The Effects of the Practice Method and Working Memory Capacity in Japanese Speech Processing

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the practice method (shadowing and speedlistening) on improving the performance of Japanese speech processing with Taiwanese Japaneselearners. The performance of Japanese speech processing was captured through perception,comprehension and production, and plural tests were conducted before and after the experiment.After 15 practice times for three weeks, the practice effect of each condition was tested.The results were as following.

(1) The group of shadowing was better than the group of speed listening regardingthe Japanese speech processing skill.

(2) The learners with poor working memory capacity had better practice effects thanthe learners that had a good working memory capacity.

(3) The learners with poor working memory capacity were able to raise their Japanesespeech processing skill through the effective practice method.