日本語教育ならびに日本語習得研究におけるSNSの活用 - これまでとこれから -

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential and challenges of using SNS in Japanese　language education and Japanese language acquisition research. Along with the rapid spread of Internet usage, the Japanese language education field has been undergoing a rapid retrenchment. Against this background, this paper sets out to review and evaluate past research on SNS as well as to analyze the results of a questionnaire given to Japanese language learners at two Korean　Universitiesconcerning their awareness and usage of SNS and how it meets learner’s needs. The written questionnaire results show that over 80% of Japanese learners answered “yes” to the question of whether they want to use SNS in their learning. The results also show that a larger number of learners would like the possibility of communicating directly with Japanese speakers two or three times per week, for about thirty minutes each time. Moreover, SNS can be used in Japanese language acquisition research, allowing for communication with remote subjects. By using ZOOM, not only can messages and conversations be recorded and analyzed, the analysis of non-verbal communication is also possible Furthermore, SNS can be used not only for quantitative but also qualitative research, since our ability to make comments while viewing a file allows us to analyze internal processes. However, there are still many questions to consider, including not only how best to meet learners’ needs, but also how to reduce the emotional burden of learners when they face native Japanese speakers, how to prevent information disclosure, and the role of teachers’ networks. These are all issues that still need to be addressed.