1. Introduction
English is an essential language in today’s world. It is the official language of many countries and is used for business and communication across the globe. In Japan, English has become increasingly important due to its role in international trade, tourism, and education. But how much of Japan is fluent in English?
This article will explore the current state of English proficiency in Japan, including factors that affect fluency, government efforts to improve English proficiency, how Japanese companies use English, and opportunities for improving fluency in English for Japanese people.
2. English Language Education in Japan
English language education has been part of the Japanese school system since 1872 when it was first introduced as a compulsory subject at elementary schools. Since then, it has become an increasingly important part of the curriculum at all levels of education. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), 97% of elementary schools offer some form of English language instruction.
At the secondary level, most students take three years of English classes between grades 7-9. After graduating from high school or university, many students take additional courses to improve their English skills or participate in exchange programs abroad to gain more exposure to the language.
3. English Proficiency in Japan
Despite this focus on learning English at school and through other means such as private tutoring or exchange programs abroad, overall levels of proficiency remain low compared to other countries such as South Korea or China. According to a 2019 survey conducted by EF Education First (EF), an international education company specializing in language training and cultural exchange programs, Japan ranked 24th out of 80 countries surveyed for overall proficiency in English with an average score of 52 points out 100 (EF Global Proficiency Index 2019). This score puts it below countries such as Vietnam (55 points) and Turkey (58 points).
4. Factors Affecting English Proficiency in Japan
So why are levels of proficiency so low? There are several factors that can contribute to this including: lack of exposure/opportunities to practice speaking outside the classroom; limited time dedicated to studying grammar; lack of motivation; cultural attitudes towards foreign languages; and limited availability/affordability of private tutoring or exchange programs abroad (Kawai & Kimura 2017).
5. Government Efforts to Improve English Proficiency
The Japanese government has implemented several initiatives over the years aimed at improving overall levels of proficiency among its citizens including: increasing funding for teacher training; introducing new methods for teaching grammar; introducing more interactive lessons into classrooms; providing incentives for students who study abroad; and offering free online resources such as e-books on learning strategies (Kawai & Kimura 2017).
6. Japanese Companies and Fluency in English
As businesses become increasingly globalized there is a growing demand among Japanese companies for employees who are proficient in both spoken and written forms of English as it enables them to communicate effectively with customers from around the world (Yamada et al., 2018). Many companies now also require applicants for certain positions – particularly those related to international business -to demonstrate a certain level of fluency before they can be considered for employment (Yamada et al., 2018).
7. Opportunities for Improving Fluency in English for Japanese People
Fortunately there are plenty opportunities available both inside and outside Japan that can help people improve their fluency levels quickly and easily including: taking courses at language schools; participating in exchange programs abroad; joining online communities dedicated to learning foreign languages like “HelloTalk” or “LingQ”; using mobile apps like “Duolingo” or “Babbel” which provide lessons tailored specifically towards learners with different goals/needs; listening to podcasts like “ESL Podcast” which provide audio lessons on various topics related to learning a foreign language; watching movies/TV shows with subtitles available both online or on DVD/Blu-Ray discs etc..
8 Conclusion
To conclude while there are still many challenges facing those trying to learn/improve their fluency levels – particularly due lack exposure/opportunities outside classroom settings – there are also plenty resources available both inside & outside Japan which can help people reach their goals quickly & easily if they have access & willingness put effort into studying regularly & consistently over long periods time.
9 Sources & References
EF Global Proficiency Index 2019 https://www.efset-org-en-efgpi2019-reportpdf Kawai J., Kimura K.(2017) Teaching Grammar : A New Approach For Teaching Grammar To EFL Learners In The 21st Century Yamada H., et al.(2018) A Study Of The Current State Of Business Communication Skills Among College Students In Japan
What percentage of Japanese speaks English?
30 per cent
Do Japanese People Speak English? Japanese is the main language spoken in Japan. However, according to studies somewhere between 13 and 30 per cent of Japanese people also speak some level of English. although only around 9per cent say they feel confident using English.
Is English well spoken in Japan?
English is commonly used in Japan and Chinese and Korean are more common which means you can almost certainly get around without using Japanese. This is especially true in big cities and foreign locations. But the foreign language quickly dries up until you leave town.
Can I live in Japan without knowing Japanese?
Do I need to know Japanese for the rest of my life in Japan? There is no short answer but you should. And it comes with a few caveats. The answer ultimately depends on what you want to get out of your life in Japan.
How do Japanese feel about foreigners?
The Japanese generally treat foreigners like people from many other countries – general indifference. They have no business and few cares. Another persons reply describes this relationship as a love-hate relationship but in reality it is wrong and inaccurate.
Are Americans welcomed in Japan?
But dont worry as I said the Japanese are very friendly to tourists and tourists. You wont have any problems in Japan no one will make fun of you during your vacation. If you like shopping you can find some plus size clothing.
How many Americans speak Japanese?
Japanese-Speaking Countries Country Region Total Japan East Asia 124550000 USA North America 664000 Brazil South America 429000 Guam Micronesia 3000