A Preliminary Study on the Use of an Educational App as Japanese-Language Learning Materials:

Comparing the App’s Evaluation Results by Learners from Kanji and Non-Kanji Backgrounds

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness and challenges of using educational apps as Japanese language learning material. We investigated the above by using the app “Asonde Manabu! for Nihongo Nyūmon” (Unity Inc.) targeting beginner Japanese language learners from Kanji and non-Kanji countries. The effectiveness and issues were categorized based on their responses to questionnaires and interviews. The results indicate that while using the app demonstrated a certain degree of effectiveness, particularly in vocabulary acquisition, improvements remain necessary regarding the user interface (UI), cultural consideration, learner needs, and instructional design to better suit learners from these countries.