PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP KESULITAN DALAM MEMPELAJARI KANJI

Abstract

Kanji is one of the essential components of Japanese language learning; however, it is often considered the most
difficult aspect to master due to its complex forms, large number of characters, multiple meanings, and various
readings (onyomi and kunyomi). This study aims to describe students' perceptions of the difficulties in learning
kanji and to identify the factors influencing those difficulties. This study employed a qualitative approach using a
descriptive qualitative method. The data were collected through open ended questionnaires completed by 87
students of the Japanese Language Education Study Program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya from the 2024 and
2025 cohorts and were supported by semi-structured interviews with 20 students. The data were analyzed through
data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while data validity was examined using technique
triangulation. The results showed that most students perceived kanji as the most difficult component in learning
Japanese. The main difficulties experienced by students included memorizing kanji forms and stroke orders,
distinguishing between onyomi and kunyomi readings, and differentiating kanji characters with similar shapes.
Furthermore, the study found that students' difficulties in learning kanji were influenced by internal factors, such
as learning motivation, perseverance, laziness, anxiety, and self-confidence, as well as external factors, including
teaching methods, learning media, the amount of kanji material to be learned, and lecturer support during the
learning process. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of more effective kanji learning
strategies that meet students' needs. Keywords: students' perceptions, learning difficulties, kanji, Japanese
language learning