Elite Discourses of globalization in Japan: The role of english

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the social position of English in Japan. Specifically, we examine the representation of globalization, particular languages, and users of languages in specific forms of public discourse, and we explore the role that these discursive representations play in English-promotion policies. Thus we examine the development and dissemination of assumptions, images and beliefs about English, Japanese and other languages, as well as their links with important public policy issues.