著者

寺沢 拓敬

出版者

東京大学大学院総合文化研究科言語情報科学専攻

雑誌

言語情報科学 (ISSN:13478931)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.6, pp.207-225, 2008-03-01

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This study attempts to elucidate shared and unshared points in the debate on the introduction of English education into public elementary school in Japan. The discussions raised in the debate are analyzed from various perspectives (e.g., (a) educational objectives and (b) problems; and (1) propositions, (2) recognitions of current situations, (3) grounds for introducing English at the elementary-level that the proponents adduce). Close scrutiny of the discussions about the educational objectives reveals that there are three major unshared points that are continuously discussed both within and between the camps of supporters and opponents : whether it is necessary for elementary students to develop their English skills ; whether an earlier start leads to a better effect on their English proficiency ; and how English teaching relates to fostering students'attitudes toward different cultures and communication. These contentious points reflect the diversity among the arguments of the supporters for the introduction. These findings open a new avenue for further discussion and research.