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The use of English as a medium of instruction in tertiary institutions is often justified with reference to a discourse of globalization in which English is associated with scientific, technical, and business uses. This instrumental rationale may appear even when a major local language dominates technical and business domains. One such case is Japan, where English has been adopted recently as a medium of instruction in several tertiary programs that have received widespread media attention. Although the rationale for the use of English in these programs is similar to the instrumental rationale that appears in other contexts, the underlying forces favoring English are more complex than the rationale suggests. These programs are linked with demographic changes and language policies in elementary and secondary education. In an analysis of the spread of English as a medium of instruction in tertiary institutions in Japan, this plenary examines demographic changes and K-12 policies, as well as attitudes toward the use of English and Japanese among university students. The plenary concludes with comments about the implications of language policies, language use, and language attitudes for emerging urban identities.
James W. Tollefson's interests include language policy, teacher education, and the spread of English. He currently teaches in the Graduate School of Education at International Christian University in Tokyo. He has also taught in Slovenia, Yugoslavia, Philippines, and the United States.
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