Teaching WA and GA to English-speaking students

Abstract

To English speakers the distinction between the uses of the Japanese particles, "WA" and "GA", is one of the most difficult problems in learning Japanese, and this is particularly true in the case where "WA" and "GA" marks the NP which is equivalent to the subject in English. This usage of "WA" and "GA" is also extremely problematic for instructors in teaching Japanese to students whose native language is English. The present sub-thesis firstly introduces the major theories concerning the two particles, "WA" and "GA", advanced by several linguists. Secondly, on the basis of these theories, a critical survey of several Japanese textbooks is presented, which examines how the two particles are introduced in these textbooks, when they are used to mark the NP which is equivalent to the subject in English. Finally, on the basis of the theories discussed and the critical survey presented, methodological suggestions are advanced, concerning how to introduce this particular usage of "WA" and "GA", to English speaking students. These suggestions are intended to make up for the inadequacies in the textbooks examined. They are concerned with the following four points: 1.The logical introduction of "WA" and "GA". 2.The presentation of several charts representing the functions of "WA" and "GA" in the basic sentence patterns of Japanese. 3.The initial introduction of "WA" and "GA". 4.The order of introducing the four basic functions of "WA" and "GA". Show more