JALT2025 - Tokyo

From Izakayas to Classrooms: Authentic Interaction in JFL

Nov 1, 2025, 1:20 PM

30m

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

Research-oriented Presentation (30-minutes) Sociocultural Linguistics and Pragmatics Room 505

Speaker

Todd Allen (Kansai University)

Description

This presentation explores Small Hospitality Establishments in Japan as sites of natural language use and their impact on Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) instruction. Limited pragmatic instruction and authentic materials in JFL classrooms hinder real-world communication skills. Using a sociopragmatic framework, the study analyses interactions from Shinya Shokudō and recorded conversations, highlighting deviations from textbook Japanese. Findings highlight the value of authentic materials in JFL curricula for enhancing pragmatic competence and real-world communication.

Summary

This presentation explores Small Hospitality Establishments in Japan as sites of natural language use and their impact on Japanese as a Foreign Language (JFL) instruction. Limited pragmatic instruction and authentic materials in JFL classrooms hinder real-world communication skills. Using a sociopragmatic framework, the study analyses interactions from Shinya Shokudō and recorded conversations, highlighting deviations from textbook Japanese. Findings highlight the value of authentic materials in JFL curricula for enhancing pragmatic competence and real-world communication.