Open structured CAI system for Kanji learning

Abstract

Kanji learning is the most difficult part of learning Japanese for foreigners and the method of learning kanji in Japan isn't suitable for foreigners. We are developing a new environment for foreigners to learn kanji using a computer. When we Japanese see an unknown kanji, we can infer the meaning and pronunciation of the kanji from its parts. learning the parts of kanji is important and it is better to learn kanji systematically using a knowledge of their parts. We are developing two systems for kanji learning, one is a kanji dictionary system including the knowledge if kanji parts, the other is a kanji learning CAI system ‘Kanji Laboratory’ with a new environment wherein students can construct kanji by putting parts together. With regard to the kanji dictionary system, we focus on two points as follows: (1) A kanji has three levels of hierarchical structure. (2) The meaning and pronunciation of kanji parts are related to those of kanji. With regard to the Kanji Laboratory, we are developing an environment in which kanji can be learned freely. The Kanji Laboratory is oriented to an open structured CAI which gives students an environment wherein students can learn positively.