Cover not available
Article published In:
Australian Review of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 28:1 (2005) ► pp.67–80

Spelling correction strategies employed by learners of Japanese

| The University of Melbourne

This article analyzes the self-correction of spelling by learners of intermediate Japanese. Participants in this study consisted of 20 students with kanji (Chinese characters) background and 43 without. This study investigates (1) types of spelling errors made; (2) the success rate of corrections made when codes for types of errors (error-codes) were given; (3) strategies used for correcting spelling errors; (4) reasons for a failure to correct errors; and (5) measures for further improvement in correction rates. Three methods, including ‘think-aloud’, observation notes, and the writing of an essay before and after corrections, were used as research tools. The findings show a high rate of success in the self-correction strategies. The errors made by the students may be attributed to a number of different causes. On the basis of the findings, this article puts forth the following suggestions, among others: the provision of increased time for corrections, of more detailed instruction in kanji, and of correct pronunciation instruction; increased practice in the use of dictionaries; and improved codes to indicate types of errors.

Published online: 1 January 2005
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.28.1.05kub
References
Akamatsu, N.
(2003) The effects of first language orthographic features on second language reading in text. Language Learning, 53 (2), 207–231. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Chikamatsu, N.
(1996) The effects of LI orthography on L2 word recognition. A study of American and Chinese learners of Japanese. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 181, 403–432. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Hatta, T., Kawakami, A. & Hatasa, Y.
(1997) Kanji writing errors in Japanese college students and American Japanese learners. In H. Chen (Ed.) Cognitive processing of Chinese and related Asian languages (pp. 401–416). Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press.Google Scholar
Henshall, K.G.
(1988) A guide to remembering Japanese characters. Tokyo: Charles E. Turtle Company.Google Scholar
Ishida, T.
(2000) Kanji no shidoohoo (Hi-kanjikei). In A. Kato (Ed.) Koza Nihongo to Nihongo kyooiku 9. Nihongo no moji hyooki (Ge) (pp. 290–312). Tokyo: Meijishoin.Google Scholar
Ishibashi, R.
(2000) Nihongo gakushuushano sakubun ni okeru monitaa nooryoku. Nihongo Kyooiku, 1061, 56–65.Google Scholar
Kawaguchi, Y., Kano, C. & Sakai, J.
(1995) Kanji shidoo aideabukku. Tokyo: Sootakusha.Google Scholar
Koda, K.
(1999) Development of L2 intraword orthographic sensitivity and decoding skills. The Modern Language Journal, 831, 51–64. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Komiya, C.
(1991) Suikoo ni yoru sakubun shidoo no kanoosei-gakushuusha no nooryoku o ikashita teisei. Nihongo Kyooiku, 751, 124–135.Google Scholar
Oguma, T.
(2001) Eigobogowasha ni yoru choon to tan’on no chikaku. Sekai no Nihongo Kyooiku, 101, 43–55.Google Scholar
Paltridge, B.
(1994) Portfolio assessment and the second language methods course. The teacher trainer, 8 (2), 3–5.Google Scholar
Ryu, S.
(1984) Chuugokujin gakushuusha ni yoku mirareru hatsuon-joo no ayamari to sono kyoosei hoohoo. Nihongo Kyooiku, 531, 93–101.Google Scholar
Sakamoto, T. & Koyama, S.
(1997) Nihongo gakushuusha no bunpoo shuusei nooryoku. Daini gengo to shite no Nihongo Shuutoku Kenkyuu (Acquisition of Japanese as a second language), 11, 9–28.Google Scholar
Sakoda, K.
(2002) Nihongo kyooiku ni ikasu daini gengo shuutoku kenkyuu. Tokyo: Aruku.Google Scholar
Takebe, Y.
(1993) Kanji wa muzukashikunai 24 no hoosoku de subete no kanji ga masutaa dekiru. Tokyo: Aruku.Google Scholar
Toda, T.
(1997) Strategies for producing mora timing by non-native speakers of Japanese. Acquisition of Japanese as a second language, 11, 157–197.Google Scholar
Toyoda, E.
(1998) Teaching kanji by focusing on learners’ development of graphemic awareness. In N. Bramley & N. Hanamura (Eds.) Issues in the teaching & learning of Japanese. (Australian Review of Applied linguistics, Series S 151, pp. 155–168). DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Victorian Board of Studies
(1998) LOTE compendium of assessment advice. Melbourne: Victorian Board of Studies.Google Scholar
Watanabe, H.
(2002) Essential Japanese kanji workbook-Coco and the gold flute, Kanji Dojo. Melbourne.Google Scholar
Cited by

Cited by 2 other publications

Kuan, Wee-Ling
2021. An Error Analysis of Orthographic Representation in Written Chinese Characters. Journal of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development 7:2 ► pp. 1 ff. DOI logo
Mori, Yoshiko & Junko Mori
2011. Review of recent research (2000–2010) on learning and instruction with specific reference to L2 Japanese. Language Teaching 44:4 ► pp. 447 ff. DOI logo

This list is based on CrossRef data as of 18 september 2023. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.