日本語を外国語としてではなく継承語として学ぶことには多くの課題が伴います。特に専門的な教育やコミュニティへのアクセスが限られている場合はその困難は一層際立ちます。バイカルチュラルなアイデンティティが言語習得の過程に影響を及ぼし、その葛藤が日本語の学習を難しくすることがあります。このインタビューシリーズでは、継承日本語の学習者たちに焦点を当て、直面した個々の課題や、それを乗り越えるための工夫を深堀します。先輩学習者のアドバイスや視点、ユニークな体験談を通じて、全米の継承日本語学習者にとって有益で励みとなる内容をお届けします。

Being a Keisho Nihongo/Japanese-as-a-Heritage-Language (JHL) learner, as opposed to a Japanese-as-a-Foreign Language (JFL) learner, can carry with it a set of unique challenges when there is a lack of local access to specialized education and community. Bicultural identity, especially in countries rich in diversity like the U.S., can factor into these learners' language acquisition and can be difficult for them to navigate. In this interview series, we talk with Keisho Nihongo learners about the personal challenges they faced and what helped them overcome those challenges. We hope that the advice, perspectives, and unique stories offered in these interviews will help and motivate other Keisho Nihongo learners throughout the U.S.

William Kimmel: Princeton Community Japanese Language School (Lawrenceville, NJ)

Luke Takuya Palermo: Princeton Community Japanese Language School (Lawrenceville, NJ)

*Please get in touch with us at jflaeducation@jpf.go.jp if you or someone you know would be interested in being interviewed for this series!