Japanese Language Education Support for Children with Sri Lankan Roots:

Issues Revealed by the Survey in the City of Sammu, Chiba Prefecture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify issues concerning Japanese language support for children with Sri Lankan roots who live in Sammu City, Chiba, and propose measures to support their education in the future. In our analysis of semi-structured interviews with support staff, we identified not only issues with Japanese language competency, but differences in academic ability, attitudes towards learning, concepts of time held by parents, and rules expected in Japanese schools. We recommend that families, schools, and municipalities deepen their collaboration under a common aim in order to provide better support to foreign children in the future.