Transformation of the world of meaning of a Japanese language teacher due to the diversification of education fields

Narrative from the teacher who has engaged with various learners including native Japanese speakers

Abstract

Amid the diversification of Japanese language learners, Japanese language teachers are required be even more responsive in the language education field, while more emphasis has been put on the significance of career development across different education fields. Additionally, there is a movement to make Japanese language pedagogy open to wider audience including native Japanese speakers by applying the insights from Japanese language education. It is inferred that the application of Japanese language education is expanding. This paper examines a narrative on the transformation of the attitudes and values by a Japanese language teacher, whose experiences in different education fields exposed her to various learners including native Japanese speakers as well as non-native speakers. The narrative has revealed that the acquisition of diverse perspectives on the learners has enabled her to become more flexible and responsive, regardless of education fields and learners. It has also been observed that she has acquired a pragmatic approach to the needs of learners by having a more inclusive attitude, while adhering to her own ideals. She also described how her engagement in open Japanese language education helped her deepen social perspectives and understanding.