Grant-in-aid for exploratory research on language service and its service evaluation corresponding to a multilingual society.

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26590126
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Social welfare and social work studies
• Research Institution: National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics
• Principal Investigator: NOYAMA Hirosjhi 大学共同利用機関法人人間文化研究機構国立国語研究所, 日本語教育研究・情報センター, 准教授 (40392542)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KAWAHARA Toshiaki 京都光華女子大学, キャリア形成学部, 教授 (20204753)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): USAMI Yo 東京大学, 大学院総合文化研究科, 准教授 (40293245) ; FUJITA Mika 奈良教育大学, 教育学部, 特任准教授 (90449364)
• Research Collaborator: KU Mison
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 言語サービス / 言語生活支援 / コーディネータ / キーパースン / 半構造化インタビュー / Welfare Linguistics / 言語サービス評価

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study is to create indices of the language service evaluation based on the actual situation of "language service" in Japan. Our analysis has found that, in Shuju-chiiki(areas where many foreigners live) and big city areas, such local governments are fully conscious of the importance of providing information in languages intelligible to foreign residents, whereas, in other areas, language service is less frequently provided and the local governments are ignorant of the importance of language service. This study has also found that most foreign-registered citizens demand commonly that language support should be improved and, in particular, medical interpreters who understand their mother tongue (the first language) should be provided. In respond to these requests, it is the key to the evaluation of "language service" whether a point of view of providing “measures and services to promote smooth participation in a multilingual/multicultural society” is included or not.

Free Research Field

多文化教育、日本語教育、社会言語学