Event
Home(1) Discussion: English Imperialism; (2) Discussion: Why Taku and Honko Can't Learn English
Sunday, August 27th, 2006, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Speaker: (1) Tomoko Fujinami, Izumi High School; (2) Tony Crooks, Miyagi University of Education
English Imperialism (Tomoko Fujinami, Izumi High School)
This session will present the problems and consequences that result from the adoption of English as the medium in international communication. We will look at how the mythology of global English is working through the school system. Critical education should be introduced so that students are made aware of the relationship between language and power in the world.
Why Taku and Honko Can't Learn English (Tony Crooks, Miyagi University of Education)
Anthony Crooks will lead a discussion based on Mike Guests article 'Japan's struggle with English - Why?' from his 'Indirectly Speaking' column in the Daily Yomiuri. The article proposes eight reasons for this phenomenon including "A cultural propensity toward reticence" and "The lack of a real need for English." These - and other - factors will be discussed in regards to Guest's beliefs that a greater understanding of such issues will "allow teachers to reassess or temper their methods and thereby help learners adopt more beneficial approaches." We will also raise the question of whether there is a basis to Guest's original contention, i.e. that there is a major problem with English education in Japan. Please be willing to be involved in what we hope to be an active and interesting discussion!
Anthony Crooks is Associate Professor at Miyagi University of Education. His interests lie in Teacher Education, Native Speaker English teacher professional identity, World Englishes, and Sociopolitical issues in ELT.
Organization: Sendai Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Sendai JALT)
Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1000 yen
Venue: Sendai Mediatheque map
Location: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
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