Presentation Information
[HDS11-P10]Development of the application for learning about Japanese words and phrases used in the emergency and basic knowledge about natural disasters
*Shin Koshiya1, Hiroko Harada2, Toshinori Ogasawara3, Kunihiro Fukutome1, Hidekazu Yamamoto3, Shinsuke Okada3, Nao Sakaguchi1, Masako Douglas4, Yurika Izumi5, Hiroko Kataoka4, Kazue Masuyama6, Chisato Murakami7, Junko Tokuda8 (1.Research Center for Regional Disaster Management, Iwate University, 2.University of Alaska Anchorage, 3.Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4.California State University, Long Beach, 5.Utah State University, 6.California State University, Sacramento, 7.University of Alaska Fairbanks, 8.University of California, San Diego)
Keywords:
Disaster preparedness,Natural disaster,Japanese language learning,Application
1. Introduction
Japan is frequently hit by a variety of disasters. One important aspect of non-structural disaster prevention measures is the transmission of disaster-related information. In particular, with sudden phenomena such as earthquakes and tsunamis, which are difficult to predict in advance, it is necessary to obtain accurate information quickly and respond accordingly. In such emergencies, foreigners whose first language is not Japanese face the challenge of quickly and accurately understanding the information being provided in Japanese at the scene. During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, two Assistant Language Teachers ALTs from the United States lost their lives.
Many applications for learning Japanese have been released for English speakers, and there are also applications that provide disaster prevention information in multiple languages during emergencies. However, no application is known that provides audio-based Japanese language learning for use at disaster sites during actual emergencies. Therefore, we developed the Disaster Preparedness Drill Book application (hereinafter referred to as this app), which enables users to learn Japanese used in disasters and basic disaster knowledge.
2. Application configuration and contents
This app is aimed at ALTs and English speakers living in Japan. Its purpose is to remove the language barrier of Japanese, even if only a little, and to provide basic disaster knowledge so that they can properly understand the actions they should take and the situation in the event of a disaster.
This app is composed of six chapters. Ch. 1 explains how to use the app. Ch. 2 provides an overview and examples of natural disasters in Japan. Ch. 3 provides basic Japanese learning materials for disaster prevention. This chapter is divided into four sections: (1) the names of major disasters in Japan, (2) words used on television, radio, and disaster prevention radio broadcasts, (3) instruction words used during disasters, and (4) instruction words using negative terms. In sections (2) to (4), learners learn the words by listening to the audio on an illustrated screen and then check their understanding by listening to the audio and taking quizzes. This chapter is structured based on language learning, using many familiar illustrations to systematize learning and encourage repeated practice. Chs. 4 and 5 cover earthquakes and tsunamis, respectively, and consist of three sections: (1) basic scientific knowledge, (2) chronological phenomena and disaster information at the time, and (3) examples of vocabulary to remember. Sections (1) and (2) include quizzes to deepen basic knowledge and understanding. Ch. 6 provides actual audio and video recordings from earthquake and tsunami disaster prevention drills.
3. Flow information and stock information
It is said that both stock and flow information are important for foreigners to be able to smoothly transition to evacuation and other actions during a disaster (Tamura, 2017). Stock information refers to knowledge that is accumulated in advance, such as the characteristics of the disaster in one's area, the area's geography, evacuation methods, and evacuation destinations. Flow information refers to danger and response information issued when a disaster occurs. Since this app's primary purpose is to improve comprehension of flow information, which is the Japanese language issued during a disaster, the provision of stock information is kept to a minimum. However, despite various efforts by various organizations to provide stock information in foreign languages, it is still not sufficient in some areas. In the future, it is desirable to further develop disaster information that includes both stock and flow information so that foreigners, such as ALTs, can respond to the regional and individual characteristics of disasters.
This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 21K04583 and also by the Toyota Foundation’s Grant Program for Community Activities in Japan, 2022.
References
Tamura, Taro, 2017, CLAIR Forum, 332, 6, 2-4. (in Japanese)
Japan is frequently hit by a variety of disasters. One important aspect of non-structural disaster prevention measures is the transmission of disaster-related information. In particular, with sudden phenomena such as earthquakes and tsunamis, which are difficult to predict in advance, it is necessary to obtain accurate information quickly and respond accordingly. In such emergencies, foreigners whose first language is not Japanese face the challenge of quickly and accurately understanding the information being provided in Japanese at the scene. During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, two Assistant Language Teachers ALTs from the United States lost their lives.
Many applications for learning Japanese have been released for English speakers, and there are also applications that provide disaster prevention information in multiple languages during emergencies. However, no application is known that provides audio-based Japanese language learning for use at disaster sites during actual emergencies. Therefore, we developed the Disaster Preparedness Drill Book application (hereinafter referred to as this app), which enables users to learn Japanese used in disasters and basic disaster knowledge.
2. Application configuration and contents
This app is aimed at ALTs and English speakers living in Japan. Its purpose is to remove the language barrier of Japanese, even if only a little, and to provide basic disaster knowledge so that they can properly understand the actions they should take and the situation in the event of a disaster.
This app is composed of six chapters. Ch. 1 explains how to use the app. Ch. 2 provides an overview and examples of natural disasters in Japan. Ch. 3 provides basic Japanese learning materials for disaster prevention. This chapter is divided into four sections: (1) the names of major disasters in Japan, (2) words used on television, radio, and disaster prevention radio broadcasts, (3) instruction words used during disasters, and (4) instruction words using negative terms. In sections (2) to (4), learners learn the words by listening to the audio on an illustrated screen and then check their understanding by listening to the audio and taking quizzes. This chapter is structured based on language learning, using many familiar illustrations to systematize learning and encourage repeated practice. Chs. 4 and 5 cover earthquakes and tsunamis, respectively, and consist of three sections: (1) basic scientific knowledge, (2) chronological phenomena and disaster information at the time, and (3) examples of vocabulary to remember. Sections (1) and (2) include quizzes to deepen basic knowledge and understanding. Ch. 6 provides actual audio and video recordings from earthquake and tsunami disaster prevention drills.
3. Flow information and stock information
It is said that both stock and flow information are important for foreigners to be able to smoothly transition to evacuation and other actions during a disaster (Tamura, 2017). Stock information refers to knowledge that is accumulated in advance, such as the characteristics of the disaster in one's area, the area's geography, evacuation methods, and evacuation destinations. Flow information refers to danger and response information issued when a disaster occurs. Since this app's primary purpose is to improve comprehension of flow information, which is the Japanese language issued during a disaster, the provision of stock information is kept to a minimum. However, despite various efforts by various organizations to provide stock information in foreign languages, it is still not sufficient in some areas. In the future, it is desirable to further develop disaster information that includes both stock and flow information so that foreigners, such as ALTs, can respond to the regional and individual characteristics of disasters.
This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 21K04583 and also by the Toyota Foundation’s Grant Program for Community Activities in Japan, 2022.
References
Tamura, Taro, 2017, CLAIR Forum, 332, 6, 2-4. (in Japanese)