2015 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Maintaining the Heritage Language: A Challenge for the Peruvian - Japanese Community
| Project/Area Number |
15K04378
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| Research Institution | Waseda University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
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| Keywords | Heritage language |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
During the fiscal year 2015, I purchased and reviewed the literature concerning heritage language education, the Japanese migration in Latin America and the Nikkei migration in Japan.
Regarding the research in Japan, I conducted interviews to Peruvian students in Utsunomiya, Aichi and Tokyo. Additionally, I conducted interviews and questionnaires to Peruvian parents in Aichi after religious and community meetings. Regarding the research in Peru, I conducted observations and interviews at the Peruvian Japanese cultural center - Languages Center and at the Colegio La Union. I was also able to interviewed Japanese language teachers to gather information about their experience teaching to Nikkei children in Peru.
In September I participated in the “2015 Community-Based Heritage Language Schools: Promoting Collaboration among Educators, Families, and Researchers” at the American University Conference in Washington. In January 2016, I presented a paper at the “Twenty-Second Annual Japan Studies Association Conference,” in Hawaii-USA. I am transcribing the interviews and writing of the research findings gathered during the first year. Finally, I am writing the research findings for submission to the Japan Studies Association Journal and other academic journals.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
My research is progressing according to the objectives and schedule that was initially planned for the first year.
I am currently transcribing all the interviews carried out in Japan (Tochigi, Aichi and Tokyo) and Peru (Lima and Piura). In addition to the scheduled interviews, I also had the opportunity to get extra data from former and current Japanese language teachers who are now living in Lima, and who are willing to support my research.
I am processing the questionnaires from the junior high and high school students in Lima (Colegio La Union) and from the parents who assisted me in filling out my questionnaires during my research visit to Aichi prefecture. I am also updating the literature regarding heritage language, Nikkei communities and migration.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In 2016 I will continue my fieldwork in Japan. I will visit the Peruvian Nikkei community in Gunma prefecture and Tokyo to collect data about the heritage language education of the Nikkei children in these areas. I aim to interview the community leaders in each city about the activities and outreach programs to maintain the heritage language among the Peruvian children.
During this year I will attend academic conferences in Japan and abroad to disclose and discuss my preliminary findings. At the same time, I will prepare the initial findings for publication in academic journals.
In the next two years, I will continue with my objectives and schedule. I will keep updating the literature regarding heritage language and migration. I will also attend conferences and finalize my research fieldwork and prepare for publication in academic journals.
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| Causes of Carryover |
I will use the incurring amount in the next fiscal year for fieldwork in Gunma prefecture, due to the number of the Peruvian migrants living in the area. I would like to interview the parents and children regarding the maintenance of the heritage language. Additionally, I would like to purchase books about heritage language education.
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| Expenditure Plan for Carryover Budget |
I plan to conduct a research trip and fieldwork in Gunma - Japan. I will interview the nikkei leaders living in the area and support centers for foreigners. I will also visit the city hall to inquire about the support programs to the migrant children regarding language issues.
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