Human Resources Development for Community-based Japanese Language Education

Abstract

Here I discuss the whole concept of community-based Japanese language education, the required qualities and abilities of personnel involved therein, and the content and method of human resources development. It is essential for community-based Japanese language education to function as a system that can ensure language competence for social engagement and provide for mutual learning that leads to the reformation of local communities, and that specialists be assigned to enhance the ability of the system to achieve these goals. The human resources engaged in community-based Japanese language education may be classified into three types of professionals: system coordinators, Japanese language coordinators and Japanese language education specialists, working together with Japanese language volunteers. The required qualities and abilities, and the content of human resources development, vary according to these respective roles, but a common emphasis is placed on such points as a hands-on approach, reflection, sharing and collaboration, and continuity. Moreover, as a perspective to overcome the issue of asymmetry among participants in community-based Japanese language education from the human resources development standpoint, two points are cited, namely, developing human resources including foreigners, and ensuring reflection on/in practice.