Using a Pronunciation Game as a Means to Evaluate Japanese Language Fluency

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide a way of evaluating the Japanese pronunciation ability of Japanese learners by using the “nya- nya- game” in which players must speak in cat language. Through playing this game, we found that Japanese learners had difficulty in speaking cat language and the ones who could speak cat language well had a high level of fluency in Japanese pronunciation ability. Furthermore, by analyzing their cat language, the tendency of errors in the number of morae, the selection of the special morae and accent have been found. By playing this game, we can detect the pronunciation problems at the individual level and show them how to correct their pronunciation habits.