|
|
 |
|
|
|
Japanese Language: An Advantageous Subject
|
|
| |
by Mike Jaffe
The Japan Foundation
Los Angeles, California
|
|
| | On the Way Up
Japanese language education is at a major turning point in its development. Though Japanese is considered a "less commonly taught language," enrollment in Japanese language courses throughout the United States is at an all-time high, having increased by 24 percent between 1998 and 2003.* Many attribute this to the ever-growing popularity of Japanese pop culture among today's youth. A further boost to Japanese language education will be the introduction of AP Japanese Language and Culture, scheduled to debut in the 2006-2007 school year. The AP course is expected to create strong articulation between levels (especially spanning grades 7 to 16) and promote a higher level of standards in the Japanese curriculum across the board. Until now, many students who were interested in taking Japanese were deterred by the lack of AP as an option. Enrollment in Japanese is expected to increase dramatically in the near future, not only with the influx of this type of student and others interested in Japanese pop culture, but with students for whom AP is a priority, but who aren't sure which language to take.
Advantages for the School
The advantages for a school in having a Japanese language program are far-reaching, making advocacy for such a program well worth the effort. A Japanese program makes the school stand out. It is a selling point, attracting students and parents to both the school and the district. A Japanese language program brings with it prestige; it is a sign of a school's dedication to an enriching education. Having a Japanese program has contributed to schools attaining "blue ribbon" status, making them the prides of their communities. A Japanese program is also a sign of a school's commitment to cultural diversity. Additionally, many students feel special when they learn Japanese, adding to overall morale at school. Peripheral programs help to broaden the cultural perspectives not only of Japanese language students, but of the entire student body. Moreover, having learned Japanese can give students an edge in college admissions, further adding to the stature of the school. This advantage is now bolstered by the advent of AP Japanese. As all high school administrators know, AP enrollment creates a stronger student body, which in turn improves college admission records. Lastly, commitment to such a special program breeds enthusiasm and dedication among parents.
Advantages for the Students
The benefits for students of learning Japanese can be considered in both the short term and the long term. Part of learning another language, especially Japanese, is the learning of culture. In the short term, students can look forward to unique activities relating to a completely different culture from their own. They can enjoy fun activities in class, or even hosting a Japanese exchange student. There is always the motivation and pleasure of learning something new and different in Japanese. Furthermore, learning any foreign language, especially Japanese, teaches a student new learning skills, such as ways to increase concentration, memorization, and listening. Studies have shown that these new cognitive skills often improve students' performance in other subjects as well. Finally, learning such a unique and special language often gives children a sense of self-confidence and pride they may not have had before.
In the long term, a student learns many other important things through the study of Japanese. The value of persistence and respect for other cultures are two of the most important long-term benefits. Learning any foreign language, especially one as different from English as Japanese, helps one to look more critically at one's native language and understand it at a deeper level. Similarly, because it leads to the acquisition of critical communication skills, learning one foreign language is often a jumping-off point for people to learn other languages within their lifetime.
Opportunity is possibly the most important long-term benefit of learning Japanese. A child can make lifelong friends and increase his or her opportunity to see Japan in a way most others cannot. In the global community we now live in, having the ability to speak Japanese not only opens doors in higher education and in employment in Japan-related fields, but shows employers that one is intelligent, unique, and globally conscious.
The newest opportunity that has arisen for students of Japanese is, of course, a chance to get ahead in college through AP Japanese. In today's competitive collegiate environment, having taken AP courses and passed AP Exams can be a big help in getting into a better college or university. Most colleges and universities treat having passed an AP Exam as college credit, a policy that lightens students' course loads and allows them to concentrate on other courses, earn double majors, or simply graduate in less time.
The Japan Foundation Advocacy Kit
To help teachers, administrators, and anyone else interested in advocating the proliferation of and/or strengthening Japanese language programs in the U.S., in 2004 the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, created the Japan Foundation Advocacy Kit for K-12 Japanese language programs. The kit was updated and expanded in spring 2005 to include, among other features, an entirely new document related to AP Japanese, titled AP Japanese: A Guide to Developing a Japanese Advanced Placement Program at Your School.
To learn more about the kit's contents and how to order it, visit the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles' Web site.
 Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
* Data taken from the "Survey Report on Japanese-Language Education Abroad 2003," 2005, the Japan Foundation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
