear in various grammatical forms, including honorific name suffixes (e.g., -chan), performative honorifics (e.g., -dechu), nouns (e.g., uchagi), adjectives (e.g., kuchai), adverbs (e.g., chukochi), verbs (e.g., achobu), and adpositional forms (e.g., chochite). The meanings of these diminutives are context-dependent and can be interpreted within the conceptual framework proposed by Schneider, encompassing notions such as smallness, affection, and sweetness. By synthesizing existing studies, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the morphopragmatic and sociolinguistic functions of diminutives in Japanese. It also highlights the need for further research to explore their broader communicative and cultural significance in everyday interaction.
Exploring Students’ Perceptions of the Summary Method as a Reading Comprehension Strategy in Japanese Language Learning
This study investigates students’ perceptions of implementing the summary method in the Advanced Reading 2 course of the Japanese Language Education Study Program at Brawijaya University. Conventional reading classes generally emphasize reading aloud and translating, which often leads students to focus on literal translation rather than comprehension (Trahutami, 2017). To overcome this limitation, the summary method was introduced to integrate reading, writing, and speaking skills, encouraging active language use during lessons. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with a case study design involving eight purposively selected students. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The findings show that most students viewed the summary method positively, noting that it improved their understanding of reading texts and enhanced their language proficiency. However, students with moderate and lower academic performance experienced difficulties simplifying sentences due to limited vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. Overall, the summary method proved effective in fostering comprehension and promoting language integration. Future research is recommended to include participants from different educational levels to provide broader insights into the method’s implementation in reading instruction.
Representation of the Mie Dialect in Japanese Popular Media: A Lingusitic Analysis of Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki
A dicalect represents a regional variation of a language, distinguished by unique phonetic features, vocabulary, and grammatical structures. The Mie dialect, a branch of the Kansai dialect group classified under Nishi Nihon Hogen (Western Japanese dialects), embodies these regional linguistic characteristics. This study investigates the representation of the Mie dialect in the Japanese anime series Yatogame-chan Kansatsu Nikki, focusing on two linguistic aspects: word classes and word formation processes. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study utilizes Tomita’s classification of word classes and Palter and Slotsve’s theory on Kansai dialect word formation to analyze the data. This study identifies 30 examples of Mie dialect usage across the series, with sentence-final particles (shujoshi) emerging as the most frequest category. In terms of word formation, the most common process involves complete transformation from standard Japanese vocabulary. The findings highlight how popular media portrays regional dialects and contribute to broader discussion on linguistic diversity and regional identity in contemporary Japan. This study underscores the importance of analyzing dialect representation in media to understand how regional linguistic features are maintained, adapted, or transformed within popular culture.
Developing Intercultural Communicative Competence in Vocational Foreign Language Courses: Case Study of Japanese and Korean Learners
The 21st Century Skills Framework identifies foreign language proficiency and intercultural communication as core competencies essential for individuals’ future lives and careers. In response, higher education institutions have increasingly emphasized the development of graduates equipped with strong communication abilities and intercultural understanding to meet the demands of the global labor marker. Beyond linguistic competence, a deep understanding of the cultural contexts and communication patterns inherent in the target languages –such as Japanese and Korean—is critical. This study aims to explore and analyze the perspectives of university students learning Japanese and Korean regarding the communication styles and cultural backgrounds embedded in these languages. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study collected quantitative data through questionnaires distributed to students enrolled in “Introduction to Communication” (Japanese) and Korean language courses. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions and student essays on intercultural communication, conducted as part of the classroom activities. The findings reveal that students develop intercultural communicative competence by integrating cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions, fostered through reflective learning practices in both language courses.
