The complex and rapidly changing sociolinguistic position of the English language in Japan: a summary of English language contact and use

McKenzie, Robert (2008) The complex and rapidly changing sociolinguistic position of the English language in Japan: a summary of English language contact and use. Japan Forum, 20 (2). pp. 267-286. ISSN 0955-5803

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09555800802047525

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of English in Japan, outlining its current status and use. The paper begins with a critical review of the World Englishes model as it relates to the categorization of Japan within the expanding circle of English use and continues with a brief history of English language contact with the country. It then examines the changing role of English in the Japanese education system and media. This is followed by a discussion of the influence of English on the Japanese language as well as the role which the English language plays within the discourses of nihonjinron and kokusaika. The paper concludes with a call for empirical research to be conducted investigating the spread, acquisition and attitudes towards English in Japan

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: English in Japan, World Englishes, language attitudes, sociolinguistics, nihonjinron, kokusaika
Subjects: Q100 Linguistics
Q300 English studies
Department: Faculties > Arts, Design and Social Sciences > Humanities
Depositing User: EPrint Services
Date Deposited: 21 May 2010 09:17
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2021 20:05
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/1978

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