Advancing Kanji Pedagogy: Challenges, Strategies, and Innovations in Teaching Japanese Characters
Keywords:
Chinese script, Japanese writing system, kanji dictionary, hiragana, radicals, stroke order, broader contextual framework, logographic characters, Spaced repetition systems (SRS), semantic-clustering approach, mnemonic techniques.Abstract
This article explores innovative approaches to teaching kanji, the logographic characters used in the Japanese writing system. Due to their complexity and historical evolution from Chinese script, kanji present significant challenges for both native and non-native learners. Traditional methods of kanji instruction often rely on rote memorization, which can be ineffective and lead to difficulties in retention and application.
In addition, this study examines modern pedagogical strategies that enhance kanji learning by incorporating cognitive science, technology, and contextual learning. Key approaches discussed include mnemonic techniques, gamification, digital learning tools, and contextualized instruction, all of which aim to improve student engagement and comprehension. Additionally, the role of radicals and stroke order in facilitating character recognition is analyzed.
