일본의 영어교육: 역사적 변천 과정과 현황

초록

This paper adopted a historical research approach to identify educational insights from Japan to the neighboring country of Korea. The development of English education in Japan was analyzed with close reference to its social, political, and educational changes thereon. English education in Japan was initiated in the late 19th century as a means to industrialize and modernize the nation; English was regarded as the most effective tool to introduce Western civilization to Japan. During World War Ⅱ, the Japanese government officially banned English instruction to domestic students because English was regarded as the language of the enemy nations. However, English soon regained its prestigious educational status and was reinstated as de facto the only foreign language in Japan during the latter half of the 20th century. The notion of English as an International Language (EIL) was gradually consolidated in Japanese society, but the exam-oriented societal needs stymied a practical introduction of communicative language teaching across Japan. The recent changes in English education in the 21st century such as students’ English learning demotivation and assistant language teacher (ALT) system are also explicated in this paper.

키워드