Sessions

Gender, Language, and Community

Misako Tajima examines how Filipina tutors are constructed as gendered entities in Japan’s Skype English conversation industry. Sachi Komai explores the works of novelist Natsuo Kirino, who describes the influence of neoliberalism in Japan and its impact on women. Antonia Cavcic discusses Koike and Abe’s use of gairaigo during the Covid-19 pandemic in relation to gender, inclusivity, and clarity. Sara Schipper reports on discrimination, isolation, and satisfaction amongst female students attending a male-dominated, Japanese university.

English as an Official Corporate Language in Japan

This research draws on accounts from seven employees working at Japan-based companies that have adopted English as an official corporate language (EOCL), this study demonstrates the gap between the in-house language policies and the participants’ own Japanese-dominated workplace communication. The study also reports employees are nonetheless encouraged to sit for the TOEIC regularly. The study concludes by arguing that EOCL policies can operate as an ideological mechanism that drives employees to study English for self-development.