Language Training as a Site of Language Policy Creation, Interpretation and Appropriation

Abstract

Chapter 5 examines the language policy process represented in the EPA policy documents, focusing on the policy representation of pre-employment and in-facility training. It first explores how language per se is treated in the broader context of the EPA treaty documents, which forms a basis on or even dictates how language is and should be treated in the context of training. Then, in the analysis the training sessions are framed as a site of creation, interpretation and appropriation of language policy. It is argued that EPA candidates are ideologically constructed as a convenient shield for the government and possibly host institutions to hide behind and avoid responsibility and concerted effort pertaining to intercultural communication and Japanese language education.