New publication: "English Education and Bilingual Education in Japan." Bilingual Japan, 33(1), 9-13.
The Japan Times quoted the author extensively in a recent article on bilingual education. The reporter agreed to share the full interview. Asked why the level of English in Japan remains low, the author goes well beyond the standard explanations to diagnose deep cultural barriers. Then the author defines bilingual education, cites a successful example in Japan, and suggests balancing the input and opportunities for communication in Japanese and English. Next, the author touches upon current trends stemming from parental and societal recognition of the value of becoming bilingual. Finally, the author tackles the populist slogan that the Japanese do not need foreign languages, presenting individuals with a choice of lesser or greater freedom.
My new article "English Education and Bilingual Education in Japan" is now a Research Spotlight article at ResearchGate, such that members may add comments or questions -- after reading the article -- at https://www.researchgate.net/spotlight/66797ca826fd1df03709c0d1
Shorter ABSTRACT: The Japan Times quoted the author extensively in a recent article on bilingual education. This full interview with references briefly defines bilingual education, cites a successful example in Japan, and gives deep insights into the changing society as well as cultural barriers to English education.
Thank YOU for letting me know you joined the Knowledge Commons instance as a result of my above report on it. They -- @hello -- might also be glad to know this.
Speaking of your mission of films for social activism, through our family friend in Tokyo, I happened to encounter such a group based in NYC led by a Chinese-American woman, with collaborators in Canada and here in Japan. I reviewed their most recent documentary -- available free at https://hi-lo.tv/Our-Work -- on professional photography of Japan's hostess bars, as explained at https://hcommons.social/@SteveMcCarty/112621109879323004
Being a career academic, it was my first foray into a film review or that kind of content, but it all goes toward my challenge as a Japanologist of explaining this inscrutable culture (for once a stereotype is an understatement!). If you happen to contact Hi Lo TV, please give them my regards.