Comparative Study of National Language Text Books Used in Elementary Schools in China and Japan : Analysis of the Characteristics of the leading Characters of the Stories

Abstract

This paper will focus on analysing the personality inclination of the leading characters as presented in the National Language text books of the two countries. The objective is to highlight the key differences of the National Language story teaching of the two countries particularly in the area of teaching material selection. Major differences exist in the ratio of stories included between realism and fantasy, the ages of the leading characters and their personality inclination. In the final analysis this Study confirms the importance of incorporating the following points in the teaching of National Language stories: ・The type of personal images of the leading characters presented to the students; ・The type of talents to be developed and; ・The ways to influence and guide the students.