Globalism In Japanese English Education.pdf

The symposium at Kindai University discussed the impact of globalism on Japanese English education, with panelists and participants exploring the differences between "global" and "international" in the Japanese language. The discussion revealed that while "global" implies openness to other cultures and a pathway to communication, "international" is often associated with a Western-only view. The use of English-medium instruction (EMI) in Japanese universities is increasing, with the goal of attracting international students and improving English language skills. However, the implementation of EMI programs is not without challenges, including the need to balance English language instruction with the use of Japanese language and culture. The symposium also touched on the concept of English as a lingua franca (ELF) and its relevance to Japanese English education.

Another speaker, Alison Kitzman, questioned whether Japan is ready or willing to become "global," citing the country's low rankings in attracting foreign talent, language skills, and cultural exchanges. Japan's lack of global outlook is evident in its low participation in international educational exchanges, with only 19% of Japanese taking trips abroad in 2016, compared to 43% in South Korea. The number of Japanese students studying abroad has also declined significantly, from 47,000 in 1998 to eighth place globally in 2016/2017. Kitzman argued that Japan's inward-looking and culturally homogeneous nature, as well as its economic independence, may contribute to its lack of globalism and English proficiency. The emphasis on English education in Japan is also problematic, as it is often unrelated to actual life or job skills and may lead to a loss of cultural identity.