A Comparative Study of Japanese Refusal Expressions Used by Indonesian and Native Japanese Female University Students
Refusal is an essential aspect of communication that can lead to discomfort for both the refuser and the recipient. Speakers employ various refusal strategies to mitigate potential conflict and maintain social harmony. This study examines the refusal expressions used by Indonesian female university students studying Japanese and native Japanese female university students. It aims to explore how these two groups use refusal strategies in different academic settings: irai (requests), sasoi (invitations), and teian (suggestions), when interacting with both close and less close friends. Data were collected from 60 respondents using an Oral Discourse Completion Test (DCT) and analyzed based on Beebe et al.’s (1990) refusal semantic formula. The findings reveal that both groups predominantly use indirect strategies over direct ones across all scenarios. They also employ four main semantic categories in their refusals: fuka (denial), shazai (apology), riyuu (reason), and tamerai (hesitation), with riyuu and tamerai being the most frequently used. However, a notable difference emerged when refusing close friends: Indonesian Japanese learners exhibited a stronger tendency to preface refusals with shazai, suggesting a possible influence from their native language and cultural norms. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of intercultural pragmatics and the influence of linguistic background on refusal strategies. Future research may explore refusal expressions in broader social contexts to investigate cultural and linguistic influences on politeness strategies.
native Japanese female university students
Foreign Language Proficiency and Learning Strategies of Souvenir Peddlers in the Borobudur Temple Area
This study examines the foreign language proficiency and learning experiences of souvenir peddlers around the Borobudur Temple area. The study has two main objectives: (1) to explore the background of the peddlers and (2) to analyze their foreign language skills and acquisition methods. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with five souvenir peddlers aged 39-58 with varying educational backgrounds. Findings reveal that these peddlers can communicate in multiple foreign languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, French, Korean, Dutch, German, Thai, Malay, Spanish, and Italian. However, their language acquisition occurs informally, primarly through interactions with tourists rather than formal education or textbooks. While some began learning languages at a young age, others started only after entering the souvenir trade. The study highlights the role of necessity and direct exposure in shaping language proficiency. The results suggest that foreign language skills significantly impact the peddlers’ ability to engage with international tourists and enhance sales opportunities. Future research should expand to other tourist destinations, such as Bali, Lombok, and Labuan Bajo, to compare language acquisition patterns among souvenir vendors in different regions.
Linguistic Features and Conversational Functions of the Tosa Dialect in Gintama
This study examines the linguistic forms and conversational functions of the Tosa dialect as represented in the anime Gintama. Originating from Kochi Prefecture, the Tosa dialect preserves elements of ancient Western Japanese in both phonologu and vocabulary, contributing to its distinct linguistic character. In Gintama, the dialect is used to construct character identity and highlight regional background, particularly for figures modeled after historical personalities from Tosa. Drawing on qualitative and descriptive methods, this study analyzed dialogues spoken by characters who use the Tosa dialect across several episodes. The analysis identifies seventeen dialectal forms, including grammatical variations such as ~yuu , ~chuu, ~ki, and ~jaki, and explores their pragmatic roles in expressing aspect, negation, emphasis, and causality. The findings reveal how dialectial variation contributes to characterization and authenticity in Japanese popular media. Despite notable differences from standard Japanese, the contextual use of the Tosa dialect in Gintama allows viewers to infer meaning and appreciate the cultural and linguistic diversity it represents .
Structural and Semantic Analysis of the Auxiliary Verb ~You (da) in Japanese Sentences
This study investigates the structure and meaning of the auxiliary verb ~you (da) in Japanese sentences. Data were collected from the Books Bunpou ga Yowai Anata e and Manabo! Nihongo Shou (Chuukyuu) and self-constructed sentences reviewed by native speaker linguists. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 29 instances of ~you (da) were analyzed and categorized into three meanings: assumption based on observation (15 cases), similarity or equality (6 cases), and comparison or analogy (8 cases). The findings reveal that ~you (da) structurally attach to verbs, adjectives, and nouns in their base forms, functioning as predicates. Semantically, it conveys two core meanings: (1) assumption based on observation or perceived conditions and (2) expressions of similarity, resemblance, or analogy. The latter meaning is further divided into reiji (例示), which provides examples, and Hikyou (比況), which expresses similarity through comparison. These meanings are realized through patterns such as [V+you ni V], [N+ no you ni + V/Adj], and [N + no you da]. This study contributes to Japanese grammar research by clarifying the syntactic and semantic roles of ~you (da). The analysis follows the sentence study approach and the matching method, examining linguistic elements based on their referential meanings. By offering a structured analysis of ~you (da), this study enhances the understanding of its usage and provides insights for learners and educators in Japanese language studies.
