... but, learning Japanese is not that easy<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Learning Japanese may bolster one's resume, but
\nunless one has a knack for mastering foreign languages, Japanese
\nis probably one of the most difficult tongues to master.<\/p>\n
Hani Iskadarwati, a lecturer at the Japanese studies
\ndepartment of the University of Indonesia, said the biggest
\nobstacle is the Kanji (Japanese characters).<\/p>\n
Irawati Agustine, of Darma Persada University, said mastering
\nthe Kanji is the first barrier one has to overcome. \"If students
\nalready have the basic skills in the language, it will be easier
\nfor them to follow lectures at the university.\"<\/p>\n
Nandang Rahmat, of Padjadjaran University, attributes a lack
\nof opportunity to practice the language as one of the chief
\nproblems in studying and teaching Japanese.<\/p>\n
Nandang said the modern Japanese language recognizes 2,100
\ncharacters. A degree-program student is expected to know at least
\n2,000 characters at the end of his five-year study, while a
\ndiploma-program student may only learn about 1,000 characters
\nafter three years of study.<\/p>\n
As if that wasn't enough, there are different types Japanese
\ncharacters that a student must learn, to be able to write
\nJapanese, a consultant for Japanese language education at the
\nJapan Foundation, Sheddy Tjandra, pointed out.<\/p>\n
As well as the Kanji, there are the Hiragana and the Katakana,
\neach with 46 different characters.<\/p>\n
\"Usually, high schools only teach 25 Kanji, because writing is
\nnot as important as it is in the colleges,\" Tjandra said. \"The
\nemphasis in high schools is on the capability in speaking.\"<\/p>\n
Tjandra also finds a lack of opportunity to practice the
\nlanguage as a major problem. \"Lack of practice influences the
\nlearning process because language is not a science but a skill.\"<\/p>\n
Yudin, a student of the Japanese department in Darma Persada
\nUniversity's School of Letters, found the biggest problem for him
\nis in writing Japanese.<\/p>\n
Yudin chose Japanese studies because he was interested in the
\nculture. \"Although Japan is now an advanced country, it is still
\nable to conserve its culture and traditions,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Yudin also did not hide his admiration for the Japanese
\ncharacter, including such things as being hardworking and having
\nstrong discipline.<\/p>\n
Irawati said the majority of people choose Japanese studies
\nbecause they intend to work for Japanese companies, or have some
\ndealings with Japanese people. \"Some are learning Japanese
\nbecause they want to go there to learn the language and the
\nculture,\" she said.<\/p>\n
Those who make it through the rigorous course will not have to
\nworry about jobs later on, because, Irawati pointed out, the
\nuniversity receives many letters from companies seeking to
\nrecruit graduating students.<\/p>\n
Nandang also said most of his students had no trouble finding
\nemployment after graduation. Many graduates from Padjadjaran's
\nJapanese studies are now working for Japanese companies and
\ntravel and tour operators. Some have also become language
\ninstructors, he added. (05)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/but-learning-japanese-is-not-that-easy-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}