The Global Spread of English and the Role of English in Japan

Abstract

The main focus of this book is the social psychology of learning English as a global language and, more specifically, learner attitudes towards and awareness of variation in English speech. The aim of chapter one is to help contextualise the study. The chapter begins with an in-depth discussion of the global spread of English and continues with a critical review of the World Englishes model. Background information about the specific research context, the English language in Japan, is then given. This section continues with a brief history of English language contact in Japan and an examination of the role of English in the Japanese education system and media. Finally, the chapter discusses the influence of English on the Japanese language as well as the role which the English language plays within the discourses of nihonjinron and kokusaika.