“New Literacy” and “New Wave” of Language Policy in Japan

Abstract

The concept of literacy has undergone changes from the simple possession of writing and reading skills to functional literacy, which includes many aspects (informational, financial, etc.). All together, this can be called the concept of “new literacy”, or the “concept of competencies”. In Japan, modern Japanese writing presents a significant problem, combining several writing scripts. The basis of functional literacy is the ability to use approximately 2,000 characters. However, the discriminated sections of the population, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, foreigners and “new migrants” do not reach the required level of literacy. Under these conditions, a “new literacy” strategy has emerged that offers to recognize that there are different levels of literacy. The concept of “Plain Japanese Language” was created as a means of access to information and socialization for all segments of the population of Japan. People with disabilities need to be provided opportunities for basic access to information and participation in public life. The theory of alternative literacy also sets a certain bar, only lowers it much lower, covering practically all segments of the Japanese population. Japanese writing acts as a cultural tool for the daily life of the Japanese. Mastering all aspects of functional literacy is a difficult and inevitable burden for young people in Japan. From this perspective, literacy in Japan is a cultural resource that can lead to social exclusion and discrimination. Considering literacy in the context of publicly available information, changing the existing paradigm of “violence by literacy,” is a new and welcome approach. There is an increase in academic interest in socially-driven diverse language communities in Japan and beyond. This led to changes in the language policy of Japan, called the “New Wave”.