Rethinking Language and Culture in Japanese Education

This book investigates the ways in which Japanese 'language' and 'culture' have come to be standardized through ideology, representation in textbooks and in classroom practices. In doing so, it provides insights into the standardization processes which address the theoretical and practical concerns of researchers and educators.

Shinji Sato is Senior Lecturer and Director of the Japanese Language Program, Department of East Asian Studies, Princeton University, USA. His research interests include language policy and teaching and the critical examination of commonplace ideas in language education.Doerr Neriko Musha :

Neriko Musha Doerr teaches at Salameno School of American and International Studies, Ramapo College of New Jersey, USA. Her research interests include bilingual and heritage language education and the anthropology of education.

Shinji Sato is Senior Lecturer and Director of the Japanese Language Program, Department of East Asian Studies, Princeton University, USA. His research interests include language policy and teaching and the critical examination of commonplace ideas in language education.

Neriko Musha Doerr teaches at Salameno School of American and International Studies, Ramapo College of New Jersey, USA. Her research interests include bilingual and heritage language education and the anthropology of education.

A must-read book for Japanese and other language educators. This book makes language educators, myself included, face the nature of our profession, which, whether we like it or not, cannot escape from being involved in ideologies and politics. The book asks us to examine our accountability as intermediaries between the 'language' and learners, who regularly (and often without much thought) make choices about the 'language' for the learners.

This is a fascinating original study of the politics involved in standardizing Japanese language. It is the first to jointly examine Japanese language education for 'native' speakers (kokugo) and for 'non-native' speakers. Its interdisciplinary approach makes the book enlightening for anyone interested in language, education, or Japanese society.