The Study of Ability to Read Kanji Using in Japanese Names : A Case Study of Thai Learners of Japanese

Abstract

This research aims to study the ability to read Japanese names in Thai learners of
Japanese who major in Japanese. The questionnaire and the test are used in the study to collect data and information. The survey found that only 2.38% of research participants achieves high scores. Those with high scores are participants who passed JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N2 and above. The first Japanese names that are read correctly most are 前田 (93.65%) 高橋 (65.08%), 佐藤 and 渡辺 (53.17%) respectively. Factors that affect the ability of Japanese learner to read Japanese names are the Japanese proficiency, Experience
of visiting Japan and work experience using the Japanese language. However, the differences
in the job did not affect the ability to read Japanese names. According to the research study, it indicates that Thai learners of Japanese lack the ability to read Japanese names even though they are high frequency names. Thus, Japanese language instructors should encourage their students to be familiar with Japanese names and teach them how to read those names in their classes more often. Accordingly, instructors should also encourage self-study on Japanese’s names outside the classroom among their students more.