Study of Words Having Similar Chinese Characters in Chinese and Japanese Languages for Advancement of Intercultural Understanding : Course practices conducted in Japanese junior high and high schools

Words having similar Chinese characters (kanji) in Japanese and Chinese are considered as special features in a kanji-based cultural sphere. As these similar characters are present in a large amount in both languages, they were considered with a particular importance in previous studies on Japanese language. To date, lots have been done in this field of research, both in Japanese language education in China and Chinese language education in Japan. However, although such research greatly contributes to international exchange between the countries, statements on the effective use of research achievement are scarce. Course practices using words with similar kanji in Japanese and Chinese languages, found in previous linguistic as well as intercultural understanding research results were conducted in Japanese junior high schools and high schools in order to find a new form of study of these words with the same kanji in both languages. During the practices, the students showed a strong interest and understanding of Chinese language and culture through the use of those shared kanji, but they were not able to self evaluate, nor realize the same mechanism in their own language and culture. However, by experiencing the study on the use of these common kanji between the two countries' language, students came up with a new understanding and knowledge of foreign language and foreign culture through kanji learning classes. Therefore, it can be concluded that up to some extent, the aim of class practices focusing on foreign linguistic exchange as well as intercultural understanding was achieved. To conclude, based on the results of the application of findings from theoretical studies in relation to education and intercultural understanding, course practices could lead to a new form of study of Similar characters in Chinese and Japanese languages targeting intercultural understanding through efforts from linguistic research achievements