English as the second official language 19
non-verbal communication, the Japanese version (CJGC, 2000a) includes the word ishin-denshin
and states that the traditional Japanese communication style has to be changed. In short, Japan
needs to change its communication styles into more explicit, low-context, less nonverbal
communication styles because the Japanese communication styles are not acceptable in the
globalizaing world and therefore places Japan in a disadvantageous position.
Language as a Tool
Defining language as a tool or means of communication is another way of expressing
Japanese national identity. English is dominantly linked with a tool or means of communication.
By locating English in a neutral terrain, English is separated from its cultural backgrounds, and
learning English is treated like learning how to drive a car or how to swim.
B (no personal information) who does not clarify his/her position, states that “English is
a language. Borrowing a word often used these days, it is a shudan [means] of communication. If
the government introduces English language education to the 1
st
to 3
rd
graders, I think it should
start by introducing the students English sounds [rather than grammar].” Language is equated
with a means rather than culture. Likewise, Miyachi (male; self-employed; no age) who opposes
the proposal, writes, “English is a doogu [tool] of communication. No matter how hard people
study English and no matter how high their level of English proficiency becomes, a high English
proficiency itself would not produce anything.” Miyachi continues that “Science, technology,
and industrial systems have made the advancement of Japan and other developed possible.”
Miyachi’s argument is that because language is just a tool or does not have anything substantial
in itself, studying English does not provide anything for the advancement of the nation like
science and technology do.
Ito, T. (male; unemployed; 67 year-old) follows a similar argument. According to Ito, T.,
Convention