2021 Volume 180 Pages 33-48
In order to improve Japanese language education for technical interns, it is necessary to consider whether instruction is in line with the actual modes of communication required at technical training sites. Therefore, to clarify the actual state of the collaborative work between technical interns and Japanese native speakers and their communication in Japanese, this study, focusing on agriculture-related jobs, conducted an ongoing yearly survey to collect and analyze data from four companies that accept technical interns. The results revealed that companies implement communication measures according to their respective collaborative worksites; such as by appointing a leader from among the technical interns to facilitate communication, or by working out communication processes shared in the course of one-to-one work between technical interns and Japanese native speakers, leading to successful collaboration. In some cases, technical interns proficient in Japanese communication, after completing their current internship, go on to acquire the visa status of Technical Intern Training（iii） or Specified Skilled Worker while continuing to train at their host company, which suggests the importance of incorporating the actual modes of communication required at worksites into education.
