openmatomeview

As the world is evolving to accommodate the movement toward globalization, some promote the top priority of English. However, others claim that Japanese language education is essential for research in Japan. Our previous work based on linguistic considerations has shown that scientific Japanese can present clearer messages to a professional community. This paper examines the structure of an e-mail message using a test from the Japanese Language Aptitude Test 2009-2, level 3, and essays in major Japanese newspapers. Comparative analyses revealed that Japanese may not only maintain harmony in a community but also help develop creative skills. Based on these findings, language education in Japan should make it a priority issue to be aware of the linguistic properties of Japanese and the differences between Japanese and English. Studies in humanities course should be open in English as well. Only in this way can the Japanese turn out the force of arms.

独創的な研究・発想は，厚い知識の積み重ねや深い教養を基盤とする．幸いにも日本には文化的蓄積を重ねた伝統があり，その文化力は近年，スマートなクールジャパンとして世界から注目を浴びるようになってきた．また，高齢化や自然災害などの課題先進国としての日本の取り組みは技術力を伴って世界に発信できる水準にあり，価値あるコンテンツが埋もれていると考えられる．すなわち，日本には研究の種があるが，それを新しい目で見直し，その成果を世界に発信することに関して日本は得手ではないことが問題と考えられる．