Japanese English and International Communication

Amongst the many new English varieties developing in the world today, an identifiable Japanese variety of English is emerging, albeit slowly. This paper argues that people with an active interest in the English language should embrace the variety and encourage its development and use. A fully formed Japanese English would have three distinct registers: educated, standard and broad. The educated register would be very similar to the educated registers of other English varieties, and would prioritise communication. However, the standard register, and especially the broad register, would reflect Japanese identity and culture. Therefore, Japanese English would best suit the needs of the Japanese people. Furthermore, it is argued that a gradual shift from a native speaker model to a Japanese English model for the classroom needs to begin so that the variety can develop and be an established and respected one. However, there are some important caveats. First, a number of misconceptions and prejudices about English in general and Japanese English in particular need to be addressed in order for the variety to develop. Next, since Japanese English, and especially its broad register, is currently little used or understood internationally, accommodation and negotiation of meaning skills need to become key parts of the English language syllabus. If these points are addressed, then the Japanese variety can be promoted with enthusiasm and confidence