Abstract:

Described here is a computer-based system of learning Japanese. It offers three types of problems in learning the language; basic sentential pattern practices, counting drills, and kanji-kana mixture writing exercises. The system is generative. We first generate Japanese sentences using the English alphabet, i.e., phonetic representation. We then create from the sentences a sequence of problems for the students of Japanese to practice. In the current implementation, the kana and kanji writing problem seems to serve the educational purpose most effectively, as it is crucial to master Japanese and, at the same time, seems to be the most fun, as the students like it best.

Author: Teiji Furugori