On JaLL – Online Japanese Language Learning

Multilingualism confers many benefits. Chief among the benefits are observable ones like improved communication skills and greater career opportunities and the subtler ones like enhanced cognitive abilities and deeper cultural understanding. In the increasingly globalized world, mastering a third language is becoming more mandatory than ever. The pursuit of a third language learning is made easier with the advent of technology since the lessons can be conducted online, which does not necessitate the instructor and learners to be present in the same physical space. Online Japanese Language Learning (OnJaLL) brings together the students from different faculties in UiTM Kedah and a non-native Japanese instructor of Indian origin who lives and works in Osaka, Japan. It gives the students the chance to experience global learning as the instructor resides in the country of the target language origin. Another unique opportunity of learning offered to the students is to learn Japanese from another third speaker of the language, who may have similar learning experiences. Among the perceived benefits of OnJaLL are students are able to learn a third language outside the formal curriculum, they have the chance to learn from a third speaker of the target language who can better empathize with the challenges faced in learning a third language and the opportunity to gain insight into the target culture via the observation of non-native Japanese speaker who currently resides in the country. OnJaLL can serve as a module for third language learning for the benefits of students’ empowerment.

Multilingualism, third language, Japanese Language

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