Japanese language inheritance and FLP by Japanese fathers of Taiwanese-Japanese international marriage families in Taiwan
The Japanese Language Association of Korea / The 46th International Academic Conference
- Date: Setember 17th 2022
- Venue: e-Conference
WATANABE, Yukinori
Sagami Women’s University
Summary
In Taiwan, teaching Japanese as a heritage language (JHL) groups run by the parents themselves are being conducted in Taipei and five other major cities, mainly targeting children of Taiwanese-Japanese international marriage families attending Taiwanese local schools.
In this study, I interviewed six Japanese fathers participating in JHL groups in various cities, focusing on the formation of language ideology as the starting point of family language policy and language practice, including JHL activities.
The results showed that Japanese language for children is emphasized as a language that supports their identity, a language to connect them with their Japanese family, and a language to increase their options for the future. Furthermore, their own participation in their children's Japanese language education is perceived by the subjects as something they want to do and something they take for granted.
In JHL groups across Taiwan, it has been found that a system where parents, regardless of gender, take turns in playing a core role is being established.
The language ideology that comes from the Japanese fathers' own foreign experience of studying and working abroad, their experience of learning foreign languages at a high level, as well as the occupations and work environments of the Japanese fathers, also support these language practices.
Future research will focus on families who are not participating in JHL activities.
Miki Hattori