Toward a framework for lowering the language barrier: An analysis of the English communication needs of people in local tourist destinations in Japan

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K02761
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Foreign language education
• Research Institution: Tokai University
• Principal Investigator: Fujita Reiko 東海大学, 国際教育センタ―, 教授 (90366930)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 本田 量久 東海大学, 観光学部, 准教授 (90409540) ; デルガド ロドルフォ 東海大学, 国際教育センター, 講師 (60759215)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: インバウンド / コミュニケーション問題 / 英語教育 / 異文化コミュニケーション / 地域創生

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study investigated problems of communication between international visitors and Japanese locals at tourist destinations. Using the survey results, we proposed a framework to support the smooth internationalization of the areas. Different regions enjoy different stages of development, but the first task is to reduce the anxiety that locals have regarding foreign languages and cultures. Assisting them to acquire frequently used English patterns of speech at particular situations and to continue improving their English skills is the next stage. At all stages, city offices and tourism associations that demonstrate leadership in the region are valuable. Finally, the cooperation of the international residents in a region will enhance its internationalization.

Free Research Field

英語教育