Language Policy in Japan: The Challenge of Change

Description

Over the last thirty years, two social developments have occurred that have led to a need for change in language policy in Japan. One is the increase in the number of migrants needing opportunities to learn Japanese as a second language, the other is the influence of electronic technologies on the way Japanese is written. This book looks at the impact of these developments on linguistic behaviour and language management and policy, and at the role of language ideology in the way they have been addressed. Immigration-induced demographic changes confront long cherished notions of national monolingualism and technological advances in electronic text production have led to textual practices with ramifications for script use and for literacy in general. The book will be welcomed by researchers and professionals in language policy and management and by those working in Japanese Studies.

Nanette Gottlieb is Professor of Japanese Studies in the Japan Program of the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Queensland. She has published widely in international journals in the areas of language modernisation, script reform, script policy and the impact of word processing technology in Japan. Her recent publications include Language and Society in Japan (Cambridge University Press, 2005) and Linguistic Stereotyping and Minority Groups in Japan (2006).

'With insight and precision, this fine book confronts the dramatic changes in language policy in contemporary Japanese society as well as the ghosts of the cultural hegemonies of the past.' John C. Maher, International Christian University, Tokyo 'Gottlieb raises timely questions regarding Japan's language policy - in terms of both ideological stance and practical implementation.' Patricia J. Wetzel, Portland State University 'A far-reaching, detailed and highly accessible analysis of how Japan's language policy is adapting to the impact of technological change and the challenges brought by an increasingly multilingual, multicultural population.' Tessa Carroll, author of Language Planning and Language Change in Japan