Comprehending Technical Japanese
Why learn to read technical Japanese?
English-speaking scientists and engineers occasionally need to read Japanese language technical papers, manuals, FAXes, and patents. Writing
in English typically takes 10-20 times longer for a Japanese scientist or engineer than writing in Japanese. In fast-moving fields such as
microelectronics and biotechnology, English versions of Japanese reports are dated, if available at all. In many cases, it is not practical to use
translation services. Even when a translation is purchased, it is likely to be seriously flawed because the translator did not understand the subject matter.
The basic reading skill for technical Japanese that can be learned in a year of hard study can open up valuable windows into Japanese
technology. Usually a technical paper will contain one important nugget of new information immersed in bulky supporting material. The ability to scan the
material, locate the nugget, and translate it on the spot is the obvious payoff.
In addition, Japanese study leads to a cross-cultural empathy that results in more productive, longer-lasting collaborations. Japanese
colleagues appreciate the effort their foreign counterparts put into Japanese language study, especially the effort to learn to read KANJI.
It's easier than you might have thought!
Learning to read technical Japanese is much easier than learning to read news or cultural materials; the required vocabulary and grammar
turn out to be very restricted. Only 365 KANJI are needed to cover 80% of the KANJI found in physics, chemistry, biology, and their related engineering
disciplines! The repetition of vocabulary is far greater for technical material than for normal Japanese materials.
A one-year course at the University of Wisconsin takes students from absolute zero understanding of Japanese to being able to translate documents in their
specialities. We at Kanji-Flash Softworks work together with the University of Wisconsin in producing the materials supporting that program.
The texts and software are used in traditional classrooms, distance-learning classes, small company study groups (a Japanese tradition wherein study progress
is coerced by peer pressure), and for self-study. The texts clearly explain the peculiarities of Japanese grammar as used in technical writing, and the
Kanji-Flash/BTJ software makes it much easier to overcome the formidable barrier of KANJI memorization and vocabulary building.
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