Mapping Meaning in Kanji: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Learning Gains Among Indonesian Learners of Japanese
Japanese language learners whose native writing systems do not include kanji often encounter difficulties in using kanji effectively in complex discourse, remembering onyomi and kunyomi readings, and understanding their meanings. This study explores the effectiveness of kanji mapping as a strategy to enhance kanji comprehension and memorization among second-year students in the Japanese language Education Program at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). The research focuses on the Chukyu Hyouki course, which covers 220 N3 level kanji from the Kanji Master N3 textbook. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design, the study was conducted over three sessions involving 23 fourth-semester students. Data were collected through pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires. The findings indicate a significant improvement in kanji mastery, with average test scores increasing from 66.6 to 88.1. Questionnaire responses further suggest that students found kani mapping helpful in organizing and internalizing onyomi, kunyomi, and bushu (radicals). This structured visual approach supported accurate contextual application and contributed to long-term retention. Overall, the results support the integration of kanji mapping into kanji instruction to improve learner outcomes.
Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Self-Directed Learning Strategies of an Indonesian Japanese Language Learner
Advancements in technology, particularly the internet, have provided learners with extensive opportunities to access various resources for independent learning. However, not all learners can effectively utilize digital media and technology, and many face challenges in selecting appropriate materials and methods to support their learning. This study examines the self-directed learning strategies of a Japanese language learner, addressing the following questions: (1) What strategies are employed for independent learning? (2) What media are used, and how does he facilitate self-directed learning? This study employs a qualitative research approach, specifically narrative inquiry, to explore the learner’s experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed to identify patterns in self-directed learning strategies. Findings reveal that the learner adopt multiple strategies, including goal setting for both short-and long-term learning, adaptation, combination, evaluation, and validation. Additionally, the learner engages with various online resources, such as interactive learning platforms, receptive learning materials, social media, and authentic content. The study further identifies six key aspects of technology used in self-directed learning, with variations in frequency based on individual needs and perceived advantages and limitations.
Translation Techniques in Adapting AKB48 Japanese Songs into JKT Indonesian Versions
This study examines the translation techniques used by Rininditha Pradiza in adapting AKB48 song lyrics into their Indonesian versions for JKT48. Using a descriptive qualitative approach based on Molina and Albir’s (2002) translation techniques framework, this study analyzes four songs: Heavy Rotation, Kimi No Koto Ga Suki Dakara (Because I Like You), Ponytail to Chou-Chou (Ponytail and Butterfly), and Baby! Baby! Baby! The data were collected through text analysis and online interviews with the translator. The analysis process involved data reduction, presentation in tables and narratives, and the identification of translation technique patterns. The findings revealed that the Literal Translation Technique is the most frequently employed (55%), followed by Borrowing (24%), Amplification (13%), and Modulation (8%). The literal translation technique preserves the original sentence structure while Borrowing retains familiar words from the source language. The amplification techniques add explanatory elements, and the modulation technique alters perspectives to enhance naturalness in the target language. This study concludes that the choice of translation techniques significantly influences the readability and semantic appropriateness of the lyrics in Indonesian.
Directive Speech Acts and Its Response on Japanese Anime “Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken”
This study aims to classify the directive speech acts used by the character Rimuru Tempest in the anime Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken and analyze the responses of interlocutors to these directive speech acts. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected from character dialogues across episodes 1 to 15 of the anime. The data were analyzed and categorized based on Namatame's (1996) directive speech act theory. The findings indicate 24 instances of directive speech acts, categorized into five types: commands (meirei), with 11 occurrences; requests (irai), with 5; prohibitions (kinshi), with 3; permissions (kyoka), with 3; and suggestions (teian), with 2. Additionally, 18 responses to these directives were positive, while 6 were negative. Analysis suggests that the relationship between the speaker and the interlocutor influenced response types. Results also show that the character Rimuru Tempest predominantly used requests (irai) in their directives.
