Japan has one of the highest literacy rates in the world and a reputation for both life-long learning and the painstaking collection of data. Few students learn that other languages employ different alphabets, let alone syllabaries or ideographs. There are a number of useful introductory units in the Japanese language. Beyond training students in proper pronunciation, these materials use the Japanese language to reflect historical realities. But perhaps the greatest reward gained is demystification of the Japanese language.
Most students have no idea how to even approach the Japanese language.
It is difficult to understand, let alone respect, a culture that seems to have an entirely meaningless method of communication. Taking some time to explicate the language will reap rich rewards in later lessons. It is essential that print and audio-visual instructional materials be constantly updated with contemporary images. Further, a balance should be struck between the traditional and the current. For example, reading materials can be enriched with the inclusion of children's literature on Japan.