The Current Perception of the BJT Business Japanese Proficiency Test in Thailand: Interview with BJT Test Takers

Abstract

This research is a study of how the Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is presently viewed in Thailand as indicated by interviews with BJT test takers. A series of semi-structured face-to-face individual interviews were conducted with 6 Thai university students of Japanese and 6 employees who work for Japanese firms in Thailand. It emerged that, students consider the BJT difficult and incompatible with their knowledge of the language. However, this study reveals that students value the BJT for the opportunity it offers to: consolidate learned items; learn how to utilize Japanese honorifics in real-life situations; and motivate the students to continue learning after the examination. Conversely, employees of Japanese firms find the test commensurate with their linguistic ability. The study showed that the BJT is perceived as beneficial to employees as it provides them with an awareness of both their weak points and subsequent improvement, while also offering the opportunity to acquire new words and expressions that are of direct relevance to their work environments. Finally, if the acceptance and the reputation of the BJT are to be improved, then the organizers of the exam have to promote both name recognition and an awareness of the exam’s practical benefits among the general public. This could be achieved by making the test a standard component in the personnel recruitment process of Japanese firms, and using the BJT score as an evaluation criterion in determining the remuneration of employees.