Languages and Identities in a Transitional Japan (Routledge Research in Transnationalism) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415720370 ISBN 13: 9780415720373

Publisher: Routledge, 2015

Synopsis

This book explores the transition from the era of internationalization into the era of globalization of Japan by focusing on language and identity as its central themes. By taking an interdisciplinary approach covering education, cultural studies, linguistics and policy-making, the chapters in this book raise certain questions of what constitutes contemporary Japanese culture, Japanese identity and multilingualism and what they mean to local people, including those who do not reside in Japan but are engaged with Japan in some way within the global community. Topics include the role of technology in the spread of Japanese language and culture, hybrid language use in an urban context, the Japanese language as a lingua franca in China, and the identity construction of heritage Japanese language speakers in Australia. The authors do not limit themselves to examining only the Japanese language or the Japanese national/cultural identity, but also explore multilingual practices and multiple/fluid identities in "a transitional Japan." Overall, the book responds to the basic need for better accounts of language and identity of Japan, particularly in the context of increased migration and mobility.

About this title

About the Author

Ikuko Nakane is a senior lecturer at the Asia Institute, the University of Melbourne.

Emi Otsuji is a Senior Lecturer at University of Technology, Sydney.

William S. Armour is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the School of Humanities and Languages, UNSW Australia.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415720370
• ISBN 13: 9780415720373
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 218
• Editor: Nakane Ikuko, Otsuji Emi, Armour William S.