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Paper short abstract:

As a theoretical study of Japanese language policy for a coexisting society, this presentation collates Japanese policy documents with Council of Europe documents and supplements the "Principles of Dialogue". This reinforces the theoretical foundation of Japanese language education for coexistence.

Paper long abstract:

In response to the increase in the number of foreign residents in Japan, the Japanese government compiled the "Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals" in 2018 and the "Roadmap for the Realization of a Society of Harmonious Coexistence with Foreign Nationals" in 2021, outlining mid- to long-term measures through FY2026. The roadmap outlines three visions of a symbiotic society: "Safe and Comfortable Society," "Diverse and Vibrant Society," and " Society that Respects Individual Dignity and Human Rights," as well as four priority issues, with Japanese language education explicitly identified as " Initiatives such as Japanese language education for smooth communication and participation in society".

In the above trend, "Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education" (2021) referring to CEFR was compiled in Japan, and the "Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education, Companion Volume" referring to CEFR-CV (2020) is now under discussion. The "mediation" and "plurilingual and pluricultural competence" added and reinforced in the CEFR-CV indicate language activities and competencies essential for achieving visions of a coexisting society, and we believe that they will function effectively in realizing these visions. For example, " mediating concepts" describes linguistic activities for collaborative work and collaborative meaning construction, and in "mediating communication," one can find linguistic activities for mediating and managing the discord and conflict that are likely to arise in a multilingual and multicultural environment. These language activities go beyond language education that merely increases "what one can do," and provide guidelines for language education that contributes to the realization of a symbiotic society.

On the other hand, the Council of Europe's tool, which is based on the principles of democracy, human rights, etc., presumes these core values and does not indicate how to agree with those who do not share these values. To provide a more solid foundation for a convivial society, we believe it is necessary to complement the "principle of dialogue" , which allows those with different values to achieve a common ground for a common goal.