Organizer: Institute of Education, University College of London

Co-organizers: Graduate Program on Human Security (HSP), The University of Tokyo Research Center for Sustainable Peace, Institute of Advanced Global Studies (IAGS), The University of Tokyo(RCSP)

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Culture and linguistic diversity in education in the UK and Japan

The conference serves as a platform to explore experiences of linguistic and cultural diversity in the educational contexts of the UK and Japan.

This conference is organised by UCL and the University of Tokyo. The conference will be opened by Professor Lynn Ang, UCL IOE Pro-Director and Vice-Dean Research.

In the context of increased migration, it is important to consider the educational needs and trajectories as well as the identities of migrant and minority ethnic pupils and share current research evidence and existing good practices from the UK and Japan. The two countries have very different histories and educational systems that make the sharing of knowledge and practices between the two countries not only very important, but also allow for a fascinating intellectual endeavour.

Researchers from the UK and Japan will present their findings exploring four dimensions of culture and linguistic diversity in education over two half-days and arranged into four thematic panels.

Schedule

Day 1: 22nd May

Panel 1: Belongings and Identity - Dr Dina Mehmedbegovic-Smith (IOE); Dr Thomas H Bak (University of Edinburgh); Dr Yuki Nagae (Stockholm University); Dr Fumiko Takahashi (University of Tokyo) 

Panel 2: Academic Achievement and Pathways - Professor Roberto Filippi (IOE); Dr Mirela Xhaferraj (UCL SSEES); Dr Rafaela Yoshiy Yoshioka (Tokyo Metropolitan University) 

Day 2: 23rd May

Panel 3: Classroom Language Practices - Dr Yu Ishii (University of Tokyo); Dr Ramona Gonczol (UCL SSEES)

Panel 4: Home Language Practices - Dr Sara Young (IOE); Dr Effrosyni Argyri (IOE)

 

There will be a separate workshop for PhD students on 20 May and a film screening on 21 of May to set the scene for the discussions on ethnic diversity and multilingualism in the education context of the two countries.

This event will be particularly useful for researchers and practitioners interested in linguistic and cultural diversity in education."

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Film screening and Q&A: In Between – In Search of Native Language Spaces

This film explores the challenges faced by immigrant children in Japan as they strive to maintain their native languages, and will include a Q&A with director Kiho Park.

In Between – In Search of Native Language Spaces

「はざまー母語のための場所をさがして」

This film explores the challenges faced by immigrant children in Japan as they strive to maintain their native languages in a society that is home to an ever-growing population of foreign residents, now numbering approximately 3.41 million. Through interviews with grassroots organisers running mother tongue classes, families with siblings who arrived in Japan at different stages of life, and experts discussing the critical issue of residency status, the documentary paints a picture of the realities these children face.

By examining how the mother tongues of immigrant children can be preserved, the film sheds light on Japanese society's attitude towards its foreign residents, exploring both the challenges of the present and the possibilities for the future.

This event will be particularly useful students and researchers interested in how language and ethnicity shapes one experiences in diverse contexts.