Plurilingual education in elementary schools

Reflections on six years of the "World Languages Project"

Abstract

This paper presents the "Sekai no Kotoba Project," a plurilingual learning program for sixth-grade students. As Japan transitions into a multilingual society, the need for students to learn various languages beyond English is growing. Supported by international students and alumni, this project provided children with opportunities to engage in a multilingual environment. Students developed an interest in foreign languages and applied their skills to interact with tourists and promote local attractions. The program also enhanced cultural understanding and self-expression, demonstrating the value of plurilingual education in a globalized world.