October 31, 2025 to November 2, 2025
National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター
Asia/Tokyo timezone

English Linguistic Imperialism in a Japanese classroom

Nov 1, 2025, 11:20 AM
20m
National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

National Olympics Memorial Youth Center / 国立オリンピック記念青少年総合センター

3-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052 / 〒151-0052 東京都渋谷区代々木神園町3-1

Speaker

Manuel Padovan

Description

This presentation examines how Japanese high school students view English and its acquisition, linking these perceptions to linguistic imperialism. Through surveys and commentary, it shows English is seen as vital for success and mobility, shaped by state and institutional narratives. Yet systemic inequalities and the privileging of native speakers persist. While dominant ideologies dominate, emerging critiques signal resistance. Grounded in Phillipson’s framework and local scholarship, the study calls for more equitable, inclusive language education policies.

Summary

This presentation explores how Japanese high school students perceive the English language and its acquisition, and how these perceptions reflect or resist the forces of linguistic imperialism. The study reveals that English is viewed as a tool for self-advancement, academic success, and global mobility. However, these views are closely tied to state and institutional narratives. The research highlights systemic inequalities in access to language resources and interrogates the privileging of native speakers.

Teaching Context Junior/senior high-school

Author

Presentation materials

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