Abstract
Languages share properties common among human species, and even seemingly English-specific phenomena, such as the third-person singular present-tense morpheme “s,” reveal commonalities with Japanese. Research has shown that meta-linguistic competence—the adoption of a higher perspective in observing and analyzing language—enhances proficiency in individual languages. Japanese learners of English often experience difficulties stemming from a lack of understanding of linguistic principles shared across languages rather than challenges specific to English. Meta-linguistic competence is a valuable tool in foreign-language learning. Akita et al. （2012） described how meta-linguistic competence can help abstract and identify commonalities between languages. Such an approach raises awareness among Japanese learners of English regarding their native language and directs their attention toward broader linguistic principles underlying Japanese and English. This study highlights common fundamental concepts and elements through an appropriate level of abstraction and versatility, investigating how the application of shared linguistic fundamentals can improve English language learning.
