Obstacles Confronted by Japanese Learners of Sri Lanka in Studying Japanese Homonyms

Abstract

This research is to identify the problems of Japanese Language learners in Sri Lanka. Specifically the problems they face when learning homonyms in Japanese language .The goal is to carrying out a study on ,meaning and usage of Japanese homonym in order to find proper methods on learning and teaching Japanese in Universities. This research illustrates the types of homophones, examples for homophones and word games in Japanese Language. It also explains the usage of some of them. Further it is illustrates the problems of learners according to the information collected from questionnaire and the solutions of the problems. The study examines Japanese Language Learners of Sri Lanka from 3categories. Japanese learners study for Advanced level examination (wish to enter universities to follow Japanese Degree), Japanese learners at the university (2nd and 3rd year students those who reading for Japanese language Degree), Graduates who are majoring Japanese language. A questioner and interviews were used to collect data about student’s level of awareness and their perception towards homonyms in Japanese language. The preliminary results of the study shows that knowledge gap between 3 categories of homonyms are not much different. Which means that Japanese learners do not focus on the Japanese homonyms even in universities.