A Report On Language Learning in Japan

FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN MY COUNTRY - JAPAN

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to comment on English education in Japan and to recommend changes. Although I have been living in an English-speaking country and learning English at school, I always feel differences from what I learned in Japan. From my point of view, I'd like to explain our English education system.

How to learn English and its importance in our lives

The age I started learning English was 13. When we enter junior high school, we have to learn English as a part of our mandatory education. Since our mother tongue (Japanese) doesn't use an alphabet, we start to learn how to write it. And then we learn vocabulary, grammar, and listening based on a text book which is given to us by the school. Unfortunately, we live surrounded by Japanese-speakers, so we don't need to speak and listen to English in our daily lives. As a result, our English education focuses on grammar, reading, and spelling and having high marks in tests. When we enrol at high school, we learn more difficult vocabulary and reading skills, which we never use in normal life, it only helps us to pass university entrance exams.

English education problems in our country

We have many problems that we have to change to learn useful English. I noticed there is a big difference between us and foreigners. What surprised when I studied with them is how active they were in class. They have their own opinions and express them wonderfully. In Japan, we don't have much opportunity to discuss and give our opinions. We take a passive role in lessons and just follow the teacher. I wish I had had more opportunity to hold a discussion regarding news or current events.

Recommendations I strongly recommend that English should be taught in a practical way, which means students should learn speaking and pronunciation for communication, not only for a written test. In order to improve speaking skills, teachers should create opportunities for learners to use English in a fun way. This would help them overcome any lack of confidence. In addition to this, I also recommend that debating should be adopted as a subject in Japanese education. This would also help students to express opinions and communicate with people all over the world smoothly.