The document discusses the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which evaluates and certifies the Japanese proficiency of non-native speakers. It notes that the JLPT began in 1984 with 7,000 examinees but grew significantly to 770,000 examinees worldwide by 2009, making it the largest Japanese language test. The JLPT aims to ensure its continued relevance through revisions informed by Japanese pedagogy and testing theory. It tests communicative competence through vocabulary, grammar, and practical application. Examinees choose between five levels from N5 (easiest) to N1 (most difficult).
2. In this module you will learn.
What is the JLPT?
Four Key Points.
3. The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test
(JLPT) has been offered by the Japan
Foundation and Japan Educational
Exchanges and Services (formerly
Association of International Education, Japan)
since 1984 as a reliable means of evaluating
and certifying the Japanese proficiency of
non-native speakers. At the beginning, there
were approximately 7,000 examinees
worldwide. In 2009, there were as many as
770,000 examinees around the globe, making
JLPT the largest-scale Japanese-language
test in the world.
4. Over time, test applicants have become more
diverse, and use of JLPT results has
expanded from skill measurement to include
employment screening and evaluation for
promotions and pay raises as well as use as a
form of qualification. Many outstanding
suggestions for improvement were also
submitted by a wide variety of individuals
around the world.
5. To ensure the continuing relevancy and
accuracy of the JLPT, the Japan Foundation
and Japan Educational Exchanges and
Services introduced a revised version of the
test in 2010. This new test takes full
advantage of the most advanced research in
Japanese pedagogy and testing theory, and
reflects the vast wealth of data accumulated
since the original JLPT was launched over 25
years ago.
6. Objectives
The JLPT will be held worldwide to evaluate
and certify proficiency in Japanese of non-
native speakers.
7. Point 1
Focuses on communicative competence
1 knowledge of the Japanese language including vocabulary and
grammar
2 competence at using the knowledge in practical
communication.
8. Point 2
A choice of five test levels
The JLPT has five levels: N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5.
The easiest level is N5 and the most difficult level
is N1.
N1 difficult easy N5
10. Point 4
What you can do in Japanese is easily
visualized
I can understand the general content when I hear
Listening
announcements at school, at work or in public places.
Speakin I can speak in detail of my hopes and experience at
g interviews such as for a job or part-time work.
I can understand the content of newspaper or
Reading
magazine articles about topics I am interested in.
I can write letters or emails to express my emotions
Writing
such as appreciation or apology.
11. Level A summary of linguistic competence required for each
level
N1 The ability to understand Japanese used in a variety of
circumstances.
N2 The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday
situations, and in a variety of circumstances to a certain
degree.
N3 The ability to understand Japanese used in everyday
situations to a certain degree.
N4 The ability to understand basic Japanese.
N5 The ability to understand some basic Japanese.
12. The Japan Foundation & Japan Educational
Exchanges and Services.The Japanese-
Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). 2011. Web
site: http://www.jlpt.jp/e/about/message.html
13. Please seriously consider their own level.
find their own weaknesses.