Japanese attitudes toward English: A case study of high school students

The purpose of the present sociolinguistic case study was to investigate Japanese attitudes toward English language in general and in Japan in particular. Data were collected through questionnaire, interview, and observation at a private high school in Tokyo, Japan, and were analyzed using predominantly a qualitative approach. The findings suggested that the students, in general, had a positive attitude toward English and English speakers, especially North Americans. However, their interests in and knowledge of Englishes in inner circle countries other than the US, Canada and UK, as well as in outer circle countries, were limited. Such an America-centric view of English and the world was also reflected in their positive attitudes toward the use of American English and American products in Japan and negative attitudes toward the Japanese variety of English. Based on findings, the author argues for the importance of a pluralistic view of English and an emphasis on appropriateness in English teaching in Japan, which aims at preparing students for international communication. The study\u27s contributions to the enrichment of the concentric circle model and understanding of the sociolinguistic context of English in Japan are also discussed