Post by patrick on Oct 24, 2007 13:01:25 GMT 8
I taught a week long seminar a couple years ago for JHS JTEs. Their final project was a debate on elementary school English, and whether it should even be taught at this level. One of the points they argued was that students need to focus on their mother tongue, Japanese. The reason I bring this up was the former Prime Minister of Japan, Abe Shinzo, avocated the same thing.
In my years on the debate team in college, we learned these types of arguments are "slippery slope" arguments because the reason for action is based upon a "false premise" In more laymen's terms, in order for this argument to hold any weight, you need to prove a direct link between studying English and the decrease in the ability master the Japanese language. From all of my research in Japan's English education system, I have found no such link. However, I believe there is a link between the inability to learn English and the ongoing constrictive Japanese culture, which is going to be my thesis topic....if I ever go to graduate school.
I hate slippery slope arguments! However, I sympathize with a culture that has the inability to formulate concrete arguments because independent thought processes and speaking out is not encouraged.
I find it extremely interesting that one of the other educational reforms proposed by Mr. Shinzo included 'increasing patriotism in school'. Studying a foreign language requires also studying that culture. However, English is the primary language in 65+ countries, so studying English requires having a knowledgeable understanding of the world you live in. I find it ironic that Mr. Shinzo wanted to do away with ES English AND increase patriotism because getting rid of English decreases cultural awareness, which indirectly increases one's own patriotism.
Anyone else care to ring in?
In my years on the debate team in college, we learned these types of arguments are "slippery slope" arguments because the reason for action is based upon a "false premise" In more laymen's terms, in order for this argument to hold any weight, you need to prove a direct link between studying English and the decrease in the ability master the Japanese language. From all of my research in Japan's English education system, I have found no such link. However, I believe there is a link between the inability to learn English and the ongoing constrictive Japanese culture, which is going to be my thesis topic....if I ever go to graduate school.
I hate slippery slope arguments! However, I sympathize with a culture that has the inability to formulate concrete arguments because independent thought processes and speaking out is not encouraged.
I find it extremely interesting that one of the other educational reforms proposed by Mr. Shinzo included 'increasing patriotism in school'. Studying a foreign language requires also studying that culture. However, English is the primary language in 65+ countries, so studying English requires having a knowledgeable understanding of the world you live in. I find it ironic that Mr. Shinzo wanted to do away with ES English AND increase patriotism because getting rid of English decreases cultural awareness, which indirectly increases one's own patriotism.
Anyone else care to ring in?