I was skimming a major Japanese newspaper this week and a comment about English caught my attention. I read on and learned of a recent study which concluded that Japanese children's reading levels have dropped drastically. I became very intrigued, because the article was about Japanese children reading Japanese.
The article suggested that studying English was hurting the kids' reading levels. But, I have a question: How many educated native Japanese adults can read English fluently, but can't read Japanese? The answer is zero. Studying a foreign language is almost always a noble pursuit. Even if you don't use the foreign language, it helps you to understand the nuts and bolts of your native tongue and to learn what makes your own language unique.
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The article reported that one suggestion to get reading levels up, would be to increase the number of kanji learned in grade school from about 1,000 to 2,000. What a ridiculous idea! That is like saying: If you can't run a mile, you must run a marathon!
The article made one good point in which it said that all adults, not just the schools, have to help the children master Japanese. A good point, but the real question remains: How do you do it? I will tell you. Firstly, turn off the TV. Secondly, limit game boy and cell phone time. Thirdly, take your children to the library. Lastly, read with your kids and enjoy Japanese together.
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English Academy