Saitama JALT is thrilled to host Ms. Keiko Yuyama (Waseda University) with a presentation on how English as a global language is influencing various job sectors in Japan and what implications this has for educators. The full abstract for the presentation can be found below.
Metrolingualism and English as a Global Language
While English as a global language is increasingly gaining significance within labor markets to facilitate international business (Tan and Rubdy, 2008), this can be particularly conspicuous among tourism and hospitality sectors (Heller, 2010). With a record-breaking number of international tourists visiting Japan last year (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, 2017), this qualitative research critically investigates dynamics between metrolingalism (Pennycook and Otsuji, 2015) and English as a global language in six areas of Tokyo (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Omotesando, Nippori, and Mitaka). Semi-structured interviews are conducted with six newly-graduated young workers (3 hairdressers and 3 make-up artists) to explore their perceptions toward English as a global language. Also, the current research attempts to shed light on multilingual turns in Tokyo. Finally, pedagogical implications for educators will be discussed.
Following the presentation, we hope that attendees will join us for drinks and refreshments at one of the nearby restaurants. Laketown certainly has a wide assortment to choose from!