... but, learning Japanese is not that easy

... but, learning Japanese is not that easy

JAKARTA (JP): Learning Japanese may bolster one's resume, but
unless one has a knack for mastering foreign languages, Japanese
is probably one of the most difficult tongues to master.

Hani Iskadarwati, a lecturer at the Japanese studies
department of the University of Indonesia, said the biggest
obstacle is the Kanji (Japanese characters).

Irawati Agustine, of Darma Persada University, said mastering
the Kanji is the first barrier one has to overcome. "If students
already have the basic skills in the language, it will be easier
for them to follow lectures at the university."

Nandang Rahmat, of Padjadjaran University, attributes a lack
of opportunity to practice the language as one of the chief
problems in studying and teaching Japanese.

Nandang said the modern Japanese language recognizes 2,100
characters. A degree-program student is expected to know at least
2,000 characters at the end of his five-year study, while a
diploma-program student may only learn about 1,000 characters
after three years of study.

As if that wasn't enough, there are different types Japanese
characters that a student must learn, to be able to write
Japanese, a consultant for Japanese language education at the
Japan Foundation, Sheddy Tjandra, pointed out.

As well as the Kanji, there are the Hiragana and the Katakana,
each with 46 different characters.

"Usually, high schools only teach 25 Kanji, because writing is
not as important as it is in the colleges," Tjandra said. "The
emphasis in high schools is on the capability in speaking."

Tjandra also finds a lack of opportunity to practice the
language as a major problem. "Lack of practice influences the
learning process because language is not a science but a skill."

Yudin, a student of the Japanese department in Darma Persada
University's School of Letters, found the biggest problem for him
is in writing Japanese.

Yudin chose Japanese studies because he was interested in the
culture. "Although Japan is now an advanced country, it is still
able to conserve its culture and traditions," he said.

Yudin also did not hide his admiration for the Japanese
character, including such things as being hardworking and having
strong discipline.

Irawati said the majority of people choose Japanese studies
because they intend to work for Japanese companies, or have some
dealings with Japanese people. "Some are learning Japanese
because they want to go there to learn the language and the
culture," she said.

Those who make it through the rigorous course will not have to
worry about jobs later on, because, Irawati pointed out, the
university receives many letters from companies seeking to
recruit graduating students.

Nandang also said most of his students had no trouble finding
employment after graduation. Many graduates from Padjadjaran's
Japanese studies are now working for Japanese companies and
travel and tour operators. Some have also become language
instructors, he added. (05)