How to improve comprehension of Japanese kanji and kanji compounds

To improve comprehension of Japanese kanji and kanji compounds, several effective methods are recommended based on recent research and learning strategies:

1. Cooperative Learning and Interactive Methods:

   • Using collaborative learning models like TGT (Teams Games Tournament) helps students overcome kanji challenges by promoting group study and active engagement. This approach has shown improvement in mastering kanji vocabulary at intermediate levels. ^{1, 2}
   • Story-based computer-assisted language learning (CALL) systems that use mnemonic stories to remember kanji characters can enhance motivation and retention compared to rote learning. ³

2. Mnemonic and Associative Techniques:

   • Mnemonic strategies involving associations and memory aids are proven to enhance lexical and semantic comprehension of kanji. These techniques make it easier for learners to recognize and remember complex kanji characters. ^{4, 5}
   • Incorporating educational games with music to memorize stroke order and character shape also supports kanji learning through immersion and engagement. ⁶

3. Exposure and Practice in Context:

   • Frequent reading and discussion of Japanese texts, including comics and written compositions, improve kanji comprehension by contextualizing the characters and compounds in meaningful sentences. ^{7, 8}
   • Self-assessment and peer feedback during writing practice help learners reflect on their kanji usage and improve over time. ⁸

4. Understanding Kanji Structure:

   • Paying attention to kanji radicals and hierarchical visual components is essential since kanji are logographic characters with specific structural elements. Recognizing these radicals aids in learning new kanji and compounds by understanding their components. ^{9, 10}
   • Eye-movement studies suggest that experienced learners develop recognition patterns similar to native readers, highlighting the importance of repeated exposure and practice. ¹¹

5. Use of Technology and Online Resources:

   • Web-based platforms tailored for Japanese language learning provide interactive and organized content to improve comprehension, including grammar, vocabulary, and kanji compounds. ^{12, 13}

In summary, improving kanji comprehension involves combining cooperative learning, mnemonic techniques, contextual reading and writing practice, structural analysis of characters, and the use of technology-supported learning tools. Consistent exposure and active engagement with kanji in meaningful contexts are key to mastering both individual kanji and complex compounds. ^{1, 3, 4, 7, 11}

References

• TGT (Teams Games Tournament) Cooperative Learning Model in Kanji Courses to Improve Japanese Vocabulary Mastery

• TGT (Teams Games Tournament) Cooperative Learning Model in Kanji Courses to Improve Japanese Vocabulary Mastery

• Story-based CALL for Japanese Kanji Characters: A Study on Student Learning Motivation

• Indonesian students’ perceptions of mnemonics strategies to recognize Japanese kanji characters

• PENERAPAN STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING (SCL) MELALUI METODE MNEMONIK DENGAN TEKNIK ASOSIASI PADA MATA KULIAH KANJI DASAR

• Music to My Ears: Developing Kanji Stroke Knowledge through an Educational Music Game

• Difficulties in Learning Japanese Reading Comprehension Reviewed from the Perceptions of Indonesian Students

• Jiko Hyoka or Self Assessment on Chukyu Sakubun II

• Neural basis of hierarchical visual form processing of Japanese Kanji characters

• Neural basis of hierarchical visual form processing of Japanese Kanji characters

• Basic study of kanji recognition patterns in non-kanji-background Japanese learners based on eye-movement analysis

• WEB LEARNING TO IMPROVE COMPREHENSION OF JAPANESE PAST TENSE ADVERBIAL SENTENCES

• SALAD: Smart AI Language Assistant Daily

• Japanese language interactive online reading, listening comprehension project

• Programming Lecture Support System Linked to a Lecture Towards Non-Kanji Countries

• THE EFFORT OF IMPROVING JAPANESE LITERATURE ABILITY OF JAPANESE LITERATURE STUDENTS OF FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDY UB IN REACHING MONBUKAGAKUSHO SCHOLARSHIP

• A Japanese learning support system based on 5W1H and ontology technique

• JAPASSIST: An Assistant for Studying Japanese while Surfing the Web

• Double dissociation between lexical decision and comprehension in a Japanese patient with semantic dementia: based on the characteristic processing of Kanji

• Transient Functional Suppression and Facilitation of Japanese Ideogram Writing Induced by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Posterior Inferior Temporal Cortex

• Cognitive underpinnings of multidimensional Japanese literacy and its impact on higher-level language skills

• Sustanaible Methods of Improving Kanji Learning Skills for Japanese Language Learners at Basic Level at FPT University

• Distance maps between Japanese kanji characters based on hierarchical optimal transport

• Recognition of Japanese Phonographic Kana (Hiragana) and Logographic Kanji Characters by Passive Finger Tracing

• Recognition of Handwritten Japanese Characters Using Ensemble of Convolutional Neural Networks

• How Orthography Modulates Morphological Priming: Subliminal Kanji Activation in Japanese