Re-examination of "Bun-kei", Structure Patterns

in the Japanese Language Education

SUZUKI Tomomi

Key Words: grammar, "Bun-kei"(structure patterns), beginners' level, syllabus,

teaching methodology

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the concept of "Bun-kei", structure patterns of the Japanese language. The point is that "Bun-kei" is a key concept of the traditional Direct Method of teaching Japanese, and must not be confused with the "sentence patterns" drilling approach of the Audio Lingual Method. The Direct Method based on the "Bun-kei" (structure patterns) syllabus originally focused on the meanings of the structure patterns and their usages in the appropriate contexts. It was not intended to focus only on the form of the sentences.

Whatever methodology the language course adopts, grammar must be introduced properly especially at the beginners' level. Based on a proper understanding of the "Bun-kei" approach, we can then discuss whether or not to introduce Japanese grammar to students with this method.