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Japanese attitudes towards foreign languages.

Keiko Abe1

  • 1Department of International Studies, Kyoritsu Women's University, Tokyo, Japan. abekei@wta.att.ne.jp

Collegium Antropologicum
|May 26, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Japanese attitudes towards foreign languages shifted from intellectual pursuits to practical communication needs. This change is reflected in the increasing number and type of foreign language programs broadcast by NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai) from 1955 to 2000.

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Area of Science:

  • Sociolinguistics
  • Media Studies
  • Cultural Anthropology

Background:

  • Historically, foreign languages in Japan were viewed as indicators of intelligence and intellect, rather than tools for practical communication.
  • The study examines the evolution of Japanese perspectives on foreign language acquisition over a 45-year period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze Japanese attitudes toward foreign languages by examining the content and trends of television and radio programs.
  • To understand the shift in motivation for foreign language study in Japan.

Main Methods:

  • Content analysis of foreign language programming on NHK (Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai) from 1955 to 2000.
  • Classification of programs into three categories: cultivation, education, and communication.
  • Tracking the increase in foreign language programming since 1965 and communication-focused programs since 1990.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in foreign language programming was observed starting in 1965, correlating with global economic integration.
  • Programs emphasizing communication skills saw a notable rise from 1990 onwards, driven by increased global interaction.
  • Foreign language study was predominantly perceived as an intellectual endeavor, irrespective of communicative utility.

Conclusions:

  • Japanese attitudes towards foreign languages have evolved, moving from an emphasis on intellectual cultivation to a greater focus on practical communication.
  • Media content, specifically NHK broadcasts, mirrors and potentially influences these changing societal attitudes toward foreign language learning.

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