Representations of gender and sexual orientation over three editions of a Japanese language learning textbook series

Abstract

This study analyses a popular commercial textbook series for learning Japanese as a second or foreign language (JSL/JFL) and investigates how its textual and visual representations of gender and sexual orientation have changed over the three editions published over the last 20 years. Examining the interplay of text and images, the longitudinal analysis reveals that heteronormative representations remain dominant across the three editions, while observing some changes in representation over time. For instance, derogatory depictions of LGBTQ+ people have been removed and – albeit limited – representations that give consideration to gender and sexual diversity have been incorporated. Such changing representations indicate how language, gender and sexuality ideologies in Japanese society intersect with the globalised contexts of JSL/JFL, and suggest that stratified ideological values regarding gender and sexuality are enmeshed with the commercial viability of textbook publishers.