  |
|
|
|
Japanese Language Proficiency TestThe Japan Foundation's International Certification Standard
The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) offers 4 Levels of certification from the Japan Foundation on behalf of Japan Educational Exchanges and Services.
Though not the only certification for Japanese language proficiency, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is perhaps the most widely recognized and respected Japanese language standard in the world. International sessions of the JLPT are held by each individual country's Japan Foundation under the direction of Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES). The test itself is divided into 3 parts: Writing-Vocabulary, Listening, and Reading-Grammar with a major focus on passive recognition. Each part is multiple choice; abilities like speaking and handwriting are not explicitly tested. Test BreakdownThe Writing-Vocabulary section essentially tests the examinee's ability to read and write kanji. Multiple choice questions prompt the examinee to choose the correct hiragana reading of the kanji, the proper kanji for the hiragana, or the proper vocabulary word to fit a sentence in a given context. The first Listening section presents scenarios in audio format, and the examinee must choose a correct answer from multiple pictures. In the second part of the Listening section, question scenarios and answers are both presented in audio, with no other prompts. The Reading-Grammar section asks comprehension questions following essay or story passages, then finally prompts the examinee to complete sentences with an appropriate word or grammatical construction. An applicant's particular test is determined by the level he or she wants to achieve. The time allotted for each test increases with the difficulty level: level 4 takes 100 minutes total, while level 1 takes 180 minutes. Results are reported pass-or-fail, so if the applicant does not reach the cut-off score after completing thelevel 1 test, for example, no certification is provided. In other words, applicants are encouraged to be very realistic about their goals before registering for the test. 4 Levels of CertificationA passing grade for level 1 essentially represents certification for a functionally native speaker. Those who pass with level may be professional interpreters and translators, possibly confused for native speakers, for example. According to JEES website, "The examinee has mastered grammar to a high level, knows around 2,000 Kanji and 10,000 words, and has an integrated command of the language sufficient for life in Japanese society." Level 2 essentially represents certification for a speaker at a business level. Level 2 is a major hurdle for many non-native speakers who are looking for the average office job in Japan, as most companies are looking for speakers with business-level Japanese or higher. According to JEES website, level 2 verifies an examinee's knowledge of 1,000 kanji and 6,000 vocabulary words: "the ability to converse, read, and write about matters of a general nature." Levels 3 and 4 are less well-defined in the practical sense. Level 3 (300 kanji and 1500 words) is generally taken as certified ability to have normal, daily conversation in Japanese, but that may differ depending on the person and the topic of conversation. This writer suggests that level 3 may be taken as representing a college graduate with a major in Japanese language. Level 4, then, may be achieved by someone who takes one year of Japanese courses, while studying very diligently, and may be especially achievable if that person is living in Japan during that year of study. Level 4 certifies knowledge of around 100 kanji and 800 words. RegistrationThe JLPT is administered each year in early December in major cities throughout the world. Specific test site information, with links to host institutions, is available on the Japan Foundation website. The host institutions have links and other information on preparatory courses and study aides, especially since many of the hosts are universities. Since the JLPT is held once a year, Japanese language learners at just about any stage can use the test as an objective target to benchmark personal progress. Moreover, achieving any certification looks good on a resume or university application, and level 1 and 2 candidates have a much better chance of landing positions with a Japanese focus.
The copyright of the article Japanese Language Proficiency Test in Learning Japanese is owned by Kyle Timmermeyer. Permission to republish Japanese Language Proficiency Test in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
