Watch now: To find out more about this curriculum area, watch ‘Understanding the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0, Japanese’ on the Resources page.

Rationale and Aims

Rationale

Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Japanese involves interaction to convey meaning as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world.

Learning Japanese broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world.

Learning Japanese develops learners’:

• communication skills
• literacy skills in their first and additional languages
• intercultural capabilities
• understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives
• understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity
• critical and creative thinking.

Japanese was first taught in Victoria at tertiary level in 1919. It has been taught at school level since 1935, predominantly as a second or additional language. It is the official language of Japan and widely used by communities of speakers in Hawaii, Peru and Brazil. Large numbers of students in China, Indonesia, South Korea and Australia learn Japanese as an additional language.

Victoria has an established Japanese-speaking community, and Japanese culture influences many areas of contemporary Australian society, including the arts, design, technology, fashion, popular culture, sport and cuisine.

Australia is a close strategic and economic partner of Japan, and there is ongoing exchange between the 2 countries. Learning Japanese provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications. Japan is an important nation within the Asia-Pacific and a significant contributor to economic, cultural and diplomatic relations in the region.

Aims

The 4 interrelated aims of the Japanese curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students:

• communicate in Japanese
• understand the relationship between language and culture
• develop intercultural capabilities
• understand themselves as communicators.