Copyright (c) 2024 Chi e Journal of Japanese Learning and Teaching http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Project-Based Learning (PjBL) Mini Drama to Enhance Motivation and Japanese Communication Skills of Tourism Students
This study discusses how the project-based learning (PBL) method in the form of mini-drama, can improve oral Japanese communication skills and understanding of Japanese culture in the tourism study program at Garut University. The theme of the mini drama chosen was the differences in the habits of Japanese and Indonesian tourists in the context of hospitality. The mini drama was performed in an annual event organized by the tourism study program. The mini drama is 25 minutes long with three different story segments and conflicts. This study used a qualitative approach to measure the improvement of Japanese speaking ability as well as students' perceptions of the application of learning methods. The results showed that the PBL method applied can improve the Japanese oral communication skills of tourism study program students, especially communication using respectful language varieties (keigo) and formal language varieties (teineigo). Students also gave positive responses to the application of the PBL method because it was considered to increase learning motivation, self-confidence, better understanding of the socio-culture of Japanese society, and the ability to collaborate with students from various levels. This study provides implications for curriculum development and Japanese language learning methods in tourism study programs, as well as contributing to research on the effectiveness of the PBL method in Japanese language learning.
Phonological Process of Word-Final Consonant Sounds in Indonesian Learners by Japanese Speakers (Case Study of Japanesia Online Course Students)
This study aims to analyze the phonological processes and contributing factors affecting the pronunciation of final consonant sounds by native Japanese speakers learning Indonesian. The research employs the theory of generative transformational phonology, using distinctive features to address the research questions. A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted, utilizing data from the Japanesia course's online class videos on YouTube, collected through observation and note-taking techniques. The analysis identifies three main phonological processes in Japanese learners' pronunciation of Indonesian final consonants: sound substitution (e.g., [n] to [ŋ] and [l] to [r]), elision of [h], and addition of sounds such as [u] following [r] and [s], as well as aspirated [h] after [t] and [k]. These phonological adjustments reflect the absence of certain Indonesian sounds in Japanese, prompting learners to adapt pronunciations to their native phonological system. Furthermore, the Japanese language’s predominant open syllable structure (CVCV) generally excludes word-final consonants aside from nasals, contributing to these adaptations.
Implementation and Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning in the Japanese-Indonesian Translation Course
This study aims to describe two primary issues in the following case study: (1) how Project-Based Learning (PjBL) is applied, and (2) whether students can implement “proactive learning,” “interactive learning,” and “authentic learning” through PjBL. Based on the findings, we also explore an outline and framework for PjBL, specifically in a Japanese Translation course. The study examines the effectiveness and implementation of PjBL by analyzing observations and interviews with students during the project “Translation and Japanese-Indonesian Subtitling for Occupational Safety Training for Indonesian Workers in Japan's Manufacturing Industry.”The results indicate that PjBL was conducted in five steps: (1) connecting to the problem, (2) setting the structure, (3) revisiting the problem, (4) producing the product, and (5) evaluation. We conclude that by following these steps, students effectively implemented “proactive learning,” “interactive learning,” and “authentic learning.”.
Pronunciation Patterns and Challenges of the Japanese Long Vowel (Chouon) /ei/ Among Indonesian Students
This study examines the pronunciation patterns of the Japanese vowel sequence /ei/ among 62 students from six universities across six provinces in Indonesia. In Japanese, the vowel sequence /ei/ is commonly neutralized to /e:/. According to Takayama (1992), this neutralization is incomplete in formal or careful speech, where /ei/ is pronounced distinctly as /ei/. Hashimoto (2006) observed that speakers alternate between /ei/ and /e:/, particularly at the ends of sentences. This research explores how Indonesian students, who typically pronounce words according to their written forms, produce the vowel sequence /ei/ in both the initial and final positions of familiar Japanese words. This study was conducted between January to June 2024. Participants were tasked with identifying instances where native Japanese speakers used the long vowel /ei/ in sentences. They then recorded their pronunciations of these words in various positions. The recordings were analyzed using PRAAT software. Results show that native Japanese speakers typically pronounce /ei/ as a long /e:/ with an average duration of 0.173 seconds. In comparison, Indonesian learners pronounced /ei/ in "reizouko" with an average duration of 0.204 seconds and in "yotei" with 0.148 seconds, indicating a tendency for longer pronunciation at the beginning of words. The longest recorded duration was 0.49 seconds, and the shortest was 0.04 seconds, possibly due to hesitation. Furthermore, learners tended to simplify the /ei/ sound, especially at the start or end of sentences. This study highlights the need for targeted pronunciation instruction and additional practice time in Japanese language curricula to address these specific phonetic challenges.