Study on Japanese Text Readability and "Easy Japanese"

Abstract

In this paper, I first introduce the background of the period when the research of English readability began as well as the definition thereof, and then I explain regarding the methods and tools for measuring Japanese readability. Furthermore, I give examples of how readability research is being applied domestically and overseas, and discuss the fact that readability research based upon the reading tests in the Japanese Proficiency Test has potential in the education of Japanese as a second/foreign language. At the same time, I add that there are limits to its application due to the fact that readability research does not take into account readers' factors but only targets the text factors. Lastly, I state that attention should be focused upon how to apply the completed formulas in the society rather than constructing additional readability formulas.